The market for filter presses, centrifuges and other macrofiltration and separation equipment is also small. There are, however, certain segments where the Middle East is a high ranking region. The area where the Middle East compares most favourably with other regions is in the use of crossflow membranes. This is due to the lack of fresh water and the need to use seawater and brackish water for municipal and industrial needs. Desalination plants using reverse osmosis are found in all the Middle East countries, with Saudi Arabia being the largest purchaser.
Water desalination is now one of the major and essential industries in Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom has an extensive investment and interest in this field. Seawater desalination plants are found in the coastal areas of the Gulf and Red Sea, while hundreds of medium to small sized brackish water desalination plants are scattered all over the country. In many cases a desalination plant provides the only source of fresh water to a community, and therefore reliable operation is an absolute requirement. Iraq is expected to be remain number four in the region. The Middle East represents only a small portion of this total, and Saudi Arabia will be the largest purchaser in the region.