Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Hilal Al-Mushaiti affirmed that the Cabinet's approval to designate 2027 as the "Year of Water" reflects the generous support and attention that the water sector receives from the wise Saudi leadership. He said the designation further reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global model in water resources management and water security, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 6.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Mushaiti explained that water is the lifeblood of communities and a fundamental pillar of development, noting that the Year of Water 2027 represents a national opportunity to highlight the Kingdom's achievements in the water sector and the unique model it has developed. He pointed to the advanced infrastructure and pioneering experience that has drawn on global best practices to build an integrated system, transforming them into innovative solutions and practices that benefit countries worldwide. He added that Saudi Arabia has established a distinguished global presence through local, regional, and international initiatives.
He noted that the Year of Water 2027 will serve as an important national milestone to strengthen public awareness of the value of water and the importance of conserving its resources, accelerate the implementation of national initiatives, stimulate innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships, and showcase Saudi Arabia's experience as an advanced global model in achieving water security and sustainable water resources management.
Al-Mushaiti highlighted the Kingdom's significant progress in water resources management over recent years. Consumption of non-renewable groundwater declined from approximately 21 billion cubic meters in 2016 to around 11 billion cubic meters in 2025. During the same period, strategic water storage capacity increased by more than 125%, while desalinated water production capacity rose to approximately 16 million cubic meters per day, compared with around nine million cubic meters per day in 2016. Access to safe drinking water services also exceeded 100% of the population, with approximately 85% served through water distribution networks, reflecting substantial investment in water infrastructure and service efficiency.
He added that these achievements have established Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the water sector through an integrated approach to water resources management, innovation, improved service efficiency, and the sustainable preservation of water resources for future generations, making the country an international reference for developing water solutions and addressing water scarcity challenges.
Al-Mushaiti further stressed that Saudi Arabia's growing international standing has been strengthened by the launch of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh, as a global platform for unifying efforts, exchanging expertise, and promoting innovation and research in the water sector. Al-Mushaiti also noted the Kingdom's preparations to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing international cooperation to address global water challenges.