RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has unveiled water projects worth SR13.105 billion ($3.48 billion) as part of the Kingdom’s five-year plan to fend off a crisis arising out of increasing demand. The Saline Water Conversion Corp. has announced 21 schemes, representing the first package within a five-year capital portfolio for the environment, water and agriculture system. The projects will cover Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Asir, the Eastern Province, Al Baha, and the West Coast, Saudi Press Agency reported citing the corporation. These are the first batch in a broader package of 1,335 water projects all over the Kingdom, valued at SR105 billion. The developments are a response to increasing demand driven by population growth in some regions, and contribute to achieving water security and sustainability. The SWCC emphasized its leadership in water desalination globally, as it is the largest producer of desalinated water at 5.9 million cubic meters per day, according to SPA.