Saudi Arabia charts an innovative path to water sustainability

Saudi Arabia charts an innovative path to water sustainability

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Water is often called the soul of life, as essential to humans as air. However, its availability is decreasing as global populations grow and climate challenges intensify.

Water sustainability refers to the efficient use of water to meet current and future needs, ensuring the welfare and development of societies worldwide.

In Saudi Arabia, water sustainability is not merely an aspiration, but a necessity for survival and growth, in a country marked by an arid climate and limited renewable water resources.

Saudi Arabia is among the world’s most water-scarce nations, a reality shaped by its desert-like environment, with no perennial rivers or lakes.

The Kingdom relies heavily on non-renewable groundwater, which is depleting rapidly, and desalination plants, which supply 50 percent of its water.

Notably, per capita water use in Saudi Arabia is 234 liters per day — almost double the global average. While desalination ensures access to fresh water, it comes at a high cost. The process is energy-intensive, environmentally taxing and generates brine that harms aquatic ecosystems.

Saudi Arabia is tackling its water challenges by embracing advanced technologies. The Kingdom leads in energy-efficient desalination, incorporating renewable energy sources. Notable projects like the solar-powered Al-Khafji Plant, launched by the Saudi Water Partnership Co., showcase this innovation.

Wastewater treatment and reuse are also key priorities, conserving water resources and reducing pollution. The Kingdom treats and reuses 21 percent of its wastewater, with plans to increase this to 70 percent by 2030.

In agriculture, which consumes 80 percent of the nation’s water, advanced methods like drip irrigation and hydroponics enhance water efficiency. These initiatives demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to resource optimization.

Vision 2030 serves as the cornerstone of the Kingdom’s water strategy. This comprehensive development plan focuses on diversifying the economy and ensuring sustainable resource use. It includes goals such as reducing water subsidies, increasing wastewater reuse and raising public awareness about conservation.

Key initiatives like the National Water Strategy 2030 focus on achieving water demand-supply balance, enhancing governance in the water sector and ensuring resource sustainability. Social marketing campaigns are also driving positive behavioral shifts toward water conservation.

Saudi Arabia is among the world’s most water-scarce nations, a reality shaped by its desert-like environment, with no perennial rivers or lakes.

Majed Nezar Al-Qatari

Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in sustainable water management through its ambitious megaprojects. The $500 billion futuristic city of NEOM will feature renewable energy-powered desalination and advanced water reuse technologies.

The Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism initiative, aims for zero wastewater discharge and high water recycling rates. Similarly, the Saudi Green Initiative promotes afforestation and sustainable irrigation to reduce water wastage. These efforts underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Recognizing that water security is a global concern, Saudi Arabia collaborates internationally with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN to share knowledge and technology. Regionally, the Kingdom works with the Gulf Cooperation Council to address shared challenges such as declining water tables and seawater intrusion.

Despite significant advancements, achieving water sustainability in Saudi Arabia remains challenging. Factors such as demographic shifts, infrastructure growth and climate change continue to drive up water demand. To secure a sustainable future, the Kingdom must further invest in research, development and public education on conservation measures.

Citizen engagement is essential. Small reductions in household water use, when widely adopted, can make a significant impact. By combining conservation efforts with advanced technologies, Saudi Arabia can ensure its water resources support economic growth and environmental preservation for years to come.

Saudi Arabia is charting a path for water innovation through technology, policy reforms and cooperation. The Kingdom’s efforts demonstrate its resolve to address critical needs and challenges. However, sustained commitment and global collaboration are essential to maintain progress.

As the world faces growing water scarcity, Saudi Arabia’s story can teach valuable lessons in innovation, perseverance and resilience. Achieving a sustainable water future requires collective effort — every drop counts.

• Majed Nezar Al-Qatari is a sustainability leader, ecological engineer and UN youth ambassador with experience in advancing environmental, social and corporate governance and sustainability goals in corporate businesses, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Arab League calls scientists to develop AI as technology becomes dominant

Arab League calls scientists to develop AI as technology becomes dominant
Updated 5 min 10 sec ago
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Arab League calls scientists to develop AI as technology becomes dominant

Arab League calls scientists to develop AI as technology becomes dominant
  • Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Middle East in adopting AI technologies
  • Ahmed Aboul Gheit said rapid advancements in AI resemble an 'arms race' between China and the US

LONDON: Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the secretary-general of the Arab League, called on Arab scientists to develop regulations and standards for artificial intelligence during a dialogue meeting on Sunday.

The two-day meeting, “Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World: Innovative Applications and Ethical Challenges,” held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, will explore the development of generative AI technologies, including drones and robotics.

Aboul Gheit said that computer scientists must set up standards for AI projects as the technology has become increasingly prevalent in several sectors in the past decade.

During the opening session, he noted that many Arab countries focused on maximizing AI’s benefits.

Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Middle East in adopting AI technologies across various sectors, including industry and energy. In 2019, the Kingdom established a dedicated organization called the Saudi Data and AI Authority to regulate, develop, and implement data and AI strategies.

Aboul Gheit noted the rapid advancements in AI, particularly in large language models and generative intelligence, resemble an “arms race” among major powers, including China and the US.

“Our scientists, politicians, and thinkers must keep pace with everything that is going on with AI in the world. This general-purpose technology will reshape the way we work, interact, and live,” he added.


Pakistan deputy PM reviews preparations for key talks with Qatar next week

Pakistan deputy PM reviews preparations for key talks with Qatar next week
Updated 4 min 30 sec ago
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Pakistan deputy PM reviews preparations for key talks with Qatar next week

Pakistan deputy PM reviews preparations for key talks with Qatar next week
  • The bilateral talks in Doha, starting on Feb. 5, are expected to cover areas such as trade, investment and defense collaboration
  • They come at a time when Pakistan is seeking to boost foreign investment and trade to put its fragile economy on path of recovery

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, has held an inter-ministerial meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Pakistan-Qatar Bilateral Political Consultations in Doha next week, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday.
The bilateral talks in Doha, starting on Feb. 5, are expected to cover key areas, including trade, investment, defense collaboration, and mutual diplomatic interests.
Besides leading Pakistan’s delegation at the talks, Dar will hold meetings with the Qatari leadership, a Pakistani foreign office spokesperson said on Friday.
During Sunday’s meeting, officials briefed the deputy prime minister on the status of various Pakistan-Qatar initiatives, the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“The deputy prime minister and foreign minister underscored that preparations should be made for substantive, productive and result oriented discussions in Doha,” the report read.
The talks come months after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Qatar in Oct. 2024 to bolster economic cooperation between the two countries. Sharif led delegation-level talks with the Qatari emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, before holding a separate meeting with him to discuss a wide array of issues.
“The leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Qatar relations, exploring potential avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, potential areas of investment, energy, and culture,” Sharif’s office said at the time.
Pakistan and Qatar have longstanding economic, defense and cultural relations. In 2022, the Qatar Investment Authority committed $3 billion for projects in Pakistan, spanning airport management, renewable energy and hospitality.
The talks between both countries are occurring at a time when Islamabad is seeking to boost foreign investment and trade to support its dwindling economy, which is on a tricky path to recovery since Pakistan avoided a default in June 2023.


Latest Rasanah report offers deep dive into current geopolitical crises

Latest Rasanah report offers deep dive into current geopolitical crises
Updated 15 min 15 sec ago
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Latest Rasanah report offers deep dive into current geopolitical crises

Latest Rasanah report offers deep dive into current geopolitical crises

The International Institute for Iranian Studies, known as Rasanah, has released its 2024-2025 Annual Strategic Report titled "Globalization of Crises and Complexity of Conflicts," providing an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical landscape shaping 2025.

The report documents the complexities of significant conflicts, offering insights into potential scenarios for the coming year, an official statement explained. It broadens its scope to include new geopolitical arenas, offering a detailed look at how traditional and emerging powers navigate the shifting sands of international influence.

Rasanah critically examines the ineffectiveness of UN bodies in conflict resolution and the impact of regime changes in the Middle East, which has emerged as a focal point of volatility and transformation.

Through four comprehensive sections, Rasanah provides insights into international developments, regional shifts and Saudi policy trends as well as the ebb and flow of Iranian regional and international influence.

Saudi Arabia's Strategic Positioning

Highlighting Saudi Arabia's alignment with Vision 2030, the report praises the Kingdom's efforts to bolster its regional and global standing.
The report discusses Saudi policies and responses to challenges with a resilient vision, including the Saudi response to Arab and regional developments and Saudi Arabia’s position amid global shifts.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia will continue its support of the future of the Middle East, including the Gulf region, by cooperating with its regional and international allies to de-escalate tensions and end conflicts in the region.
The Kingdom will likely mediate major regional thorny issues between different countries with the aim to restore stability and security to the Middle East.

Global Developments

The section on global developments dissects the interactions among major powers, the economic implications of these interactions, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now described as a war of attrition. It also delves into non-traditional security issues as well as the evolving religious landscape in the Islamic world.

Regional Developments

2024 saw intensified geopolitical rivalry in the Middle East, with Israel and Iran particularly vying  to establish a new paradigm of regional deterrence and conflict. The Gulf states have adopted a stance of positive neutrality, while Turkiye has pursued new strategies for regional and international benefits.
The report notes that in contrast, Africa continued to grapple with instability, fueled by internal crises and external interventions. The crisis in Bangladesh further reverberated across South Asia.

It forecasts continued geopolitical evolution into 2025, with Iran likely struggling to reclaim its previous influence.

Iran's Strategic Reassessment

In 2024, Iran underwent critical political, economic, social and military shifts that significantly influenced its domestic and foreign policy strategies.
Regionally, Iran faced unprecedented challenges, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, prompting a reevaluation of its traditional geopolitical strategies amid diminishing influence.
On the international stage, Iran’s diplomatic relations with both global and regional powers experienced notable shifts, impacting its strategic leverage and laying the groundwork for potential implications as it moves into 2025.

Rasanah's report not only maps out the intricate web of global and regional conflicts but also provides a sobering forecast for 2025, emphasizing the need for strategic foresight and international cooperation to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics.

This comprehensive analysis, supported by robust data and scenario planning, serves as a critical tool for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of global politics in an era marked by crises and complex conflicts.


Najdi designs dazzle visitors at Tyn Festival in Diriyah

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, special adviser to King Salman speaks at the event. (Supplied)
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, special adviser to King Salman speaks at the event. (Supplied)
Updated 17 min 22 sec ago
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Najdi designs dazzle visitors at Tyn Festival in Diriyah

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, special adviser to King Salman speaks at the event. (Supplied)
  • Located in the At-Turaif World Heritage Site in Diriyah, the event highlights the history of the city and the legacy of its mud architecture

RIYADH: Diriyah Season is welcoming visitors to explore the region’s rich history and traditional architecture through the Tyn Festival, held until mid-February.

Located in the At-Turaif World Heritage Site in Diriyah, the event highlights the history of the city and the legacy of its mud architecture, a milestone of innovation and sustainability in urban development.

The event is attracting a diverse audience, including art lovers, creatives, architects, designers, and people from all age groups who are seeking to discover Diriyah and the authentic heritage of sites such as At-Turaif.

Various forms of art are on display, as well as the materials used to build Najdi houses in the past, including clay, rocks, and wicker.

In addition, visitors at Tyn will have the opportunity to watch clips of architects explaining the steps involved in designing a Najdi home, learn about 3D-printing in design and engage in a clay workshop at the end of the tour.

“Clay is the material of the Arabian Peninsula,” noted Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, special adviser to King Salman and founder and chairman of the nonprofit Al-Turath Foundation.

During the opening of the event, Prince Sultan gave a speech on the importance of preserving heritage such as the traditional (mud) buildings that are an essential part of Saudi and Najdi culture.

“Diriyah during the 80s was an abandoned area,” he said, elaborating on the development efforts over the years to present Diriyah as the historical city that people are familiar with now.

Tyn Festival is one of many programs and activities offered by Diriyah Season to draw attention to historic sites and monuments and create a gathering place for lovers of history, culture, and art.


Rybakina adds Sanguinetti to coaching staff amid Vukov investigation

Rybakina adds Sanguinetti to coaching staff amid Vukov investigation
Updated 14 min 19 sec ago
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Rybakina adds Sanguinetti to coaching staff amid Vukov investigation

Rybakina adds Sanguinetti to coaching staff amid Vukov investigation
  • Italian is with Rybakina this week in Abu Dhabi, where world number five is top seed and defending champion

ABU DHABI: Elena Rybakina has added Italian former player Davide Sanguinetti to her coaching staff and has reiterated her displeasure at the WTA’s decision to provisionally suspend her coach Stefano Vukov for allegedly breaching the tour’s Code of Conduct.

Rybakina ended her trial period with Novak Djokovic’s former coach Goran Ivanisevic following her fourth-round exit from the Australian Open last month and has brought in Sanguinetti to accompany her at tournaments and work with Vukov, who is banned from all sanctioned events pending the WTA’s investigation into his conduct.

Sanguinetti is with Rybakina this week in Abu Dhabi, where the world number five is the top seed and defending champion.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner says she has not been notified by the WTA about a date for the conclusion of the investigation and insists the situation “was not handled well”.

“I don’t know much. It’s a situation I’m not happy with. But it is what it is but for now I don’t know much,” Rybakina told AFP at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on Sunday.

“I think safeguarding is important but the case with what happened with us I don’t think it was handled well.”

Vukov told The Athletic that he “never abused anyone” and Rybakina feels she is not being heard.

“In the end of the day, I think you need to listen to the player, that’s the most important. Because as I said before there are a lot of comments from people which are also in our environment but they’re making comments not knowing me, not knowing him, and it’s just making a bad look for everyone.”

Rybakina says the coaching partnership with Ivanisevic was on a trial basis and the decision for them to part ways after just a couple of months of working together was mutual.

“We just sat down, we talked, and we decided to go our separate ways. But I think I learned a lot and it’s not easy to find a good collaboration,” explained the 25-year-old Kazakh.

“It of course takes time and everything but that was our decision. We’ll see how this year goes for me. I’m also not such an easy player maybe like some people think, ‘Oh it’s easy with her’, or something, but it’s not really like this.

“I think every person is different and there is no one who is perfect. I can be sometimes stubborn on the court, stubborn on some things, that’s at least my honest opinion.”

While Vukov is banned from joining Rybakina at tournaments, she says they are “communicating of course” and that he and Sanguinetti are always in contact, and spent some time together with her at a recent training block in Dubai post-Australian Open.

“He’s an important person in my career. We started when I was like 200 [in the world]. So it’s a lot of things, on the court, outside of the court, he’s helping out with,” she said of Vukov, who began coaching her when she was a teenager.

“I feel like of course it’s not ideal that he cannot be on the practice courts but at the same time we are finding a way also with help of Davide, his opinion. I hope it’s going to work out. We have a good team in the end of the day.”

Rybakina headlines a competitive field at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi that also includes recent Australian Open semi-finalist Paula Badosa, world number 11 Daria Kasatkina, Tunisian star Ons Jabeur, and British wildcard Emma Raducanu.

Main draw action kicks off on Monday with the final taking place on Saturday February 8.