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The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture outlined its vision during a dedicated panel on digital transformation, stressing integrated data platforms and artificial intelligence applications to foster a more efficient sector. Participants in the discussion pointed out that while data is abundant, the real test lies in analyzing it and turning insights into practical decisions that enhance resource management. According to ministry data presented at the event, investments in digital solutions have the potential to deliver significant returns by cutting water losses and operational expenses.
A session assessment found that each Saudi riyal spent on digitalization can generate a fivefold return. The panel also addressed the use of AI in areas such as forecasting demand, detecting inefficiencies and optimizing overall system performance across water networks. These technological advances form part of a wider strategy to modernize the sector in line with national sustainability objectives.
Reforms implemented in recent years have substantially improved key water metrics, the ministry reported. Non-renewable groundwater consumption dropped from approximately 21 billion cubic meters in 2016 to 11 billion cubic meters last year, while daily desalinated water production capacity rose from 9 million to 16 million cubic meters. Full population access to safe drinking water has been achieved, with network coverage extending to about 85 percent of residents and strategic reserves expanding by more than 125 percent.
The Agricultural Development Fund has played a central role in promoting modern irrigation and water-saving technologies. Fund chief executive Munir Al-Sahli stated that the AgriTech program provided nearly 8.7 billion Saudi riyals in financing from 2018 through 2025, accounting for 30 percent of the organization’s overall portfolio. Al-Sahli called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector and academic institutions to speed up the rollout of efficient agricultural practices.
United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi praised the Kingdom’s initiatives while addressing the conference. She noted that the timing of Saudi Water Week was particularly relevant given escalating global water challenges linked to demographic and economic pressures. Marsudi urged stakeholders to move from dialogue to concrete partnerships and investments that support long-term water resilience.
This event has served as a platform for both national progress reviews and international exchanges on water policy. It incorporated the seventh Arab Water Forum and consultations for the 11th World Water Forum, alongside an exhibition of cutting-edge solutions in desalination, reuse and digital monitoring. Such gatherings reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sharing expertise on arid-zone water management.
