Eversheds Sutherland advises Saudi Water Partnership Company on financial close of Ras Mohaisen Desalination Project

Eversheds Sutherland has advised Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the procurer for critical water and wastewater infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the successful financial close of the Ras Mohaisen Independent Water Plant (IWP) project, a major new desalination facility located in Al‑Qunfudhah in the Makkah region.

The reverse osmosis plant represents a significant milestone in supporting long‑term potable water security for the Makkah and Al‑Bahah regions. Initial production is scheduled to commence in 2028, with full operational capacity targeted for 2030.

The total project cost is estimated at SAR2.57 billion (USD685 million).

Supporting the Kingdom’s localisation objectives, the project is mandated to achieve local content participation levels of 40% during construction, 50% during the first five years of operation, and 70 per cent thereafter. The plant’s scope includes 17 kilometres of overhead transmission lines, a 132/33 kV substation, and a 30 MW solar power plant.

Eversheds Sutherland advised SWPC through a cross‑regional, multi‑disciplinary team, drawing on deep expertise across projects, financing, and regulated utilities. The transaction was led by Partner Ashley Halewood and included support from Adite Aloke (Principal Associate), Saed Obeidat (Associate), Sama Ali (Paralegal) and Mohamed Al Ali (Paralegal).

The Mohammed AlDhabaan & Partners Eversheds Sutherland team was led by Abdulatif Al Heraish (Partner) and included support from Leen Al moaiqel (Associate), Nawaf Al Jasser (Associate) and Ali Al Araifi.

Ashley Halewood, partner and head of projects Middle East, Eversheds Sutherland, commented, “We are delighted to support SWPC on this strategically significant project, which plays a vital role in strengthening water security and sustainable infrastructure delivery across the Kingdom. This milestone reflects the strength of our regional projects platform and our commitment to advising on transformative, large‑scale infrastructure developments.”