Saudi Arabia and China strengthen research and technology partnership to develop sustainable solutions for the water sector.

The Saudi Water Authority delegation, headed by His Excellency the Vice President of the Authority for Research and Promising Technologies, Engineer Tariq bin Ghassan Al-Ghafari, concluded an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, which culminated in the signing of research and technology agreements and partnerships with leading international universities, research centers and companies, most notably an agreement that opens up prospects for cooperation to establish a joint national laboratory for the protection and development of water resources, which will enhance innovation, knowledge transfer and the development of sustainable solutions for the water sector.

The visit witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Tsinghua Institute of Environmental Research and Innovation, and a research agreement with the Research Center for Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (RCEES), ranked among the top 1% of research institutions globally according to the ESI index, which supports the development of applied research, the exchange of experiences and the building of long-term scientific partnerships.

The delegation also explored collaboration opportunities with Tsinghua University in leak detection technologies and reverse osmosis membranes, as well as the establishment of a joint research platform. At Northwestern A&F University, they learned about smart irrigation innovations and rainwater harvesting in arid environments.

In the area of ​​future technologies, the delegation discussed with Northwestern Polytechnical University the use of satellite sensors in predicting variables affecting water resources. They also explored with the China Polar Research Institute (PRIC) opportunities for collaboration in hydrological studies and leveraging its advanced research expertise.

On the digital transformation front, the delegation visited 51World, a company specializing in digital twin technologies and artificial intelligence, to discuss developing digital models for water resources. They also visited Capital Eco-Pro Group to explore low-emission solutions for integrated water services management.

In the industrial sector, the Authority discussed technologies for improving efficiency and reducing operating costs with Shanghai Electric Power Plant Water Engineering Co., Ltd. They also explored opportunities to utilize photovoltaic technologies with LONGi Green Energy, and with Neway Valves, they discussed knowledge transfer and industry localization, all aimed at supporting local content development and strengthening supply chains in the water sector.

The two sides also discussed developing national expertise, exchanging researchers and experts, and launching joint scientific projects that contribute to improving the efficiency of the water system and supporting sustainable development goals.

This visit comes as part of the Saudi Water Authority's efforts to strengthen its international partnerships, enable research and innovation, and localize advanced technologies, thereby supporting national objectives and priorities and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global hub for innovation in the water sector.