H.E. President of SWA, Appreciates the Kingdom’s Leadership, Emphasizes a Remarkable Leap for the Future of the Water Sector

H. E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, the President of the Saudi Water Authority, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and H. R. H. Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for the approval of the Cabinet to transform the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) into the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) and the approval of its regulatory arrangements.

He stated that "The Cabinet's approval to regulate SWA represents a significant step towards developing the water system in the Kingdom and enhancing its effectiveness to ensure water security, as well as maximizing its developmental and economic roles." He noted that this approval marks a qualitative leap in a journey spanning fifty years, culminating the continuous care provided to the water sector in the Kingdom by the wise leadership. He emphasized that this transformation clearly reflects their support for developing the water sector, benefiting from the capabilities of SWA and its previous global leadership in innovation, development, industrial localization, and patents under its previous name.

He further added in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency that SWA will build on previous global successes and records, including the Kingdom's ranking as the top producer of desalinated water by 11.5 million cubic meters, the development of production and strategic storage systems, and many significant achievements in the water sector locally and globally. SWA will move to a new stage of advancement and prosperity, relying on its highly efficient expertise, continuous passion for excellence, innovation, and contributing to realizing Saudi Vision goals in sustainability, quality of life, and economic diversification.

Additionally, Al-Abdulkarim highlighted that the future roles of the SWA will focus on maximizing its supervisory and strategic role in regulating and overseeing the water sector. This includes studying and approving the cost and price structures associated with providing services in the Kingdom, regulating commercial agreements with entities related to the water sector, managing water security, conducting a comprehensive assessment of the readiness and reliability of infrastructure, and supervising natural resource assets and strategic reserves.

He concluded his statement by affirming that the Saudi Water Authority will contribute to completing the development of the water sector to continue its global leadership and enhance it by encouraging innovation in the water sector, supporting research and studies in its areas of specialization, as well as representing the Kingdom in relevant international entities and organizations.