Saudi Arabia Showcases Water Security Expertise at COP17

Saudi Arabia is presenting its integrated water management and water security experience to the international community at the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026, under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.” The Saudi water ecosystem delegation, comprising representatives from the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), known as “Sharakat”, and the National Water Company (NWC), is showcasing the Kingdom’s comprehensive approach to achieving water security in arid regions while addressing land degradation and drought challenges at the regional and international levels.

The participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sharing its expertise and building sustainable partnerships that support global water security, according to information released via official Saudi channels. The delegation’s presence at COP17 underscores the Kingdom’s role as a key contributor to international cooperation, particularly in developing the capacity of water sectors worldwide to address current and future challenges. With total water production capacity exceeding 16 million cubic metres per day and water transmission systems extending 18,500 km, Saudi Arabia has developed a model that demonstrates how arid regions can achieve water security through proactive planning, integrated roles, investment in infrastructure and modern technologies, and management of the entire supply chain. How can nations facing similar climate challenges learn from the Saudi model? The answer lies in the Kingdom’s systematic approach to institutional governance, diversified water supplies, improved water-use efficiency, water reuse, private-sector partnerships and national capacity building.

Context and Background

Why does COP17 matter for global efforts to combat desertification and water scarcity? The conference brings together international stakeholders to address the urgent challenges of land degradation and drought, which affect food security, water security and climate resilience worldwide. Saudi Arabia’s participation builds on the historic momentum generated at COP16, which was hosted in Riyadh and led by the Kingdom. That event marked a significant shift in international engagement on land degradation and drought, establishing a framework for coordinated action that has continued to evolve over the following two years.

The Saudi water ecosystem’s delegation includes representatives from the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), known as “Sharakat”, and the National Water Company (NWC). This integrated representation reflects the ecosystem’s coordinated approach to addressing water challenges in arid regions. It aligns with the conference’s focus on restoring degraded land, scaling up efforts to address drought and its impacts, and strengthening positive links among water, food and ecosystem systems. The Kingdom’s experience demonstrates that water security in arid regions depends not only on the availability of natural resources but also on proactive planning, integrated roles, investment in infrastructure and modern technologies, and the management of the entire supply chain from production, transport and storage to distribution, treatment and reuse.

What has Saudi Arabia achieved in water management that makes its experience worth sharing on the global stage? The Kingdom’s water sector has developed a robust infrastructure that supports its growing population and economic diversification. The total water production capacity exceeding 16 million cubic metres per day represents a significant achievement in ensuring reliable water supplies. The water transmission systems extending 18,500 km demonstrate the scale of investment in infrastructure that connects production facilities to distribution networks across the Kingdom. Storage capacity exceeding 30 million cubic metres provides resilience against supply disruptions and seasonal variations. Additionally, treated water reuse for agricultural, industrial and urban purposes has reached 33%, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. These figures illustrate a comprehensive approach that addresses both supply and demand sides of water management.

Key Details of the Saudi Water Experience

How does Saudi Arabia manage the entire water supply chain to achieve security in one of the world’s most arid regions? The Saudi experience is built on several interconnected pillars: institutional governance, diversified water supplies, improved water-use efficiency, water reuse, private-sector partnerships and national capacity building. Each pillar supports the others, creating a resilient system that can adapt to changing conditions and growing demands. The Kingdom’s approach recognizes that water security requires more than just building desalination plants or drilling wells; it demands a holistic strategy that integrates policy, regulation, technology, investment and human capital development.

The private sector has played a crucial role through initiatives such as the Business for Land (B4L) initiative, which contributed $12 billion to efforts aimed at restoring land and combating desertification. This private-sector engagement demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to mobilize resources and create partnerships that extend beyond government action. Saudi Arabia has also continued its international engagement over the following two years by participating in more than 50 international events and launching the Riyadh Action Agenda, under which the number of initiatives grew from 35 to more than 100. These initiatives include the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership and the International Initiative for Early Warning of Sand and Dust Storms, both of which address critical challenges facing arid regions worldwide.

What specific technologies and practices underpin Saudi Arabia’s water management success? The Kingdom has invested heavily in modern technologies for desalination, water treatment and distribution. These investments have improved efficiency and reduced costs, making water production more sustainable. The management of the entire supply chain, from production to reuse, ensures that every drop of water is used optimally. Treated water reuse for agricultural, industrial and urban purposes has reached 33%, reducing pressure on freshwater resources. The Kingdom’s approach to water reuse demonstrates how wastewater can be transformed from a disposal challenge into a valuable resource that supports economic activities and environmental sustainability. This integrated approach is central to the Saudi water ecosystem’s participation in COP17, where the delegation aims to highlight the Saudi experience and approach to integrating, developing and managing the various components of the water sector.

International and Regional Impact

How does Saudi Arabia’s water security experience influence regional and international efforts to combat desertification and drought? The Kingdom’s participation in COP17 provides an opportunity to build on the achievements of the previous Riyadh-hosted COP16, which marked a historic shift in international momentum on land degradation and drought and their impact on food security, water security and climate. By sharing its expertise, Saudi Arabia helps other nations develop their own capacities to address water challenges. The Kingdom’s role as a key contributor to international cooperation supports water security and develops the capacity of water sectors worldwide to address current and future challenges. This engagement reflects a broader commitment to global stability and sustainable development.

The regional impact of Saudi Arabia’s water management achievements extends beyond its borders. Neighboring countries facing similar arid conditions can learn from the Kingdom’s approach to institutional governance, diversified water supplies and private-sector partnerships. The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership and the International Initiative for Early Warning of Sand and Dust Storms are concrete examples of how Saudi Arabia is translating its domestic experience into international action. These initiatives address transboundary challenges that require coordinated responses. By leveraging international forums such as COP17 to exchange knowledge and expertise, the Kingdom builds sustainable partnerships that enhance collective resilience. The participation of the Saudi water ecosystem delegation, including the SWA, SWPC and NWC, demonstrates the integrated nature of the Kingdom’s approach and its willingness to share best practices with the global community.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why is water security a strategic priority for Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and Vision 2030 objectives? Water is essential for agriculture, industry, energy production and urban development. As the Kingdom pursues economic diversification under Vision 2030, reliable water supplies become increasingly important for new industries, tourism developments and population centers. The investments in water infrastructure, including the 18,500 km transmission network and 30 million cubic metres of storage capacity, support these diversification efforts by ensuring that water is available where it is needed. The 33% reuse rate for treated water further enhances sustainability by reducing the demand for freshwater resources.

The economic significance of Saudi Arabia’s water management experience also lies in its potential to create exportable expertise and technologies. As a leader in desalination and water reuse, the Kingdom has developed knowledge and capabilities that can be shared with other countries. This knowledge transfer supports the growth of Saudi companies in international markets and enhances the Kingdom’s reputation as a center of excellence in water management. The private-sector partnerships, exemplified by the $12 billion contribution through the Business for Land initiative, demonstrate how economic actors can contribute to environmental and water security goals. These partnerships create jobs, drive innovation and support the development of a skilled workforce in the water sector.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does Saudi Arabia’s participation in COP17 align with the goals of Vision 2030? The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework emphasizes sustainability, economic diversification and international cooperation. Water security is a cornerstone of these objectives, as it supports food security, public health, economic growth and environmental protection. The Saudi water ecosystem’s efforts to share expertise and build partnerships at COP17 reflect the Vision’s emphasis on global engagement and responsible stewardship of natural resources. The Kingdom’s achievements in water production, transmission, storage and reuse demonstrate tangible progress toward a sustainable future.

What does the future hold for Saudi Arabia’s role in global water security? The Kingdom’s continued engagement in international forums, its leadership in initiatives such as the Riyadh Action Agenda and its commitment to innovation and partnership position it as a key player in addressing global water challenges. As the world confronts increasing water scarcity and land degradation, Saudi Arabia’s experience offers valuable lessons and practical solutions. The Kingdom’s forward-looking approach, grounded in Vision 2030, ensures that it will remain at the forefront of efforts to achieve water security and sustainable development. By sharing its journey and collaborating with international partners, Saudi Arabia contributes to a more resilient and prosperous world, demonstrating that even the most arid regions can achieve water security through vision, investment and cooperation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is COP17 and why is Saudi Arabia participating?

A1. COP17 is the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026. Saudi Arabia is participating to share its integrated water management and water security experience with the international community.

Q2. Which Saudi entities are represented at COP17?

A2. The Saudi water ecosystem delegation includes representatives from the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), known as “Sharakat”, and the National Water Company (NWC), reflecting the integrated approach to water management.

Q3. What is the theme of COP17?

A3. The conference is held under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope,” focusing on restoring degraded land, scaling up efforts to address drought and its impacts, and strengthening links among water, food and ecosystem systems.

Q4. What are Saudi Arabia’s key water production and infrastructure figures?

A4. Saudi Arabia’s total water production capacity exceeds 16 million cubic metres per day, water transmission systems extend 18,500 km, storage capacity exceeds 30 million cubic metres, and treated water reuse for agricultural, industrial and urban purposes reaches 33%.

Q5. What was the significance of COP16 hosted in Riyadh?

A5. COP16, hosted in Riyadh and led by Saudi Arabia, marked a historic shift in international momentum on land degradation and drought and their impact on food security, water security and climate, setting the stage for continued global action.

Q6. What is the Business for Land (B4L) initiative?

A6. The Business for Land (B4L) initiative is a private-sector engagement platform through which businesses contributed $12 billion to efforts aimed at restoring land and combating desertification, demonstrating the role of the private sector in environmental sustainability.

Q7. How many international events has Saudi Arabia participated in since COP16?

A7. Saudi Arabia has continued its international engagement over the following two years by participating in more than 50 international events, reinforcing its commitment to global cooperation on water and land issues.

Q8. What is the Riyadh Action Agenda?

A8. The Riyadh Action Agenda is a Saudi-led initiative under which the number of initiatives grew from 35 to more than 100, encompassing efforts to address drought, land degradation and water security at regional and international levels.

Q9. What are the key initiatives under the Riyadh Action Agenda?

A9. Key initiatives include the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership and the International Initiative for Early Warning of Sand and Dust Storms, both addressing critical challenges facing arid regions worldwide.

Q10. What does Saudi Arabia aim to achieve at COP17?

A10. Saudi Arabia aims to highlight its experience and approach to integrating, developing and managing the various components of the water sector, while leveraging international forums to exchange knowledge and expertise and build sustainable partnerships.

Q11. How does Saudi Arabia’s experience benefit other countries?

A11. Saudi Arabia’s experience demonstrates that water security in arid regions depends on proactive planning, integrated roles, investment in infrastructure and modern technologies, and management of the entire supply chain, offering valuable lessons for other nations facing similar challenges.

Q12. What is the role of the private sector in Saudi water management?

A12. The private sector participates through initiatives such as Business for Land, contributing $12 billion, and through partnerships that drive innovation, investment and capacity building in the water sector, supporting the Kingdom’s sustainability goals.

Q13. How does water reuse contribute to Saudi Arabia’s water security?

A13. Treated water reuse for agricultural, industrial and urban purposes reaches 33%, reducing pressure on freshwater resources and transforming wastewater into a valuable resource that supports economic activities and environmental sustainability.

Q14. What is the significance of the 18,500 km water transmission network?

A14. The 18,500 km water transmission network connects production facilities to distribution networks across the Kingdom, ensuring reliable water supplies for urban, industrial and agricultural users, and demonstrating the scale of infrastructure investment.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia’s water strategy align with Vision 2030?

A15. Water security is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, supporting food security, public health, economic growth and environmental protection. Saudi Arabia’s water achievements demonstrate tangible progress toward a sustainable future.

Q16. What is the International Initiative for Early Warning of Sand and Dust Storms?

A16. This Saudi-led initiative aims to provide early warnings for sand and dust storms, which pose significant challenges to arid regions, helping communities and governments prepare and mitigate impacts on health, agriculture and infrastructure.

Q17. How does Saudi Arabia support capacity building in water sectors worldwide?

A17. Saudi Arabia supports capacity building by sharing expertise, participating in international forums, launching initiatives like the Riyadh Action Agenda, and partnering with other nations to develop their water sectors’ ability to address current and future challenges.

Q18. What is the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership?

A18. The Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership is a Saudi initiative aimed at enhancing global resilience to drought through coordinated action, knowledge sharing and resource mobilization, addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing arid and semi-arid regions.

Q19. Why is water security important for economic diversification?

A19. Water is essential for agriculture, industry, energy production and urban development. As Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy under Vision 2030, reliable water supplies support new industries, tourism developments and population centers.

Q20. What is the future outlook for Saudi Arabia’s role in global water security?

A20. Saudi Arabia will remain at the forefront of efforts to achieve water security and sustainable development, continuing to share its experience, lead initiatives and collaborate with international partners to build a more resilient and prosperous world.

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