2027 named 'Year of Water', highlighting Saudi leadership in water security

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley praised the Cabinet’s decision to designate 2027 as the 'Year of Water', saying the move reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the water sector and its role in sustainable development, as well as the Kingdom’s leadership in water resource management and efforts to enhance water security.

Al-Fadley noted that the designation coincides with Saudi Arabia hosting the 2027 World Water Conference, further establishing the Kingdom as a global destination and national hub for implementing water sector policies and initiatives, and raising awareness about the value and sustainability of water resources.

He explained that the 'Year of Water' aims to boost public awareness of the importance of water and the need to preserve its resources, accelerate the implementation of national priorities, unify initiatives, and strengthen cooperation between government bodies and the private sector, in addition to encouraging innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships.

He added that Saudi Arabia has given strategic attention to the water sector, resulting in the implementation of major projects and the adoption of advanced policies that have developed and improved the efficiency of the water system.

Major achievements in the water sector

Al-Fadley stated that the Kingdom is advancing toward achieving the sixth Sustainable Development Goal by applying integrated water resources management, improving service efficiency, and leveraging modern technologies to ensure sustainability for future generations.

He confirmed that the water sector has seen progress in resource management, the expansion of water and sanitation services, and improved supply system efficiency, all of which have enhanced service quality for beneficiaries.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has succeeded in reducing the consumption of non-renewable groundwater from around 21 billion cubic meters in 2016 to 11 billion cubic meters by 2025, while increasing strategic storage capacity by more than 125%. The production capacity of desalinated water has risen to about 16 million cubic meters per day, up from 9 million in 2016, and access to safe drinking water now exceeds 100% of the population, with 85% supplied through networks.

International presence and pioneering initiatives

Al-Fadley highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the water sector extend internationally, citing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiative to establish the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh, as a platform for unifying international efforts, sharing expertise, fostering innovation, and implementing pioneering projects.

He concluded that 'Year of Water 2027' will be a national milestone for promoting water conservation, accelerating sector transformation, and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s experience globally as a leading model in sustainable water resource management and a supporter of international efforts toward a more secure and sustainable water future.