Saudi Arabia Sets Global Benchmark in Water Resource Management

Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti reported that the Kingdom's Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) index has advanced from 57% to 83%, marking one of the fastest progress rates globally.

This achievement prompted the United Nations to recognize Saudi Arabia as a model for advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) six.

In his address at the 8th Cairo Water Week, he emphasized that water is a global priority and essential for development.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is enhancing sustainable water management by restructuring the sector, fostering competitive legislation, promoting transparency, and encouraging private sector involvement.

The Saudi Water Partnership Company manages a portfolio exceeding SAR47 billion, producing nearly 10 million cubic meters of desalinated water and 600,000 cubic meters of treated wastewater daily, with modern technologies improving efficiency by 70% and cutting costs by 50%.

Al-Mushaity highlighted significant challenges facing the water sector, including climate change, population growth, and declining groundwater reserves. He called for integrated water management, modern technologies, and transparent governance throughout the water service chain.

He stressed the importance of environmentally friendly water production projects that utilize renewable energy.

The Kingdom will continue investing in green solutions and fostering discussions on water issues, having initiated a platform during its G20 Summit presidency in 2020.

Initiatives such as Saudi Water Week and the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water aim to transform water challenges into opportunities for prosperity.