This work presents a novel integrated MSF–MED thermal desalination technology and its techno-economics as compared to conventional systems such as MSF-BR, MED-TVC, MSF-OT-LT and plain MED. The new integrated MSF–MED benefits from (i) high top brine temperature (TBT) of natural dilution seawater feed of the once through (MSF-OT), (ii) lower pumping power of long tube MSF-LT, and (iii) the low heating steam quality and cost of MED. The process calculation showed that the pumping power of the integrated MSF–MED is 58% lower than that of the traditional MSF-BR while it is 16%, lower than that of MED-TVC. The cost analysis showed that at subsidized oil price of 12$/bbl, the unit water cost of the integrated MSF–MED is 32% lower than that of MSF-BR and 21% lower than that of MED-TVC. The unit water cost of the integrated MSF–MED is the lowest value when the oil price is lower than 40$/bbl. This result showed the superiority of the integrated MSF–MED configuration for GCC countries since the oil price is generally subsidized. It also has a chance to utilize a diverse available energy such as waste heat and steam from backpressure or condensing turbine. Display omitted •A novel integrated MSF-MED thermal desalination technology is developed.•Pumping power of the MSF-MED is 58 % lower than that of MSF-BR while it is 16 % lower than that of MED-TVC.•The unit water cost of the MSF-MED is 32 % lower than that of MSF-BR and 21 % lower than that of MED-TVC.•The MSF-MED is superior thermal process for GCC countries since the oil price is generally subsidized.•The MSF-MED has features to utilize a diverse of different types and different qaulity energy.