In February 2020, Utilities Middle East reported that Saudi Arabia had signed its first commercial bridge financing deal. Minister Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, who also chaired the General Authority for Salt Water Desalination, agreed SAR1.6 billion ($426.5 million) with domestic banks. The funds were to help switch Jubail Phase 1 and Al Khobar Stage 2 from thermal processes to reverse osmosis, with capital spending of about SAR3.6 billion ($959.5 million). Citing the Saudi Press Agency, the outlet expected operating savings of up to SAR1.25 billion.
The report showed Saudi Arabia using new financing models to move from thermal desalination to reverse osmosis. Converting existing plants was meant to raise output and efficiency at the same time.