How Saudi Arabia is preserving its precious freshwater resources

King Fahd Dam, located in Bisha governorate, Asir province, is one of the largest concrete dams in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is increasing the amount of rainwater harvesting through new dams and efficiently managing existing dams to allocate water to agriculture. ()SPA)
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Updated 01 February 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is preserving its precious freshwater resources

  • Vision 2030 prioritizes sustainable water management through conservation programs, advanced irrigation, and public awareness initiatives
  • US firm Ecolab partners with Saudi companies like Aramco to develop water-saving technologies and improve resource management

RIYADH: Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Saudi Arabia, significantly impacting the country’s socio-economic development as well as its environmental sustainability.

As one of the hottest and driest regions in the world, the Kingdom faces many challenges owing to its limited natural freshwater sources and high rates of evaporation.

These harsh realities have forced the country to rely on limited groundwater and desalination plants, where 75 percent of the country’s water supply comes from.

However, the nature of the desalination process raises concerns about environmental sustainability and carbon emissions due to the amount of energy used by these technologies.

In addition, the over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural and domestic use could exhaust natural aquifers and deteriorate water quality.

This realization has pushed officials to explore solutions to develop the water sector in order to meet the needs of the Kingdom’s growing population.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform agenda emphasizes green development, and sustainable water sources are a key aspect of the plan.

To achieve this objective, the Kingdom is collaborating with foreign companies including the US firm Ecolab to mitigate the severity of water loss.

Christophe Beck, chairman and CEO of Ecolab, outlined some of the company’s strategies to preserve water while reducing energy usage.

“In 2024, we helped preserve enough water for 800 million people, and we are on the path to 1 billion by 2030,” Beck told Arab News.

“We have built our capabilities around the world because of the science we have at our disposal. We have 3,000 people in research and development and digital technology.




Ecolab has been operating in Saudi Arabia for 47 years, collaborating with local firms in managing water supplies, combating potential pollutants and infections, and on human and natural resource protection. (Supplied)




Ecolab employs around 3,000 people in research and development and digital technology to run its operations in 40 different industries across 172 countries. (Supplied)

Ecolab operates in 40 different industries across 172 countries, managing water supplies, combating potential pollutants and infections, and focusing on human and natural resource protection.

The company has been operating in Saudi Arabia for 47 years, collaborating with local firms such as Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and Almarai.

“This country has a lot of natural resources and a lot of ambition. But one thing is missing — water. There are no lakes, no rivers, but there is a lot of sea around us. However, this is not freshwater. That’s a big challenge,” said Beck.




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)

The necessity to preserve freshwater has led the Kingdom to introduce water conservation programs, along with promoting efficient irrigation technologies and enhancing public awareness about water usage.

In addition, the National Water Co. has completed several operations to ensure easy access to fresh water for all in any location within Saudi Arabia, including rural areas.

NWC distributed more than 3.7 billion cubic meters of water during the past year in various regions of the Kingdom and treated more than 2.1 billion cubic meters of wastewater during the same year.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Ecolab operates in 172 countries, including Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Taiwan.

• 10% of animal species rely on freshwater ecosystems, according to Nature Conservancy Canada.

• Two-thirds of the world’s population experiences water shortages at least once a year, according to WWF.

However, achieving water security will require a holistic approach that integrates technology, media, and community engagement.

“Awareness helps, as does realizing that no one can solve it alone,” said Beck.

“When I think about Saudi Arabia, I think we have all we need. The natural resources, the industries, the means, and the ambition. But we don’t have water, and we have too few water experts who know how to reuse or recycle water to power the future industries of the Kingdom.

“What I hope to accomplish in Saudi Arabia, and again, we’ve been here for 47 years, is really thinking in the long term, to turn Saudi Arabia into an example of a country that can grow without using more water at the same time.




General view of the Ras al-Khair water desalination plant, owned by the Saudi government's Saline Water Conversion Corporation, along the Gulf coast in eastern Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

“And if Saudi Arabia can do it, many countries around the region can do it, and around the world as well.”

Addressing water scarcity is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of Saudi Arabia’s economy and overall quality of life.

Without significant and immediate action, the challenges associated with water scarcity and with the increasing heat conditions and drought worldwide, are likely going to intensify not only for Saudi Arabia but for several other countries in the region in the coming years.
 

 


Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

Updated 13 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Monday Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, the Saudi Press Agency said.

An official reception ceremony was held upon Aoun’s arrival at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

The pair later held a meeting where they discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, in addition to ways of enhancing bilateral relations.

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Senior Saudi and Lebanese officials attended the meeting.

Earlier, Aoun said that his visit to Saudi Arabia represents an opportunity to reaffirm the depth of relations between the two nations.

He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s role in supporting Lebanon’s stability, safety, and the functioning of its institutions, as well as the various forms of assistance provided by Riyadh.


Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

Updated 03 March 2025
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Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

  • Reflects the ‘spirit of love, communication,’ reinforces social values

RIYADH: During the holy month, the Northern Borders region lights up with one of its standout traditions: the Ramadan bonfire.

These Ramadan gatherings hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds.

The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

They provide a space for exchanging stories and experiences about the past, present and future, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the fire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

FASTFACT

In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the bonfire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

Karim Al-Dhaidi, another local, said the gatherings are open to everyone, and serve to strengthen social ties. They also connect people with their past, he said.

The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

Jazaa Marji, board chairman of the Retirees Association in the Northern Borders region, said the Ramadan fire has always been a part of the local heritage.

“We grew up with it, and it brings generations together, offering an opportunity to recall memories and share experiences with the youth,” he said.

“Ramadan is the perfect time to revive such traditions, as they reflect the spirit of love, communication, and the reinforcement of social values between generations.”

Even today, the Ramadan fire remains a tradition at many homes in the Northern Borders region. Residents are keen to revive it during Ramadan nights.

 


Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth

Updated 03 March 2025
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Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth

  • The ministry encouraged consumers to adopt healthy shopping practices by choosing local agricultural products, meats, and dairy, which offer high nutritional value

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the importance of purchasing local products to achieve environmental and economic sustainability and enhance food security, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

This came during the launch of an environmental campaign through the ministry’s Environmental Awareness Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The campaign aims to promote healthy behaviors supporting the local economy and raising environmental awareness by encouraging the purchase of national products.

The ministry emphasized that local products are of high quality, environmentally suitable, and subject to strict oversight, ensuring compliance with health and environmental standards, which enhances food safety and preserves natural resources.

It also noted that buying national products reduces the carbon footprint from imports and transportation while supporting local farmers and producers, benefiting the national economy, the SPA reported.

The ministry encouraged consumers to adopt healthy shopping practices by choosing local agricultural products, meats, and dairy, which offer high nutritional value.

Purchasing local food also promotes the consumption of seasonal and regional products, helping reduce food waste and the impact of low-quality imports. The ministry stressed that this approach supports sustainable development and boosts production efficiency.

 


Civil Defense issues rain warning across Saudi Arabia

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions. (SPA)
Updated 03 March 2025
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Civil Defense issues rain warning across Saudi Arabia

  • The affected regions include Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha and Asir

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with moderate to heavy rain expected to continue until Friday.

The affected regions include Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha and Asir, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions, avoid areas prone to flash floods, such as valleys, and refrain from swimming in them.

It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through official channels and social media platforms.

 


Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Updated 03 March 2025
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Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

  • Both sides explored avenues for further strengthening ties to serve mutual interests

DAMMAM: Eastern Region Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received Ambassador of Tajikistan to the Kingdom Akram Karimi in Dammam on Monday.

They discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrahim Taha recently received the Permanent Observer of Russia to the OIC Turko Daudov at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah.

During the meeting, both sides explored avenues for further strengthening ties to serve mutual interests.