Saudi Arabia Bottled Water Market

Saudi Arabia Bottled Water Market Size and Share:

The Saudi Arabia bottled water market size was valued at USD 2.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 5.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% from 2025-2033.  The market is primarily driven by rapid urbanization, increasing health awareness, and growing demand for safe drinking water. In line with this, changing lifestyles, growing tourism, and a rising shift toward premium bottled water brands are fueling the growth of the market across Saudi Arabia.

The country's arid climate and limited access to natural freshwater sources make bottled water a reliable and necessary alternative for safe drinking water, which is acting as a major growth-inducing factor in the market across Saudi Arabia. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and increasing disposable incomes boost consumer demand for convenient and hygienic drinking water options. According to the International Trade Association in 2024, the population in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow from 35 million to 40.1 million by 2030. Given the limitations on natural water resources in Saudi Arabia, desalination facilities will continue to be built to meet the increasing water demands. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently announced that they have allocated US$ 80 billion towards water projects within the coming years. This falls in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is to enable equal access to clean and safe water globally. In line with this, government initiatives to reduce reliance on desalinated water and improve water quality standards also support market growth.

Health awareness among consumers has surged, leading to a preference for bottled water over sugary beverages. This trend is reinforced by the growing adoption of healthier lifestyles and the rising focus on hydration and wellness. The demand for premium and flavored bottled water is also on the rise, driven by changing consumer preferences and the desire for varied hydration options. Marketing strategies emphasizing quality, purity, and sustainability have further strengthened the market. For instance, in May 2024, Pure Beverages Industry Company announced the launch of a world-first water treatment technology in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with German company Krones AG. The move is in line with PBIC’s commitment to bringing the latest technologies to the Kingdom and Vision 2030, which aims to enhance innovation in the Saudi market. The company’s developmental efforts have led to providing pure and high-quality water by applying the highest international standards. The company further stated that Ival and Oska, PBIC’s water brands, go through a rigorous monitoring process to produce premium bottled water.

Saudi Arabia Bottled Water Market Trends:

Arid Climate and Water Scarcity

Saudi Arabia’s extreme climate and limited access to natural freshwater sources drive the bottled water market toward growth. According to industry reports, approximately 67% of Saudi Arabia’s consumers list clean and safe water as a significant environmental concern over the next five years. The World Resources Institute projects global water demand to increase by 20% to 25% by 2050, and that the entire population of the MENA region will live under extremely high-water stress by then. Moreover, the arid environment and reliance on desalinated water make bottled water a convenient and essential solution for safe drinking water. With rising urbanization and population growth, ensuring access to clean and portable water remains a key factor, reinforcing the demand for bottled water as a dependable alternative in both urban and rural regions of the country.

Health Consciousness and Lifestyle Shifts

The increasing health awareness and a preference for healthier beverage options are acting as major growth drivers. Consumers are choosing bottled water over sugary drinks due to its perceived health benefits. Changing lifestyles, particularly among younger populations and expatriates, have led to a demand for convenient hydration solutions. Premium and flavored water categories are growing, reflecting consumers’ interest in variety and quality, further boosting the bottled water market in Saudi Arabia. For instance, in December 2023, Package water company, CLEAR Premium Water announced that it had undertaken to acquire a majority stake in KELZAI Volcanic Water, known for its distinctive natural mineral water sourced from volcanic springs. KELZAI is poised to seamlessly elevate the overall dining experience in these establishments, while also meeting the needs of a broader luxury audience in various settings such as cafes, restaurants, institutions, multiplexes, hotels, and more. The strategic alliance is set to captivate the market and reinforce CLEAR Premium Water’s position as a prominent player in the bottled water industry.

Rising Tourism and Hospitality Industry

The rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sectors significantly contributes to bottled water demand. Initiatives like Vision 2030 and the rise of religious tourism have increased the inflow of visitors. Hotels, restaurants, and events require high volumes of bottled water to cater to the growing number of domestic and international tourists, driving market growth. According to the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, Saudi Arabia achieved a 73% increase in the number of international tourist arrivals, while international tourism revenues increased by 207%. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom continued to top the list of G20 countries in the indicators of the growth rate of the number of international tourists and the growth rate of international tourism revenues as per the latest available data for the first seven months of 2024 compared to the similar period of 2019.

Saudi Arabia Bottled Water Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Saudi Arabia bottled water market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type, distribution channel, and packaging size.

Analysis by Type:

• Still Water
• Sparkling Water
   

Still water segment leads the market share owing to its rising demand for affordability and basic affordability. The limited natural water resources, along with the arid climate make still water a practical choice for daily consumption. Still water is observed as safe, suitable, and pure for every age category, contributing to its dominance. In line with this, it is more readily accessible and available than flavored or sparkling options, meeting the high demand for bulk purchases in businesses and households. The versatility of still water in different settings such as hospitality, and religious tourism further solidifies its leading position in the market.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Retail Channels
  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Convenience/Grocery Stores
  • Others
• Home and Office Delivery
• Foodservice
   

Retail channels dominate as the largest segment in the market owing to their convenience and extensive reach. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores lead as they cater to a wide consumer base, providing easy access to bottled water for daily use. The increasing urban population and the popularity of modern retail outlets further enhance this segment’s growth. Retailers offer a diverse range of bottled water brands, sizes, and price points, meeting various consumer preferences. Bulk purchasing options and frequent promotions in retail stores attract consumers, making retail channels the preferred choice for bottled water distribution in Saudi Arabia.

Analysis by Packaging Size:

• Less Than 330 ml
• 331 ml - 500 ml
• 501 ml - 1000 ml
• 1001 ml - 2000 ml
• 2001 ml - 5000 ml
• More than 5001 ml
   

Bottles under 330 ml are popular for convenience, portability, and single-use consumption. These small-sized bottles cater to on-the-go consumers, especially children, office workers, and travelers. They offer an affordable, easy hydration solution in a fast-paced lifestyle.

331 ml - 500 ml bottles are preferred for daily hydration needs. They strike a balance between size and portability, making them ideal for personal use at work, school, or during commutes. Consumers often find these sizes more practical for regular consumption.

Medium-sized bottles (501 ml - 1000 ml) are convenient for families, gym-goers, and outdoor activities. With a higher water volume, they cater to consumers seeking longer-lasting hydration, while remaining compact enough for portability. This size is often chosen for home, work, or travel use.

1001 ml - 2000 ml are larger bottles that cater to households, offices, and bulk buyers. They offer better value for money, reducing the need for frequent purchases. These bottles are preferred by consumers who prioritize cost-efficiency and are typically used for long-term hydration needs.

2001 ml - 5000 ml bottles are ideal for groups, events, or frequent water consumption, offering even greater convenience and value. They are popular in offices, schools, gyms, and large families, where high water consumption is common and bulk buying is more economical.

More than 5001 ml are extremely large bottled water which are typically used for bulk consumption, such as in offices, gyms, or commercial establishments. It offers the best value for businesses or households with high water usage, reducing the need for constant refills and offering a long-lasting water supply.

Regional Analysis:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region
   

The Northern and Central regions of Saudi Arabia experience a hot climate, driving demand for bottled water. Rapid urbanization, coupled with growing populations and increased tourism, creates a need for convenient hydration. Additionally, the region's expanding retail infrastructure and awareness about health and wellness contribute to the rising demand for bottled water.

The Western region, including cities like Jeddah and Makkah, sees a high demand for bottled water due to its significant population density, tourism, and hot coastal climate. The influx of pilgrims to Makkah increases bottled water consumption. Additionally, increasing awareness of water quality and convenience fuels market growth, with retail and hospitality sectors playing key roles.

In the Eastern region, strong industrial activity, especially in the oil and gas sectors, boosts bottled water demand. Hot and humid weather further drives consumption, particularly for workers in the energy sector. A focus on health and wellness among the population has increased demand for premium bottled water, including mineral and purified water options.

The Southern region, with its agricultural focus and hot climate, also drives bottled water consumption. The region’s growing population and infrastructure development, particularly in cities like Abha, stimulate demand. In addition, the increasing focus on public health and access to clean drinking water fuels the preference for bottled water in this region.

Competitive Landscape:

The market in Saudi Arabia is highly competitive, featuring prominent local and international players such as Almarai, Nestlé, and PepsiCo. Companies compete on factors like pricing, product quality, and brand reputation. The market sees strong demand for both economy and premium segments, driving innovation in packaging and flavors. Sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly bottles, are becoming a key differentiator. Expanding retail channels and aggressive marketing strategies further intensify competition in this fast-growing market driven by health-conscious consumers. For instance, in April 2024, Nova Water became the first Saudi water brand to introduce a water bottle made of 100% recycled bottles. The introduction of the new bottles is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative’s goals and sustainability objectives.

Latest News and Developments:

• In October 2024, Health Water Bottling Company, the owner of the "Nova Water" brand, announced the signing of a partnership agreement with the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024, under which Nova Water will be a support partner of this global event. The partnership agreement was officially signed by Mr. Mansour AlMokbel, Acting CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Company, and Mr. Serdar Seyhanli, CEO of Nova Water.
• In August 2024, Alantech announced its partnership with Al Shalal Pure Drinking Water LLC, one of the largest bottled water brands in the UAE, which has chosen its complete water treatment plant featuring patented CCRO technology from DuPont. This partnership is a testament to the trust Al Shalal Pure Drinking Water LLC has placed in its innovative technology and expertise.
• In July 2024, Naqi Water Company announced the signing of a contract to purchase and supply a production line to produce bottled drinking water, as part of the construction works of its new factory in the Jazan region. Deal Details Signing a contract to purchase a production line for bottled drinking water, as part of the company's expansion plan to establish a new factory to produce bottled drinking water in Jazan region.

Saudi Arabia Bottled Water Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Saudi Arabia bottled water market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia bottled water market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Saudi Arabia bottled water industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.