The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) highlighted the transformation of Saudi Arabia's water sector and its achievements in water security through meeting demand and conserving water resources. Desalinated water production capacity increased from around 9 million cubic meters per day in 2016 to more than 16 million cubic meters per day in 2025, while the use of non-renewable groundwater declined from around 21 billion cubic meters to 11 billion cubic meters over the same period, supporting the sustainability of water resources in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
This was stated by Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation Dr. Abdulaziz Almalik during the 7th meeting of the “Water Research Community," organized by the Saudi Water Authority and hosted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the Saudi Water Innovation Center, with the participation of experts and entities involved in developing the water sector.
Dr. Almalik explained that global water challenges require greater focus on resource-use efficiency, water demand management, reducing losses, and expanding water reuse. He noted that these efforts depend on adopting, deploying, and localizing technologies. The Kingdom's comprehensive assessment of water sector needs and global developments has helped shape national research and innovation priorities, identifying more than 16 challenges and opportunities across the water value chain and linking them to 16 indicators of the National Water Strategy.
He noted that the Water Innovation Zone Initiative brings together researchers, innovators, operators, and investors to address sector needs and test solutions in a real operational environment, supporting the adoption and scaling of successful solutions. He commended the Saudi Water Authority and the organizers of the community for directing research efforts toward sector challenges and translating knowledge and research into solutions applied on the ground.
The Deputy Minister also noted that designating 2027 as the Year of Water and hosting the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh reflect Saudi Arabia's effort to developing the sector and becoming a global hub for water technologies. Saudi Arabia's advanced infrastructure and operational capabilities, leading universities and research centers, and prominent national and international companies, which enable it to address global challenges through integrated water resources management, water demand management, water reuse, smart and digital systems, and governance shapes the sector's future and research and innovation priorities.
The Water Innovation Zone is a leading national platform that fosters an integrated scientific and research environment and supports collaboration among universities, national entities, and the private sector. It contributes to addressing water challenges and developing innovative technologies that support the sustainability of water resources.