The National Water Company (NWC) signed two strategic agreements at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh to strengthen its digital infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service quality. The agreements, announced on September 4, 2026, align with NWC’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology and data to develop the water and environmental services sectors. The first agreement is a framework with upsource by solutions to provide qualified talent and support workforce localization, while the second is a memorandum of understanding with Aramco Digital to deploy industrial AI and smart cloud infrastructure. These partnerships underscore NWC’s strategic focus on innovation and its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Context and Background
The agreements were signed during LEAP 2026, a global technology conference held in Riyadh that showcases the latest advancements in digital transformation. NWC’s participation highlights its proactive approach to adopting cutting-edge solutions to enhance service delivery. The framework agreement with upsource by solutions, led by Abdulaziz AlSarhan, aims to provide qualified talent aligned with evolving business needs, thereby improving workforce management and ensuring service continuity. This partnership also supports the localization and development of local capabilities, building a sustainable national talent base that keeps pace with Vision 2030 objectives. The memorandum of understanding with Aramco Digital, represented by President of Digital Connectivity Eid AlHarbi, focuses on providing advanced industrial AI technologies, building smart cloud infrastructure, and accelerating digital transformation in the water sector. These initiatives reflect NWC’s strategic focus on technology and data as key enablers for sector development and operational efficiency.
Key Details
The framework agreement with upsource by solutions was signed by Mohammed Al Sogour, Executive Vice President of Shared Services at NWC, and Abdulaziz AlSarhan. It aims to enhance NWC’s ability to respond to future requirements and priorities by securing qualified talent, improving workforce management, and ensuring service continuity. The agreement also contributes to building a sustainable national talent base that supports Saudi Vision 2030. The memorandum of understanding with Aramco Digital was signed by Majid Al-Juraib, Vice President of Information Technology at NWC, and Eid AlHarbi. It focuses on deploying advanced industrial AI technologies, building smart cloud infrastructure, and accelerating digital transformation in the water and environmental services sectors. NWC stated that these partnerships reflect its strategic focus on leveraging technology and data to develop the sector, improve operational efficiency, meet beneficiaries’ aspirations, and advance Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development goals.
Implications and Impact
The agreements are expected to have significant implications for the water and environmental services sectors in Saudi Arabia. By enhancing digital infrastructure and operational efficiency, NWC will be better positioned to meet the growing demand for water services, improve service quality, and contribute to sustainable development. The partnership with upsource by solutions will help NWC attract and retain top talent, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and maintaining service continuity. The collaboration with Aramco Digital will enable NWC to leverage advanced AI and cloud technologies to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making. These initiatives also support the localization of capabilities, creating opportunities for Saudi professionals and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification. On a broader scale, these agreements demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s leadership in adopting digital solutions to address critical infrastructure challenges, setting a benchmark for other sectors and countries.
Vision 2030 Alignment
These agreements are directly aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, enhance public services, and promote sustainable development. By investing in digital infrastructure and local talent, NWC is contributing to the Kingdom’s goals of improving quality of life, fostering innovation, and building a knowledge-based economy. The partnerships also support the National Water Strategy 2030, which seeks to ensure water security and sustainability. Through such collaborations, NWC is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, demonstrating how technology and strategic partnerships can drive progress and create lasting value for the nation and its people.
20 Questions
Q1. What agreements did NWC sign at LEAP 2026?
A1. NWC signed a framework agreement with upsource by solutions and a memorandum of understanding with Aramco Digital to enhance digital infrastructure, operational efficiency, and service quality.
Q2. When and where were the agreements signed?
A2. The agreements were signed on September 4, 2026, during LEAP 2026, a global tech conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q3. Who represented NWC in signing the framework agreement?
A3. Mohammed Al Sogour, Executive Vice President of Shared Services at NWC, signed the framework agreement with upsource by solutions.
Q4. What is the purpose of the agreement with upsource by solutions?
A4. It aims to provide qualified talent aligned with evolving business needs, improve workforce management, ensure service continuity, and support localization of local capabilities.
Q5. Who signed the memorandum of understanding with Aramco Digital?
A5. Majid Al-Juraib, Vice President of Information Technology at NWC, and Eid AlHarbi, President of Digital Connectivity at Aramco Digital, signed the memorandum.
Q6. What does the MoU with Aramco Digital focus on?
A6. It focuses on providing advanced industrial AI technologies, building smart cloud infrastructure, and accelerating digital transformation in the water sector.
Q7. How do these agreements support Saudi Vision 2030?
A7. They support Vision 2030 by enhancing digital infrastructure, developing local talent, and promoting sustainable development goals in the water sector.
Q8. What is LEAP 2026?
A8. LEAP 2026 is a global technology conference held in Riyadh that showcases the latest advancements in digital transformation and innovation.
Q9. What are the expected benefits of the agreement with upsource by solutions?
A9. It will enhance NWC’s ability to respond to future requirements, improve workforce management, ensure service continuity, and build a sustainable national talent base.
Q10. How will the partnership with Aramco Digital improve NWC’s operations?
A10. It will enable NWC to leverage AI and cloud technologies to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making for better service delivery.
Q11. What is the National Water Company (NWC)?
A11. NWC is a Saudi government-owned company responsible for water and environmental services, committed to improving service quality and operational efficiency.
Q12. Why is talent development important for NWC?
A12. Talent development ensures a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, maintaining service continuity, and meeting evolving business needs in the water sector.
Q13. What role does technology play in NWC’s strategy?
A13. Technology and data are key enablers for developing the water sector, improving operational efficiency, and meeting beneficiaries’ aspirations.
Q14. How do these agreements contribute to Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development?
A14. They enhance digital infrastructure, promote local talent, and improve operational efficiency, supporting sustainable development goals and water security.
Q15. What is the significance of localizing capabilities?
A15. Localizing capabilities builds a sustainable national talent base, creates opportunities for Saudi professionals, and supports economic diversification.
Q16. What are the implications for the water sector in Saudi Arabia?
A16. The agreements will improve service quality, operational efficiency, and innovation, helping meet growing demand and ensuring sustainable water management.
Q17. How does NWC’s initiative align with the National Water Strategy 2030?
A17. It supports the strategy’s goals of ensuring water security and sustainability through digital transformation and strategic partnerships.
Q18. What are the key technologies mentioned in the MoU with Aramco Digital?
A18. The MoU includes advanced industrial AI technologies and smart cloud infrastructure to accelerate digital transformation.
Q19. How will these agreements benefit beneficiaries of NWC’s services?
A19. They will lead to improved service quality, efficiency, and responsiveness, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and meeting aspirations.
Q20. What does this mean for Saudi Arabia’s global standing in technology?
A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s leadership in adopting digital solutions for critical infrastructure, setting a benchmark for other sectors and countries.
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