Saudi Arabia's bold vision for water security and innovation

Saudi Arabia leads in water security through tech, global cooperation, and major investment in desalination and access. By encouraging global collaboration, the Kingdom is helping other nations learn from its experience while also gaining insights from others.

Saudi Arabia is becoming a global leader in water security. The country has little freshwater and a growing demand for it. This is a pressing challenge not just in Saudi Arabia, but in the rest of the world too. To solve this challenge, the Kingdom is leveraging innovation, technology, and global cooperation.

Leading the Way with Global Initiatives

In 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Global Water Organisation. This has made Saudi Arabia a hub of international water discussions. Headquartered in Riyadh, this new organisation brings countries together to solve shared water challenges. With broad international support, the organisation helps nations shape water policies, gain funding for important projects, and exchange best practices.

This effort reflects Saudi Arabia’s belief that cooperation is the key to solving water issues. By encouraging global collaboration, the Kingdom is helping other nations learn from its experience while also gaining insights from others.

Saudi Arabia's Strong Track Record of Innovation

Saudi Arabia has made huge progress in managing its water resources. The nation currently produces more desalinated water than any other country in the world. For a nation with a severe lack of freshwater resources, this is very impressive and a major step forward. The Kingdom uses innovative technology to convert seawater into safe drinking water on a large scale.

The government also invests in smart water systems. These systems improve efficiency in cities, farms, and factories. They help reduce waste, cut costs, and make every drop count.

Water plays a crucial role in Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s long-term strategy for economic and environmental reform. The plan places a strong emphasis on developing smarter systems, utilising more renewable resources, and conserving underground water supplies. The goal is to protect water supplies for future generations while supporting the nation’s growth.

Hosting Global Events on Water

Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in global water discussions. The Kingdom is becoming a key location for major international water events. It recently hosted the One Water Summit on 3rd of December 2024. Leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and World Bank President Ajay Banga joined Saudi officials to talk about water sustainability.

More events are coming soon. Later in 2026, Saudi Arabia will host the World Congress on Desalination and Water Re-Use Solutions. This event will showcase the newest water technologies. Then in 2027, the Kingdom will host the World Water Forum, the world’s largest event focused on water management and global cooperation.

Funding Global Water Solutions

Saudi Arabia is investing in practical solutions beyond hosting events. The Kingdom has contributed over $6 billion to water and sanitation initiatives in nations on four continents. This funding promotes sustainable development, enhances sanitation, and builds clean water systems.

Saudi Arabia wants to make clean water more accessible while protecting the planet. By investing and sharing its knowledge, the country is creating real change around the world. So, this global investment is part of the vision for a better future. 

A Sustainable Water Future

The world is running out of water, which is necessary for life as we know it. Saudi Arabia sees this issue and is tackling it head-on. It is spearheading international initiatives and leveraging innovative desalination technology. The Kingdom is coming up with clever ways to ensure that everyone has access to safe, clean water. So, as Saudi Arabia progresses, the rest of the world is paying attention and learning from its example.