Saudi Water Week Sets the Stage for World Water Forum 2027 in Riyadh
JEDDAH — The first edition of Saudi Water Week concluded on Thursday after five days of discussions that brought together more than 2,500 participants from over 80 countries, setting the stage for the 11th World Water Forum, which Saudi Arabia will host in Riyadh in 2027.
The June 28‑July 2 event attracted 20 ministerial delegations, more than 180 international experts, and featured 97 specialized sessions, 20 participating pavilions, and a historical mural documenting more than 90 years of development in the Kingdom’s water sector.
Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the event was described as a strategic milestone in advancing global cooperation on water issues and positioning the Kingdom at the centre of international dialogue on water security, sustainability, and innovation.
Road to Riyadh 2027
The ministry said the event established a comprehensive “Road to Riyadh 2027” framework that will guide preparations for the World Water Forum, one of the world’s largest gatherings on water issues. Saudi Water Week also hosted consultative meetings for the 11th World Water Forum and the Seventh Arab Water Forum, bringing together policymakers, experts and stakeholders to discuss reducing water waste, improving efficiency, and expanding access to sustainable solutions.
Workshops examined governance, financing, innovation, and youth engagement, with organisers saying the aim was to translate ideas into practical strategies. The ministry said the event received positive feedback for integrating multiple international forums into a single platform, accelerating preparations for the Riyadh gathering.
Global Recognition
During the event, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the water sector and said the Kingdom should aspire to become the world’s “water capital.” He identified food, health, the environment and renewable energy as priority areas and said the Riyadh forum should help mobilise proposals from experts and institutions worldwide. He also called for safe drinking water to remain at the top of international development agendas.
Reforms and Partnerships
Throughout the week, Saudi officials highlighted major reforms and initiatives. The Saudi Irrigation Organisation signed five agreements and memoranda of understanding with the Saudi Water Authority and other entities to strengthen cooperation, support the adoption of the Irrigation Practices Code, and develop modern technologies to improve water‑use efficiency. Its exhibition pavilion featured digital services, technology solutions, and a mobile laboratory designed to promote best practices.
90‑Year Journey
A historical mural tracing the sector’s evolution from 1931 — when King Abdulaziz commissioned international experts to identify water resources — to the Kingdom’s emergence as a global leader in water management attracted significant attention. The mural also outlined future ambitions, including increasing water service coverage to 85% and sanitation coverage to 70%, ensuring a continuous 24‑hour water supply, and expanding water production capacity to 21 million cubic metres per day by 2050 to serve more than 20,000 communities.
Saudi Water Week marked the first time that several major water‑sector gatherings were brought together under one umbrella in the Kingdom, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s ambition to shape global discussions on water security ahead of the World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027.
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