Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul-aziz, who is also Chairman of the Supreme Economic Council, has authorized the private sector participation in the third phase of Yanbu desalination plant's expansion. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Water and Electricity Abdullah Al-Husayen, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), said the King's consent is aimed at meeting the requirements of Madinah region for desalinated water until the year 2029. The production capacity of the plant will reach 400,000 cubic meters of water a day by the end of the third expansion phase. Husayen has expressed his appreciation to the King and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul-aziz for the personal care they give to water projects all over the Kingdom in general and Makkah and Madinah in particular, which enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.