The Saudi Irrigation Organization, in partnership with the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), launched a three-day event in Riyadh dedicated to sustainable development through integrated irrigation management.

ICID President Marco Arcieri underscored the critical need for reliable water supply, increased agriculture, and food security, noting the vital role of modern irrigation and project financing in enhancing efficiency and resilience.

Saudi Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli stressed the value of collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing for sustainable development. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving water services and sustainability.

Mohammed Abu Heed, head of the Saudi Irrigation Organization, described the forum as a chance to share experiences and emphasize water conservation.

The conference aims to develop sustainable approaches for water resource management in agriculture, encouraging stakeholder dialogue and partnership for integrated water use.

Topics of discussion include non-traditional water sources production like reused treated wastewater, advances in irrigation technology, dam use, and the benefits of data and artificial intelligence in smart irrigation.