The Middle East's real vulnerability isn't oil - it's the desalination plants that supply 90% of its drinking water - Silicon Canals

"Countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait derive the vast majority of their drinking water from desalination - in Kuwait's case, roughly 90% of potable supply."

"The region as a whole accounts for nearly half of global desalination capacity, with approximately 4,800 plants operating across the Middle East and North Africa."

"This consolidation has improved efficiency, but it has also concentrated risk: a single point of failure at Ras Al-Khair could cut water supply to much of the country's Eastern Province."

"The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are projected to spend over $100 billion on desalination expansion through 2030, according to estimates from the International Desalination Association."

The Middle East heavily depends on desalinated water, with countries like Kuwait sourcing about 90% of their drinking water this way. Saudi Arabia leads in desalination, operating the largest facilities that produce millions of cubic meters daily. However, this consolidation of capacity increases risk, as a failure at a major plant could disrupt water supply for millions. Investment in desalination is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, yet the growing infrastructure is becoming a more attractive target amid regional conflicts.

Read at Silicon Canals