Saudi Arabia wins two international irrigation awards at Marseille conference

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Irrigation and the Saudi Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (SACID), achieved international recognition by winning two prestigious awards at the 26th International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage conference, held in Marseille, France, from October 12 to 17, 2026.

Farmer Ali bin Nasser Al-Shahrani received the WatSave 2026 award in the farmers’ category for his initiative, the “Smart Demonstration Fields for Improved Irrigation Efficiency and Productivity” project. This project, implemented by the General Authority for Irrigation in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Saudi Arabia, aims to transform agricultural fields into practical models to introduce farmers to the latest smart irrigation technologies. These include sensor-based irrigation management tailored to plant needs and agricultural conditions. The authority has established 22 demonstration fields, benefiting more than 100 participants.

In addition, the “Heritage Irrigation System in Al-Ahsa” won the 2026 World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) award after being nominated by SACID. Al-Ahsa Oasis is the world’s largest agricultural oasis, with a history spanning over 4,000 years and home to around 2.5 million palm trees. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018. The oasis’s agriculture originated from natural springs and underwent major development with the launch of the Al-Ahsa Irrigation and Drainage Project in 1971, followed by modernization of irrigation and drainage networks to ensure agricultural sustainability.

Pride in achievement and ongoing support for the sector

Mohammed Abuhaid, CEO of the General Authority for Irrigation and chairman of SACID, stated that this international recognition reflects the strong support and ongoing development efforts for the irrigation sector in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that winning both the innovation and heritage water management awards highlights the Kingdom’s excellence in managing its irrigation sector.

This achievement aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote water conservation, enhance agricultural sustainability and food security, empower farmers with technology, and preserve national heritage. It also strengthens the Kingdom’s presence at international forums specializing in irrigation.