The number of dams built in the Kingdom rose to 549 dams in 2026, up from 531 in 2025, an increase of 18 dams and a growth rate of 3.39%, indicating the continued implementation of water infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening water security, harnessing rainwater and floodwater, and developing water resources in line with sustainable development goals. According to the annual report of the General Irrigation Corporation, the number of built dams grew by about 3%, with the Asir region leading with a total of 118 dams, accounting for 21.49% of the total. Riyadh came second with 104 dams (19%), followed by Al Baha with 50 dams (9%), Hail with 46 dams (8%), Al Madinah with 40 dams (7%), Taif with 34 dams (6%), Makkah with 27 dams (5%), Najran with 26 dams (4.74%), Tabuk with 25 dams (4.55%), Al Qassim with 18 dams (3.28%), Jazan with 15 dams (3%), Jeddah with 14 dams (2.55%), the Northern Borders and Al Jawf regions each with 11 dams (2%), and Al Aflaj Governorate came last with 10 dams (1.82% of the total). Dams play a pivotal role in harvesting rainwater and floodwater, increasing water storage, replenishing groundwater, reducing flood risks, providing water for agricultural, municipal, and environmental purposes, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing water resource management efficiency, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve water security and preserve natural resources. Over the past decades, the Kingdom has focused on building numerous dams in various regions to utilize rainwater, boost groundwater supplies, and provide water for drinking and irrigation. The storage capacity of dams varies, including large, medium, and small dams, with the location and nature of the valley influencing construction, along with preliminary, hydrological, geological, engineering, environmental impact, and economic feasibility studies.

Regions with the most built dams: Asir: 118 Riyadh: 104 Al Baha: 50 Hail: 46 Al Madinah: 40 Taif: 34 Makkah: 27 Najran: 26 Tabuk: 25 Al Qassim: 18 < Previous PageNext Page >