Saudi Arabia has stressed that digital transformation in the water sector has become an economic, environmental, and national imperative that enhances water security, improves resource management, and turns data into strategic decisions supporting sustainability. The Kingdom noted that technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are key to reducing water losses, improving operational efficiency, and advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The remarks were made during a specialized panel discussion titled "Digital Transformation in the Water Sector: From Data to Decision," held by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture as part of the inaugural Saudi Water Week, a five-day event taking place in Jeddah from June 28 to July 2, 2026. During the session, the ministry outlined its vision for an integrated data platform, AI, and digital technologies to build a more efficient and sustainable water sector, enhance the quality of government services, support decision-making, and accelerate the sector's digital transformation. The session covered several key themes, including the role of technology in the water sector and its contribution to water security, the impact of technology and data centers on water consumption, the use of data to drive smart operational decisions, successful international and domestic case studies, the AI role in detection, forecasting, and improving efficiency, as well as water sustainability and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) indicators. Participants stressed that digital data exists across every water network, but that the real challenge lies in collecting, analyzing, and acting on it. They also noted that international experience shows that every Saudi riyal invested in digitalization generates a fivefold return through reduced water losses and lower operating costs, thereby enhancing the sector's efficiency and improving the reliability of its services.
