Turning Tides: How ACCIONA’s Shuqaiq 4 Plant is Redefining Water Access in Saudi Arabia

A Wave of Transformation

In the vast and arid southwest of Saudi Arabia, the horizon now holds a shimmering beacon of hope — the Shuqaiq 4 desalination plant. ACCIONA has successfully completed the construction and commissioning of this state-of-the-art facility, marking a monumental leap in the region’s water infrastructure. With the capacity to produce 400,000 cubic meters of potable water every single day, it is poised to change countless lives.  

This remarkable achievement means that more than 3.5 million people will have access to clean, safe water, drastically improving health, sanitation, and economic opportunities. The plant employs advanced Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology, offering maximum energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact — a necessary balance in a world increasingly aware of its ecological footprint. From the moment water enters the system to the moment it flows from taps, every drop is a testament to innovation and sustainable vision.  

Beyond Shuqaiq 4 — A Vision for the Future

Granted in 2021 to the ACCIONA-RTCC consortium by Saudi Arabia’s Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), the project serves as a shining example of how strategic partnerships can solve pressing global challenges. But ACCIONA’s journey doesn’t end here. The company is already a linchpin in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation of its water sector, actively building and operating several other facilities.  

Among its impressive portfolio are Al Khobar I and II, Shuqaiq 3, and Jubail 3B, collectively raising its desalination output to more than 2.3 million cubic meters per day — enough to supply potable water to over nine million people. In the face of growing population pressures and increasingly harsh climatic conditions, ACCIONA’s work is not only vital but visionary. Step by step, plant by plant, ACCIONA is ensuring that water scarcity transforms into water security for generations to come.  

Where Golden Dreams Meet Roaring Engines: Liwa International Festival 2026

The Desert’s Grand Stage Comes Alive

In the heart of **Abu Dhabi, UAE**, the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra region are preparing for a magnificent transformation. *The Desert’s Grand Stage*, the **Liwa International Festival**, will return from **12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026**, offering a spectacular 23-day journey into culture, adventure, motorsports, music, and family fun.  

Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of **Tal Moreeb** – the UAE's tallest dune soaring 300 metres high – this much-loved winter celebration has become an unmissable highlight of the country's cultural calendar. Since its debut in 2001, the festival has been more than an event; it’s an experience where heritage embraces adrenaline, and shared family moments become lifelong memories.  

This year’s opening promises a mesmerizing start. Visitors will be captivated by the **Forsan Al Emarat** aerobatics team, painting the desert sky with daring precision, followed by dazzling fireworks. As the sparks fade into the night, the rhythm of adventure begins to rise under the stars.  

Motorsports and Desert Thrills

Every winter, Liwa becomes the beating heart of the region’s motorsport scene. This edition will surge with even more electrifying energy. From **Freestyle Drift** kicking off on 12–13 and 22–23 December to the **Spartan Race Liwa**, **Bike Drag Racing**, and **Falconry** competitions, the festival presents a rich blend of sport, tradition, and spectacle.  

Adrenaline seekers will thrill at the **Extreme MudFest**, **Car Stunt Championships**, and high-octane challenges such as the **Liwa Burnout Championship**, **Monster Jam**, and the grand **Tal Moreeb Car Championship** running from 31 December to 3 January. The sands themselves will roar in approval as motors echo across dunes, combining speed with skill in breathtaking fashion.  

But the excitement extends beyond the engine’s roar. Visitors can witness graceful falcons in flight, battle sand wrestling matches, immerse themselves in daily **Dune Projection Shows**, and enjoy weekends filled with hot-air balloons and drone spectacles. Each moment is carefully curated to ensure both thrill-seekers and families find something they’ll never forget.  

Family Fun at Liwa Village

At the heart of the festival is **Liwa Village**, a vibrant enclave of joy and discovery. Families can enjoy carnival rides, pony rides, ziplines for all ages, and attractions like the Classic Car Museum, Horror Escape Room, and petting zoo. The playful spirit intertwines with tradition through Souk Zones and Pop-Up Heritage Shops selling handmade Emirati crafts and treasures.  

Foodies will savour Emirati delicacies alongside international flavours served at numerous F&B outlets. Live music and cultural acts grace the Performance Stage daily, making Liwa Village a cultural melting pot beneath clear desert skies.  

A New Year Under the Desert Stars

The festival’s finale will be nothing short of magical. As the **Tal Moreeb Car Championship** ignites the dunes, visitors will gather for an unforgettable **New Year’s Eve concert**, culminating with a breathtaking fireworks display to welcome 2026. The desert will glow with the colours of celebration, while the sounds of engines, laughter, and music merge into one shared memory.  

Beyond the thrills, the **Liwa International Festival 2026** is a heartfelt tribute to the UAE’s heritage – from falconry and local crafts to sporting traditions and warm community spirit. Whether you choose to glamp under the stars, stay in local accommodations, or pitch your own tent, your journey will be wrapped in the magic of Liwa’s golden sands.  

So mark your calendar, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to step into **Abu Dhabi’s ultimate winter experience**. 

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📱 **Bookings:** Liwa Sports Club app or call +971 54 279 0830 / +971 54 279 0831  

🎟 **Liwa Village Tickets:** [liwavillage.ae](http://liwavillage.ae)  

Riyadh’s Moment of Industrial Transformation: A Countdown to UNIDO GC21

A City Poised to Shape Global Industry

In just two weeks, **Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** will stand at the heart of a defining moment for global industry. From **23–27 November 2025**, the city will host the **21st Session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference** at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre. With the theme *"The power of investment and partnerships to accelerate the SDGs,"* this high-profile event is far more than a meeting — it’s a call to action. 

Here, ministers, corporate leaders, investors, and innovators from around the world will gather to translate industrial policy into real, measurable impact. The agenda, soon to be unveiled, promises a blend of **plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, solution-focused discussions, and interactive exhibitions**, all dedicated to mobilizing capital, scaling advanced technologies, and forging cross-border partnerships. These five days will take participants from high-level strategy to hands-on execution, ensuring every conversation leads to tangible outcomes.  

LDCMC11: Bridging Promise and Action**  

Just one day before the main event, on **22 November**, Riyadh will host the **11th Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries (LDCMC11)**. This special summit is laser-focused on **investment, innovation, and transformative industrial policies** — the building blocks of inclusive growth. By preceding GC21, LDCMC11 creates a crucial bridge from visionary policy dialogue to actionable, real-world results.  

Ministers will work to advance **UNIDO’s Operational Strategy for LDCs**, focusing on technology transfer, value-chain development, and productive capacity building. This intentional alignment ensures that global industrial transformation delivers measurable benefits for the most vulnerable economies, turning promises into progress. 

**Why Riyadh Matters Now**  

Hosting both GC21 and LDCMC11 back-to-back underscores Riyadh’s role as a global hub for cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development. This isn't just a meeting of minds — it’s a platform where conversations transform into partnerships, and partnerships evolve into industrial initiatives that can reshape economies worldwide.  

With **business-to-business, business-to-government, and government-to-government engagement spaces**, the aim is clear: every interaction must move the needle toward sustainable industrialization, resilience, and prosperity. The countdown is on, and the world will be watching Saudi Arabia lead the charge toward a new industrial era.