24/12/2025 03:51 AST
KKR, a leading global investment firm, has announced a strategic financing transaction with Acwa Power, the world's largest private water desalination company, a leader in energy transition and a first mover in green hydrogen.
The transaction marks KKR's first investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscoring the firm's growing momentum across the Middle East and its long-term commitment to partnering with national champions to support critical infrastructure across the Kingdom in support of Vision 2030.
As part of the transaction, KKR will serve as the anchor lender in a long-duration financing solution for the Rabigh 3 desalination facility, a mission-critical asset providing a substantial share of water to the Makkah region.
The transaction brings together Acwa Power's industry-leading operational expertise with KKR's global capabilities in structuring and delivering long-dated, investment-grade private credit solutions.
The Rabigh 3 transaction aligns with KKR's thematic focus on efficient and sustainable utility and energy solutions, and supports Saudi Arabia's agenda to enhance long-term water security and modernise essential infrastructure.
Water desalination remains a core national priority under Vision 2030, with scalable and cost-effective technologies playing a critical role to meet the needs of a growing population.
The project is majority-owned by Acwa Power, which provides a quarter of the Kingdom's desalinated water capacity and operates over 110 assets across 15 countries. Acwa Power, a Saudi-listed company, has been a central partner to the Kingdom's infrastructure and energy strategy for more than two decades.
Abdulhameed Al Muhaidib, Chief Financial Officer of Acwa Power, said: "Rabigh 3 IWP is a cornerstone asset for water security in the Kingdom, and the strong participation from international investors reflects its quality, reliability, and long-term value."
"This transaction demonstrates Acwa Power's commitment to responsible finance, sustainable water infrastructure, and long-term environmental stewardship. We're very proud to issue our first ever blue bond that attracts new international investors to our Saudi fleet," he added.
Julian Barratt-Due, Managing Director and Head of Middle East Investing at KKR, dubbed it as an important milestone as it was the group's first investment and private credit transaction in the kingdom. "Acwa Power is a best-in-class operator and a respected national champion, and we are proud to support one of Saudi Arabia's most critical utility assets," stated Barratt-Due.
"Our investment reflects KKR's broader ambition to scale our presence across the Kingdom, deepen partnerships with leading corporates, and deploy capital behind essential infrastructure that contributes to long-term, sustainable growth. We look forward to expanding our engagement and supporting the kingdom's transformation," he added.
According to him, the investment builds on KKR's long-standing commitment to Saudi Arabia, where it has maintained a local presence since 2014, and reflects the firm's conviction in the kingdom's long-term economic growth agenda supported by ongoing regulatory reforms that encourage long-term foreign capital.
It also follows a year of significant deployment across the Middle East, including investments in Gulf Data Hub, Adnoc Gas Pipelines, ART Fertility Clinics and Premialab, he added.
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