SWA Boosts National Talent Development in Mega Projects Through Two Flagship Initiatives at Water Academy

Riyadh - 25 July 2025 - The Saudi Water Authority (SWA), through its training affiliate, the Water Academy, has launched two flagship initiatives as part of its strategic direction to build and develop national capabilities and strengthen local content in the water sector.

The initiatives were inaugurated in the presence of the SWA’s Vice President for Technical Affairs and Projects, Eng. Sharikh Al-Sharikh, and Head of Desalination Operations, Eng. Abdullah Al-Zuwaid.

The initiatives include the launch of the “Familiarization Program in Production Systems and Transmission Networks” and the transfer of the “Hazard and Operability Study Program” (HAZOP) to the Water Academy. Both initiatives underscore SWA’s commitment to equipping national technical and engineering talent with the highest levels of competence and empowerment, while enhancing operational sustainability across the water sector.

The Familiarization initiative is designed to prepare engineers, operators, and maintenance technicians for the operation and maintenance of production systems and transmission networks in major water projects.

Delivered through specialized training programs by the Water Academy in cooperation with the Technical Affairs and Projects sector, the program ensures operational readiness and raises technical efficiency in line with best practices and international standards. The initiative also aims to cover operational needs for new projects, secure readiness for large-scale systems, and build Saudi cadres capable of operating and managing strategic projects.

Meanwhile, transferring the HAZOP program to the Water Academy enhances sector-wide operational sustainability through accident prevention and reduction of malfunctions. The program provides a systematic and structured methodology for identifying and evaluating potential risks and operational deviations in industrial processes.

These two initiatives reflect the Academy’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in knowledge transfer and technology localization. They reinforce its strategy as an enabling institution dedicated to preparing, qualifying, and empowering national talent according to the highest global standards. The initiatives ensure project readiness and sustainable operational efficiency, while at the same time strengthening the Academy’s domestic and international standing as a national training enabler. Through specialized programs, the Academy continues to expand its training content, cement its role in localizing expertise, and building a professional national workforce capable of meeting the sector’s growing demands and challenges.