This paper represents a review of the R&D projects of the Middle East Desalination Research Center (MEDRC). Emphasis is placed on the research topics tendered in the Request For Proposals (RFPs), response to RFPs, amendments to RFPs, objectives of the sponsored projects in each topic area, the results obtained and their application to the desalination industry. The Center has sponsored 34 research projects on various topic areas of desalination; thermal and membrane processes, alternative desalination technologies, hybrid systems, energy and environmental issues, operation and maintenance, intake and outfalls, assessment studies, and certification. The majority of the projects are related to membrane processes (11 projects) and application of renewable energy (11 projects). The total budget of the sponsored projects to date is US$ 5,039,816 with US$ 2,273,263 as Center contribution. Most of the projects were carried out by research teams from universities and research organizations with little participation of design organizations and end users.