Saudi Arabia Puts Water Security at the Heart of Its 2027 Agenda

Saudi Arabia is preparing to place water security among its most prominent national priorities after the Cabinet approved the designation of 2027 as the “Year of Water,” as the Kingdom continues to expand its water infrastructure and prepares to host one of the world’s leading gatherings on water policy.

The announcement comes after Saudi Arabia’s daily water supply surpassed 16 million cubic meters, up from around 9 million cubic meters per day in 2016, highlighting the scale of the sector’s transformation in less than a decade.

Daily Water Supply Surpasses 16 Million Cubic Meters

Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded desalination capacity, transmission networks, distribution infrastructure and strategic storage over recent years.

The Kingdom’s water supply exceeded 16 million cubic meters per day in 2025, while access to safely managed drinking water reached the entire population and water network coverage stood at around 85%.

Strategic storage capacity has also increased by more than 125% compared with 2016, strengthening the system’s ability to respond to emergencies and periods of high demand.

Why 2027?

The Year of Water will coincide with Riyadh’s hosting of the 11th World Water Forum in March 2027.

The international gathering is expected to bring together ministers, policymakers, experts, international organizations and companies to address some of the world’s most pressing water challenges.

Discussions are expected to cover water scarcity, climate adaptation, financing, innovation and the development of practical solutions for sustainable resource management.

Designating 2027 as the Year of Water also creates a national platform for programs aimed at encouraging conservation, protecting water resources and raising public awareness about responsible consumption.

Expanding Desalination and Transmission Infrastructure

Much of the increase in supply has been supported by continued investment in desalination and the infrastructure needed to transport water across large distances.

Major systems including Ras Al-Khair, Jubail, Shuaibah and Shuqaiq form part of the Kingdom’s desalinated water infrastructure, while transmission networks deliver supplies to cities and communities located far from the coastline.

Saudi Arabia is also developing additional transmission projects, including the Jubail–Buraidah and Al-Rayis–Rabigh systems, alongside further investment in strategic reservoirs and distribution infrastructure.

Groundwater Consumption Falls Sharply

One of the most significant changes has occurred beneath the surface.

Consumption of non-renewable groundwater declined from around 21 billion cubic meters annually in 2016 to approximately 11 billion cubic meters in 2025.

Reducing dependence on underground reserves is particularly important for a country with limited renewable freshwater resources and growing demand driven by population growth, urban development and expanding economic, industrial and tourism activities.

The Kingdom is increasingly turning to desalination, treated wastewater reuse and more efficient consumption to reduce pressure on natural reserves.

AI Takes a Growing Role in Water Management

Saudi Arabia’s water strategy is not focused solely on producing more water.

Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasingly being explored and deployed to monitor networks, identify leaks and improve demand management.

These technologies can help operators detect problems earlier, reduce water losses and improve the overall efficiency of distribution systems.

Efforts are also underway to develop desalination technologies that require less energy, expand the reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural, industrial and urban purposes, and localize water-related technologies and industries.

From Public Utility to Strategic Priority

As Saudi cities expand and major economic, tourism and industrial projects develop, reliable water supplies have become increasingly important to long-term growth.

Water is therefore no longer viewed solely as a public utility issue. It has become closely connected to national resilience, sustainable urban development, quality of life and economic continuity.

The Year of Water is expected to bring greater attention to that connection while encouraging more responsible use of one of the Kingdom’s most strategically important resources.

Riyadh Prepares for a Global Water Gathering

The designation also carries an international dimension.

Riyadh will become a major center for global discussions on water policy when it hosts the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, at a time when Saudi Arabia is expanding its involvement in international water initiatives, research and innovation.

The Kingdom has also supported initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation and developing technological solutions to water scarcity and sustainability challenges.

With water supplies expanding, groundwater consumption falling and investment accelerating across desalination, reuse and digital technology, the Year of Water will place the future of this vital resource firmly at the center of Saudi Arabia’s development agenda.