Riyadh: Experts and specialists said the policies and reforms adopted by Saudi Arabia in recent years have helped transform water scarcity challenges into development opportunities.

According to Saudi Press Agency, speaking during a panel discussion titled "From Water to Food: Turning Scarcity into Security in Drylands" at Saudi Water Week 2026, the experts emphasized that efficient water-resource management is a cornerstone of food security. They said the Kingdom has established an integrated system that has boosted water productivity in the agricultural sector, strengthened the sustainability of natural resources, and contributed to significant growth in agricultural and food production.

The session explored ways to improve water productivity in the agricultural sector across drylands and discussed Saudi Arabia's experience in building an integrated framework that strikes a balance between sustainable water-resource management and enhanced food security. It also highlighted the experience of the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) in advancing water and food security across the Arab region.

Discussions also highlighted the Kingdom's strategic transformation in water management and the development of agricultural production systems in line with the objectives of the National Agriculture Strategy 2034.