The fourth day of the inaugural Saudi Water Week in Jeddah showcased the Kingdom's progress in modernizing its water sector under Saudi Vision 2030, with experts and officials highlighting advances in sustainability, digital transformation, and international cooperation.
From Scarcity to Development
Experts participating in a panel discussion titled "From Water to Food: Turning Scarcity into Security in Drylands" said Saudi Arabia's policies and reforms have established an integrated system that improved water productivity in agriculture, strengthened natural-resource sustainability, and boosted agricultural and food production. The panel emphasized that efficient water-resource management is a cornerstone of food security, highlighting the Kingdom's experience in balancing sustainable water management with enhanced agricultural output in arid environments. Participants also discussed the experience of the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) and the Kingdom's strategic transformation in water management in line with the objectives of the National Agriculture Strategy 2034.
These discussions built on reforms outlined at the opening of Saudi Water Week, where Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley said Saudi Arabia had adopted a gradual and integrated approach that extended beyond infrastructure expansion to include institutional reform, governance, regulation, financing, and localization of expertise. According to the minister, non-renewable groundwater consumption fell from around 21 billion cubic meters in 2016 to nearly 11 billion cubic meters in 2025, while desalinated water production capacity increased from 9 million cubic meters per day to 16 million cubic meters per day over the same period. Access to safe drinking water has reached 100% of the population, while approximately 85% is covered by water networks, with strategic water storage capacity increasing by more than 125%.
Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
Digital transformation emerged as another key theme during the event, with Saudi Arabia stressing that technology and artificial intelligence have become essential tools for enhancing water security, improving resource management, and supporting sustainability goals. During a panel discussion titled "Digital Transformation in the Water Sector: From Data to Decision," the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) outlined its vision for integrated data platforms and AI applications to build a more efficient and sustainable water sector. Participants said the real challenge is no longer the availability of data but the ability to collect, analyze, and transform it into actionable decisions. The session also examined the role of technology in water security, the impact of data centers on water consumption, and the use of AI in forecasting, detection, and improving operational efficiency. Participants noted that international experience shows that every Saudi riyal invested in digitalization can generate a fivefold return through reduced water losses and lower operating costs.
Investment in Sustainable Water Resources
The Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) reaffirmed its commitment to investing in sustainable water resources and promoting modern agricultural technologies. ADF Chief Executive Officer Munir Al-Sahli said the fund encourages agricultural projects to adopt technologies that optimize water and energy use and improve irrigation efficiency. He said financing provided through the Modern Agricultural Technologies (AgriTech) program reached approximately SAR8.7 billion between its launch in 2018 and 2025, representing around 30% of the fund's total financing of about SAR29 billion. Al-Sahli also underscored the importance of partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and research institutions to accelerate the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
International Recognition
United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi said the objectives of Saudi Water Week come at a critical time as global water risks continue to rise because of population growth and economic development. Speaking at the event's opening ceremony, Marsudi said the focus on innovation and digital transformation reflects the urgent need to harness modern technologies to improve water management and strengthen resilience. She stressed that progress in the water sector is essential to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, noting that water is fundamental to food production, energy generation, urban development, and environmental protection. Marsudi said the priorities of Saudi Water Week are closely aligned with the global water agenda and called for translating shared understanding into practical action through partnerships, investment, and knowledge sharing.
Platform for Global Cooperation
The inaugural Saudi Water Week, which runs from June 28 to July 2 in Jeddah, has brought together policymakers, experts, government agencies, private-sector representatives, and international organizations. The event features the 7th Arab Water Forum and the second Stakeholders' Consultation Meeting of the 11th World Water Forum, alongside an exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and smart solutions in water-resource management, desalination, water reuse, and digitalization. Saudi Arabia is positioning the event as a national and international platform to foster innovation, promote investment and partnerships, and strengthen cooperation on water security and sustainability issues in the Arab region and beyond.
