Riyadh: The Saudi Water Authority hosted a series of strategic meetings at its Riyadh headquarters with delegations from Japan, Portugal, and Korea, involving representatives from government agencies, research centers, and over 20 international companies specializing in key areas like water technologies, desalination, drinking water and wastewater treatment, and water asset management. The core objective was to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise to support sector sustainability and the development of crucial water infrastructure.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the authority began its discussions with a Japanese delegation of 13 specialized companies, focusing on technologies such as advanced seawater desalination, wastewater treatment, satellite leak detection, and AI applications for network reliability. The meeting also explored localization opportunities, referencing successful models like the Toray desalination membrane factory.

The authority also met with the Portuguese water company guas de Portugal to focus on regulatory aspects, water asset management methodologies, improving operational efficiency, and capacity building.

The series concluded with a meeting with an official Korean delegation, including government agencies, the institute KEITI, and nine specialized companies, to discuss Korean expertise in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracting and equipment. Discussions also highlighted supporting water sector supply chains and enhancing localization in desalination and wastewater treatment projects.