Saudi Arabia's Water Security: Saudi Water Authority's New Role and Regulations for Enhanced Oversight and Sustainability
Saudi Arabia's water security has been strengthened with the restructuring of the Saline Water Conversion Corp. into the Saudi Water Authority (SWA).
This transition includes new organizational frameworks to improve oversight, optimize regulations, enhance service management, and promote methodological development.
The Saudi Cabinet's approval will support the sustainability of water resources and align with the National Water Strategy and Vision 2030 goals.
The SWA will now develop and refine water sector policies, plans, programs, and initiatives, as well as set standards and regulations for licensing.
The Saudi Water Authority has been established to unify technical and engineering standards in the water sector, oversee strategic planning for water supply, and prioritize localization of the industry and associated services.
The authority aims to increase local content and enhance overall efficiency.
The transformation of the Saudi Water Commission into the Saudi Water Authority and the adoption of its organizational frameworks were endorsed by the Cabinet, with appreciation expressed to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman.
The text highlights the importance of the water sector in Saudi Arabia, with the Cabinet's approval being a testament to the attention given by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince.
This decision will strengthen the sector's position and leverage SWCC's expertise in research, innovation, development, localization, and patents.
The new regulations will give the Saudi Water Authority more significant roles in strategic, regulatory, and executive functions, aiming for a more sustainable and dependable water security framework, secure technologies, and extensive research initiatives aligned with the Kingdom's developmental goals.
The Saudi Water Partnership Council (SWA) aims to improve the water sector in Saudi Arabia by implementing strategic programs, developing regulations and licensing criteria, and ensuring local content and sustainability in water-related projects.
SWA will also plan the water supply chain, prioritize localization of the water industry, and represent the Kingdom in international forums.
The Cabinet's approval of SWA's establishment is seen as a significant step towards advancing the Saudi water sector and ensuring hydro security.
A high-ranking official, Al-Abdulkarim, spoke about the transformation of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), which he described as a major departure from the institution's 50-year history.
He emphasized the Kingdom's leadership's continuous support in utilizing existing assets, innovations, and human expertise to expand SWA's global impact.
SWA aims to build on the Kingdom's achievements in desalinated water production, which stands at 11.5 million cubic meters daily.
The organization is committed to advancing the water sector, enhancing knowledge and technology, empowering local capacities, and managing water and environmental resources to meet the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Furthermore, SWA intends to strengthen its regulatory role, improve the hydro supply chain's integration and efficiency, assess infrastructure readiness, and explore strategic storage and alternative water sources.
The text discusses plans by SWA (Saudi Water Partnership Company) to boost the water sector in Saudi Arabia.
These plans include localizing research, developing technologies, and fostering innovation to create employment opportunities.
The importance of consolidating engineering standards and requirements for professional performance and efficiency is also emphasized.
SWA aims to strengthen the water sector's contribution to the economy by bolstering regulatory and developmental strategies, increasing private sector involvement, and enhancing the sector's role in the national GDP.