How Saudi Arabia is acting to stabilize and replenish its groundwater reserves

A view of the desalination plant owned by the Saline Water Conversion Corporation in Ras al-Khair in the Kingdom's Eastern Province. (Fayez Nureldine/AFP)
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Updated 23 March 2024
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How Saudi Arabia is acting to stabilize and replenish its groundwater reserves

  • The Kingdom is among the most arid countries in the world due to its minimal rainfall and high evaporation rates
  • To combat water scarcity, Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in conservation and desalination infrastructure

DUBAI: Groundwater levels are in significant decline around the world, particularly in agricultural regions with dry climates that experience severe water deficiency. Saudi Arabia is one of several Middle Eastern nations that struggle with water scarcity.

The Kingdom is among the most arid countries in the world due to its minimal rainfall and high evaporation rates. Its climate exposes it to temperature fluctuations, little annual precipitation, no natural perennial flow, and few groundwater supplies.

However, over the last few years, especially within the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, work has been done to stabilize and even recover Saudi Arabia’s groundwater levels as well as develop plans to maintain the nation’s water resources at a sustainable level.

Due to the discovery of lucrative fossil fuels around four decades ago, the Kingdom has experienced an exceptional period of economic growth and is rapidly transforming its economy and society further under Vision 2030, launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

FASTFACT

  • World Water Day is an annual UN observance day held on March 22 that highlights the importance of freshwater.

Saudi Arabia’s economic boom has resulted in a higher standard of living for its people as well as large-scale urban migration and an increase in population growth. The country grew from 4 million in 1960 to around 36.9 million in 2022, according to the General Authority for Statistics, also known as GASTAT.

The Kingdom is now, according to GASTAT, the 41st most populous country in the world.

While Saudi Arabia’s economic boom, increased opportunities, and population growth are positive gains for the country on its road to socio-economic transformation, such successes have also placed the country’s scarce water resources under extreme pressure.

Presently, the Kingdom relies on three basic sources for water extraction: Desalinated seawater, groundwater, and recycled water regularly used in electricity production.

Saudi Arabia derives some of its water from the sea. This is done through the process of desalination, which involves transforming brackish seawater into potable water. The Kingdom is now officially the world’s largest producer of desalinated water.




A view of the Jubail Desalination Plant at the Jubail Industrial City in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province overlooking the Arabian Gulf. (AFP)

Groundwater aquifers, both renewable and non-renewable, are considered the most important resource for freshwater in the Kingdom. Aquifers in Saudi Arabia supply more than 90 percent of the agricultural sector’s water needs and around 35 percent of urban water needs.

“Actions are being taken but more are needed,” Saleh bin Dakhil, a spokesperson for MEWA, told Arab News. “Saudi Arabia is spearheading initiatives locally to mitigate the impact of high water demand mostly to agriculture.”

Aquifers have long been a major source of water in Saudi Arabia and comprise vast underground reservoirs of water.

During the 1970s, the government undertook a major effort to locate and map such aquifers and estimate their capacity. It then drilled tens of thousands of deep tube wells in areas with the most potential for both urban and agricultural use.




In the oases of Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, scientists have found that traditional farming techniques stretching back centuries helped preserve one of the region’s green gems. (Supplied)

“Groundwater is a critical resource for irrigated agriculture, livestock farming and other agricultural activities, including food processing,” Jippe Hoogeveen, senior land and water officer in the Land and Water Division at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, told Arab News.

“In order to meet global water and agricultural demands by 2050, including an estimated 50 percent increase in food, feed and biofuel demand relative to 2012 levels, it is of critical importance to increase agricultural productivity through the sustainable intensification of groundwater abstraction, while decreasing the water and environmental footprints of agricultural production.”

Where a perennial and reliable source of shallow groundwater exists, groundwater can be an important source for smallholder farmers, said Hoogeveen.




Over the last few years, especially within the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, work has been done to stabilize and even recover Saudi Arabia’s groundwater levels, as well as develop plans to maintain the nation’s water resources at a sustainable level. (Shutterstock)

Regions heavily reliant on groundwater for irrigation include North America and South Asia, where 59 percent and 57 percent of the areas equipped for irrigation use groundwater, respectively.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, where the opportunities offered by the vast shallow aquifers remain largely underexploited, only 5 percent of the area equipped for irrigation uses groundwater.

Saudi Arabia’s water shortage impacts sustainable agriculture, industrial development and the well-being of the population.

The Kingdom uses 80 percent of its water for agricultural purposes, with groundwater extraction accounting for most of this demand, which is not sustainable, according to a 2023 research paper titled: “Water Scarcity Management to Ensure Food Scarcity through Sustainable Resources Management in Saudi Arabia.”




The Kingdom has launched its National Water Strategy 2030, which has been prepared according to the principles of integrated water resource management and aims to restructure the country’s water sector and transform it into a more sustainable and efficient one. (MEWA photo)

Another three-year study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the US shows that groundwater is declining around the world. It found that groundwater is dropping rapidly in more than two-thirds of the aquifers, or 71 percent, of 1,700 aquifers studied — three times as many as expected.

Having declined in the 1980s and 1990s, depletion rates have since sped up in the last two decades. In some countries, such as Iran, groundwater decline is widespread. But in parts of Saudi Arabia, groundwater levels have stabilized or even recovered, the report found.

The report demonstrated how the declines of the 1980s and 90s had reversed in 16 percent of the aquifer systems the authors had data for.

For a water-stressed country like Saudi Arabia, substantial public and private sector investment has been made into water and desalination infrastructure to create as much usable water as possible.

One initiative, bin Dakhil said, is the Upper Mega Aquifer System, which is one of the largest aquifer systems in the world. It underlies the extreme deserts of the Arabian Peninsula and crosses borders between Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Yemen and the UAE.




Simplified geological map of the Arabian Peninsula showing the extent and outcrop of the principal aquifers of the Upper Mega Aquifer System in Saudi Arabia, considered as one of the largest aquifer systems in the world. (Infographic courtesy of the Hydrogeology Journal)

It is built of several bedrock aquifers or sandstone and karstified limestone aquifers that are then imperfectly hydraulically connected to one another. The main ones are the Wasia-Biyadh sandstone aquifer, and the karstified Umm Er Radhuma and Dammam limestone aquifers.

However, due to good water quality and high yield, these aquifers have been intensively exploited, leading to the depletion of groundwater resources.

In central Saudi Arabia, groundwater levels have declined for decades, but evidence is now emerging that these declines are slowing down due to policy changes. Bin Dakhil told Arab News that the amount of water lost from aquifers is now being reduced.

“Secondly, there has been a lessening of the impact from groundwater withdrawal on rates,” he added, emphasizing the major governmental measures and decrees passed to mitigate the challenge of water scarcity.

The Kingdom has launched the National Water Strategy 2030, prepared according to the principles of integrated water resource management, with aims to restructure the country’s water sector and transform it into a more sustainable and efficient one.

The strategy, bin Dakhil said, involves a variety of initiatives, including ones that call for irrigation efficiency and water-reducing agriculture practices.

Evidence suggests that laws and regulations to prevent or limit diffuse groundwater pollution from agriculture, and especially their enforcement, are “generally weak,” Hoogeveen said.

“Policies addressing water pollution in agriculture should be part of an overarching agriculture and water policy framework at the national, river basin and aquifer scale,” he added.

In terms of groundwater development, rural electrification has been a principal driver, said Hoogeveen, especially where rural power grids have been extended into areas that would otherwise have relied on diesel fuel or wind energy.

Additionally, advances in solar technology have witnessed the development of solar-powered irrigation systems, adopted at scale to service farming operations.

“However, there is a risk of unsustainable water use if SPIS implementation is not adequately managed and regulated,” he said.

In Saudi Arabia, bin Dakhil said “the deeply rooted use of non-conventional water to mitigate the depletion of non-renewable groundwater by an increased use of renewable water for irrigation.”




CaptionFirst Solar Saudi Arabia and Al Watania Agricultural Company completed a pilot project that uses solar energy to power an irrigation at a farm spread over 300 square kilometers in the Kingdom's northern province of Al Jouf. (Supplied/File)

An example is renewable water that is being pumped from the Dammam region into the agricultural area of Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province through a pipeline with a volume exceeding 200 thousand cubic meters per day by the Saudi Irrigation Organization.

Additionally, technical and legislature governance tools have been put in place that include hundreds of groundwater observation wells augmented by the implementation of water by-laws through licenses, metering of groundwater withdrawal and tracking of drilling rigs using smart technology to monitor and measure water quality, conserve water supplies and enable citizens to function efficiently.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is increasing the amount of rainwater harvesting through new dams and efficiently managing existing dams to allocate water to agriculture.

“The Kingdom has also established a center for water efficiency and rationing whose policies target increasing the efficiency of groundwater use and rationing its withdrawals,” said bin Dakhil.




King Fahd Dam, located in Bisha governorate in Asir province, is one of the largest concrete dams in the Middle East. (SPA)

All these measures demonstrate the Kingdom’s steadfast attention to not only its own issues with water scarcity but also the global challenge to use water sustainably.

One of the Kingdom’s main obstacles to achieving sustainable development is the dearth of renewable water resources and the rising demand for water.

With the dedicated measures being taken by both the private and public sectors, the Kingdom has the potential to turn its lack of water into a long-term success story — one that could serve as a model for other countries struggling with water scarcity.

 


Saudi matchmaking app, Awaser, is helping individuals find partners by bridging tradition and modernity

Awaser remains firmly rooted in cultural and religious values. (Supplied)
Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi matchmaking app, Awaser, is helping individuals find partners by bridging tradition and modernity

  • Alolayan said: “The younger generation increasingly wants to take ownership of their marriage journey in terms of to get

JEDDAH: With digital innovation taking place at a rapid pace, Awaser, a mobile application developed in Saudi Arabia, is at the forefront of a quiet transformation in the Kingdom’s matchmaking traditions.

It offers a modern approach to marriage, but remains firmly rooted in cultural and religious values.

Founded by psychiatrist Dr. Mohammed Alolayan, Awaser is not just a dating platform but a dedicated space for individuals and families with the intention of forming lasting marriages.

“There’s a clear need, and many people are ready to embrace technology, so long as it honors our values. Awaser allows them to do both.” (Supplied)

With features tailored to Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms and a strong emphasis on privacy, the app introduces a respectful and structured alternative to traditional matchmaking.

Speaking about the inspiration behind creating the first app of its kind, Alolayan said: “As a trained psychiatrist, I’ve spent years exploring human psychology and understanding the deep emotional challenges people face, especially in midlife, around intimacy and the question of ‘Who should I be with?’

“Listening to countless stories from patients and online followers, I realized how difficult it is for many to find a suitable partner within the traditional framework. That’s what inspired me to create Awaser.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Awaser gives users the tools to search based on preferences unique to Saudi society, including regional origin, family background, education, sect, and tribal affiliation. 

• This approach blends technology with cultural traditions, creating a platform that speaks to both the younger generation and their families. 

Unlike typical matchmaking apps that rely on algorithms to suggest potential partners, Awaser gives users the tools to search based on preferences unique to Saudi Arabia society, including regional origin, family background, education, sect, and tribal affiliation.

This approach blends technology with cultural traditions, creating a platform that speaks to both the younger generation and their families.

Alolayan said: “Awaser does not offer matchmaking in the conventional sense. Instead, it elevates traditional matchmaking by making it more accessible and efficient.

Dr. Mohammed Alolayan

“It’s a platform that respects Saudi customs while empowering individuals and families to make informed choices.”

One of the app’s most distinctive features is the ability for families to create and manage accounts on behalf of their children, a model that preserves the essence of traditional matchmaking while increasing the chances of finding a suitable match.

This family-first approach has resonated strongly with conservative users seeking to maintain trust throughout the process.

The app operates on a paid subscription model, which Alolayan believes ensures the quality and seriousness of its community. “We implemented a payment wall to ensure serious participation and prevent random or unserious users,” he said.

“Trust is crucial. That’s why users must verify with a Saudi mobile number and OTP (One-Time Password), and all communications are encrypted and automatically deleted after 30 days of inactivity.”

Privacy is a key concern for users in Saudi Arabia, particularly when it comes to online interactions between men and women.

Awaser addresses this by giving users complete control over their profiles and conversations, with no human intervention from the app’s management team. Conversations cannot begin without mutual consent, and all user data remains private and protected.

The platform currently focuses on Saudi nationals and residents, and has already had impressive engagement, especially from well-educated individuals.

“Around 30 to 40 percent of our users hold advanced degrees such as master’s or PhDs. While we expected high participation from major cities, we were pleasantly surprised to see users from nearly every region of the Kingdom,” he said.

Among the many success stories shared by users, one stands out for Alolayan: “A couple who met on Awaser married about a year and a half ago, and they recently welcomed their first child.

“Hearing that directly from them was incredibly moving, it validated everything we’ve been working toward.”

In a culture where family involvement remains a cornerstone of the marriage process, launching a technology-driven platform presented unique challenges. But the public response,  Alolayan said, has been overwhelmingly positive.

“There’s a clear need, and many people are ready to embrace technology, so long as it honors our values. Awaser allows them to do both.”

Umm Abdullah, a user of the app, said: “As a mother, I’ve seen how difficult it’s become to find suitable matches, and approaching someone as the bride’s parents is not very common in our culture, we usually wait for proposals to come.

“Apps like this give us the chance to actively search instead of just waiting. It feels more efficient, while still respecting our values.”

Interestingly, Awaser also provides a space for non-traditional introductions between individuals, allowing for more autonomy in the relationship-building phase.

This dual approach supporting both traditional and independent searches reflects the evolving preferences of younger Saudis who want to play a more active role in choosing their life partners.

Alolayan said: “The younger generation increasingly wants to take ownership of their marriage journey in terms of to get to know their future partner before traditional steps begin.

“Awaser arrived at just the right time to meet this shift. It offers an alternative that feels modern yet grounded in cultural values.”

Another user, Naser Al-Rahman, said: “It’s really hard these days to find a relationship that leads to something serious. Most platforms don’t feel safe or genuine.

“But with this app, I feel like I can search more conveniently and securely, knowing the people here are serious about marriage.”

Although Awaser does not currently employ artificial intelligence to match users, Alolayan is open to future possibilities. “There is no proven psychological model for perfect matchmaking, which is why we don’t claim to match people ourselves.

“But I do see potential for AI and data analytics to provide smarter tools in the future, based on long-term user behavior.”

As Saudi Arabia continues its Vision 2030 journey toward modernization and empowerment, platforms such as Awaser highlight how digital solutions can coexist with tradition.

Commenting on the legal and cultural implications of matchmaking platforms, family lawyer Hassan Al-Ghawi said: “Apps like these help bridge the gap between tradition and technology.

“As long as user privacy is protected and the legal framework is respected, they can serve as a positive and legitimate extension of traditional matchmaking.

“Today’s younger generation often rushes into relationships, so involving both parents and children in the process allows for deeper understanding and more thoughtful decisions, potentially leading to stronger, longer-lasting marriages and fewer divorces.”

 


Deaf artist breaks barriers with solo debut in Jeddah

Elham Abu Talib, left, showcased more than 40 paintings at Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts. (AN photo)
Updated 16 June 2025
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Deaf artist breaks barriers with solo debut in Jeddah

  • Elham Abu Talib shares vision through her expressive works

JEDDAH: “It’s never too late to follow your dream,” says Elham Abu Talib, who has held her first solo exhibition in Jeddah after 38 years.

The Saudi artist is no stranger to the local art scene, having taken part in exhibitions across the Kingdom and overcome the barriers accompanying being severely deaf.

Titled “Inspiration,” the exhibition marked a milestone, presenting her work to the public while highlighting her artistic journey amid years of persistence. (AN photo)

And at the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Jeddah on Sunday, Abu Talib showcased more than 40 paintings to leading artists and lovers of the genre.

Titled “Inspiration,” the exhibition marked a milestone, presenting her work to the public while highlighting her artistic journey amid years of persistence.

HIGHLIGHT

Abu Talib hopes to represent the Kingdom in international competitions. She also hopes the arts society will continue supporting disabled and female artists by providing platforms for their creativity.

Her passion began in childhood, when natural talent blossomed into fine art shaped by a beautiful dream. She lost her hearing as a child and faced speech difficulties, but met her challenges with patience, courage, and ambition.

Determined to express herself, she used a brush and colors as her voice — turning her childhood dreams into vivid reality.

Titled “Inspiration,” the exhibition marked a milestone, presenting her work to the public while highlighting her artistic journey amid years of persistence. (AN photo)

She shared that hearing loss kept her from entering university, but her late father convinced her it did not mean giving up her ambitions.

Inspired by his words, she began participating in exhibitions while raising her children and fulfilling her duties as a mother.

She believes her disability has sharpened her visual perception — a gift she channels into her art.

“I’m so happy that, after 38 years, my dream has come true with this solo exhibition,” she said. “I thank the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Jeddah for giving me this opportunity.”

Abu Talib hopes to represent the Kingdom in international competitions. She also hopes the arts society will continue supporting disabled and female artists by providing platforms for their creativity.

Maha Abdulhalim Radwi, secretary-general of the Radwi Art Prize, said the artist had finally achieved a major milestone, adding: “This event allowed her to showcase her unique perspective and creative talent to a wider audience, proving that art transcends communication barriers.”

Mohammed Al-Subaih, the director general of the SASCA, said Abu Talib had dreamed of a solo exhibition for nearly four decades — and was now finally living that dream.

He added: “She’s participated with us in many workshops and group exhibitions; now it’s time to celebrate her first solo show.

“She deserves all the support and encouragement.”

 


Saudi Arabia to participate in Beijing book fair

The aim is to boost the global reach of Saudi literature and create opportunities for Arabic content in the Chinese market. (SPA
Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia to participate in Beijing book fair

  • Saudi participation will include a strong institutional presence, with several government entities

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission will lead Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Beijing International Book Fair from June 18 to 22.

This is part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the two states, and their shared goal to enhance cultural and intellectual exchange.

The initiative supports the commission’s efforts to represent the Kingdom in global cultural forums, promote Saudi literary achievements, and foster cooperation in literature, publishing, and translation.

It also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan, which positions culture as a pillar of development and a bridge for civilizational dialogue.

Saudi participation will include a strong institutional presence, with several government entities. The program features seminars, literary gatherings, and dialogue sessions to promote cultural exchange and build lasting partnerships in the literary field.

The aim is to boost the global reach of Saudi literature and create opportunities for Arabic content in the Chinese market.

The Kingdom was the guest of honor at the 2024 Beijing International Book Fair, where the commission presented a rich cultural program.

The events included seminars, artistic performances, and interactive activities that drew strong interest and strengthened cultural and intellectual ties between the two countries.

 


Saudi project clears 1,317 mines in Yemen

Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,317 mines in Yemen

  • The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,317 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,276 unexploded ordnances, 38 anti-tank mines and three improvised explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 500,000 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosts reception for outgoing ambassadors.
Updated 16 June 2025
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Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia

  • Event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment

RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter on Monday.

The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level.

“During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador.

He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: “It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.”

Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom.

“You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,” he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed.

“I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,” he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries.

Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced.

“It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,” he said.

“So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I’m on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.”

Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: “I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.”

Hungary’s ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom.

“It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.”

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part.

Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.