Saudi Water Week Launched in Jeddah to Boost Water Security

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia inaugurated the first Saudi Water Week in Jeddah on 28 June 2026, a five‑day gathering that runs until 2 July. The event, attended by Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, brings together regional and international decision‑makers, government agencies and private‑sector leaders to advance the nation's water sector under Vision 2030 and the National Water Strategy.

Key outcomes highlighted by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley include a rise in daily desalinated water production to 16 million m³, a cut in non‑renewable groundwater extraction from about 21 billion m³ in 2016 to roughly 11 billion m³ in 2025, and 100 % access to safe drinking water for the population, with about 85 % served via the distribution network. The programme also incorporates the 7th Arab Water Forum and the second stakeholders’ consultation for the 11th World Water Forum. World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon stressed the importance of desalination, water reuse and international cooperation for long‑term water security.