Water scarcity has been a major problem in Saudi Arabia, and the Middle Eastern countries as well. Due to that, the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries have been seeking a solution to resolve this problem. One of the solutions mentioned was Water Desalination. Using the benefits of their geographical location, the countries are trying to use those provided resources to reduce the amount of problems. 

According to the Arab Center Washington DC, desalinization has been identified as one technology that can solve the water scarcity problem in the Middle East. The technology is cost-effective, that can transform an abundance of salt water into fresh water that is safe for everyone to use. This technology can eventually protect Saudi Arabia from the shortage of water. This technology was first discovered while searching for a reliable water supply for Jeddah. With the 1973 oil crisis, it funded the desalination plants and powered the region’s desalination energy demands. Moreover, approximately 70 percent of Saudi Arabia’s drinking water comes from the desalination plant. In 2020, it was reported that the country will invest around $80 billion in desalination and expand its capacity by the end of 2025. 

Although this technology can be beneficial, it can also harm the environment. According to the article, it states that desalination waste products reduce water’s oxygen content which inhibits the growth of aquatic organisms and ultimately decreases biodiversity. Specifically, in the Arabian Gulf, it may destroy the last remaining organisms to disappear. Furthermore, the usage of oil may impact air pollution levels as well. 

Water desalination can be beneficial to many countries and can fulfill the needs of the people. However, it can still harm the environment and the ecosystems that are surrounded. Currently, the people are invading the ecosystem’s habitats, which should not happen and should be regulated in order to form an equivalent environment. 

Source: https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-costs-and-benefits-of-water-desalination-in-the-gulf/