World’s Largest Artificial Rivers Under Construction in 2024

Rivers have always carved life into barren land. Their flow sustains cities, powers economies, and nourishes farmland. But in many regions today, natural rivers no longer meet the growing demand. I’ve seen firsthand how entire communities depend on a stream that only flows a few months a year.

Now, countries with harsh climates and shrinking water supplies are taking matters into their own hands. They’re building artificial rivers. Not just canals or pipelines—but full-scale, multi-billion-dollar lifelines stretching hundreds of kilometers across deserts. These projects aren’t about luxury. They’re about survival.

Let’s look closely at three nations—Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Egypt—where artificial rivers are turning bold visions into real solutions.

Saudi Arabia: Turning Sand into Water

Saudi Arabia has no permanent rivers. Most of the country lies under dry skies, with rainfall so rare it barely registers in annual averages. Yet the country needs massive water volumes to support its cities, farms, and growing population.

To meet this demand, Saudi Arabia has built one of the world’s largest desalination networks. Over 33 desalination plants now line its Red Sea and Gulf coasts. These plants convert seawater into drinkable supply, supporting millions of people daily. But even this isn’t enough.

That’s why the kingdom has launched one of its most daring infrastructure projects yet—a 104-kilometer-long artificial river through the desert. This manmade waterway aims to irrigate farmland, supply new cities, and revive dry landscapes. The estimated cost: $500 million.

Saudi engineers will connect this river to the country’s vast pipeline network. Today, that system spans 125,000 kilometers, delivering over 9.4 million cubic meters of water daily. When the artificial river is added, this network could circle the planet three times—a scale few countries can match.

Beyond engineering, the stakes are deeply human. This new river promises clean water to isolated communities, higher crop yields, and jobs in areas long abandoned to drought. I once visited a farm near Al-Qassim where every drop of irrigation had to be trucked in. For people there, this river could change everything.

Saudi Arabia’s model shows how long-term planning, desalination, wastewater recycling, and bold infrastructure come together to solve water scarcity at scale.

Also Read: Dubai Green Spine: A 64-Kilometer-Long Green Highway for Dubai

Afghanistan: Reclaiming Land with the Qosh Tepa Canal

Afghanistan’s northern deserts have held back its economy for decades. Droughts, poor irrigation, and a lack of modern farming tools have limited growth. But the government is trying to rewrite this story with one of Asia’s largest artificial river projects: the Qosh Tepa Canal.

This canal will span 285 kilometers, drawing water from the Amu Darya River, one of Central Asia’s most vital water sources. Its goal: to convert 550,000 hectares of desert into farmland. The width? A staggering 152 meters—wider than some natural rivers.

Construction began in 2022, and by October 2023, the first phase was complete. The second phase is now improving irrigation systems and bringing in smart water technology. The canal runs through Balkh, Jozjan, and Faryab provinces, regions long starved of reliable water.

Yet challenges persist. Experts worry about the effects on the Amu Darya’s flow. The Aral Sea, already drying, could suffer more if the river’s volume drops. Construction quality is another concern, especially in areas where the terrain complicates work. But the project remains a top national priority.

At $600 million, this is more than a water channel. It’s a mission to build food security, create jobs, and stabilize local economies. When I visited the outskirts of Sheberghan, I met farmers already preparing land for future irrigation. Their hope is real.

Afghanistan’s push proves that water infrastructure isn’t just about pipes and concrete. It’s about restoring dignity and opportunity to people on the edge.

Egypt: The Artificial River That Could Feed a Nation

Egypt has always depended on the Nile. But now, even this mighty river can’t meet the country’s needs. Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam has reduced Nile water flowing into Egypt. As a result, Egypt’s per capita water share has dropped to 500 cubic meters annually—half the UN threshold for water scarcity.

To fight back, Egypt is building the New Delta artificial river, part of a larger program to reclaim desert land for farming. The river will cover 224 kilometers in northwestern Egypt, near the Dabaa nuclear site. The plan combines three channels, each with a distinct role.

• Channel 1: 42 kilometers from the Nile’s Rashid branch, supplying 600,000 acres with 10 million cubic meters of water annually.
• Channel 2: 170 kilometers from Hammam station, using pipelines and canals to irrigate 800,000 acres with 7 million cubic meters daily.
• Channel 3: 12 kilometers for the Jannat Masr project, using treated wastewater to irrigate 64,000 acres.

The total cost? $5.25 billion. But for a country facing a 20 billion cubic meter water deficit, it’s a critical investment. Groundwater in the Western Desert is too salty. Imports are surging. Egypt has become the second-largest wheat importer after China.

This artificial river aims to change that. By creating a reliable freshwater network, Egypt hopes to boost food security and reduce dependence on imports. The scale is vast. But so is the urgency.

The tension with Ethiopia over Nile water remains unresolved. Talks have failed. Millions in Egypt and Sudan face growing risks. A solution must come not just from diplomacy but from bold engineering on the ground. I’ve walked through new farmland near the New Delta site, where pipelines were still being laid, and the sense of purpose was unmistakable.

Egypt’s strategy offers a glimpse into the future—one where countries create their own rivers to protect their people and grow their economies.

Also Read: The New Terminal One: Saving JFK International Airport

The Bigger Picture: Why These Projects Matter

Water is life. Without it, no city, farm, or family can survive. As climate change worsens and populations rise, the world must rethink how it manages every drop.

Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Egypt are not just building artificial rivers. They are proving that infrastructure can rewrite geography, fix economic imbalance, and protect millions from disaster. These are not vanity projects. They are lifelines.

I’ve stood at sites where pipelines disappear into the sand, and the only sound is the wind. But beneath that silence, a quiet revolution is underway—one that could define the future of water for the entire planet.