Riyadh:The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has highlighted significant changes underway in Saudi Arabia's water sector, emphasizing advancements in water security.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the production capacity of desalinated water in the Kingdom has increased from about 9 million cubic meters per day in 2016 to over 16 million by 2025. Concurrently, the reliance on non-renewable groundwater has been reduced from approximately 21 billion cubic meters to around 11 billion during the same period, enhancing the management of sustainable water resources.

Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Malik discussed these developments at the seventh meeting of the Water Research Community, attended by experts and stakeholders involved in the sector's development in Saudi Arabia. He stated that global challenges in the water sector highlight the necessity for efficient resource use, demand management, minimizing losses, and promoting reuse.

Dr. Al-Malik also noted that Saudi Arabia's strategies have significantly influenced national priorities regarding research, innovation, and sustainable water management. He emphasized the importance of the "Water Innovation Zone" initiative, which provides a platform for expertise and talent to address sector challenges and needs. This initiative supports the testing and validation of innovative solutions, facilitating their adoption and deployment across the water sector.