Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has highlighted the importance of the Water Innovation Zone initiative in bringing together researchers, innovators, operators, and investors to develop practical solutions for water-sector challenges and strengthen resource sustainability.

The remarks were delivered by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Malik, the ministry’s Undersecretary for Research and Innovation, during the seventh Water Research Community meeting hosted at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh.

Desalinated Water Capacity Exceeds 16 Million Cubic Meters Per Day

The ministry highlighted major changes in Saudi Arabia’s water sector, with desalinated water production capacity increasing from approximately 9 million cubic meters per day in 2016 to more than 16 million cubic meters per day in 2025.

Over the same period, the use of non-renewable groundwater declined from approximately 21 billion cubic meters to around 11 billion cubic meters, supporting efforts to strengthen water security and conserve resources.

More Than 16 Water Challenges and Opportunities Identified

Saudi Arabia has identified more than 16 challenges and opportunities across the water value chain, linking them to 16 indicators under the National Water Strategy.

Key areas include improving resource efficiency, managing demand, reducing losses, expanding water reuse, and accelerating the development, adoption, and localization of new technologies.

Moving Research into Real-World Applications

The Water Innovation Zone is designed to connect researchers and innovators with operators, beneficiaries, and investors, enabling promising technologies to be tested in real operating environments.

The approach aims to move research beyond the development stage by evaluating solutions under practical conditions and supporting the adoption and scaling of successful technologies.

2027 Named the “Year of Water”

The ministry also highlighted the designation of 2027 as the “Year of Water” and Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh as part of the Kingdom’s growing focus on water technologies and sustainable resource management.