Saudi Water Week, the landmark event in the international effort to address critical water challenges, has successfully concluded its first edition in Jeddah. The five-day event in late June and early July 2026 attracted more than 2,500 participants, including 20 ministers and 180 international experts from over 80 countries. Organizers said there were 97 specialized sessions and 20 exhibition pavilions, emphasizing innovative approaches and meaningful dialogue.
This was no run-of-the-mill conference. In addition to the 7th Arab Water Forum, the event also included a special showcase of the water sector in Saudi Arabia and the Second Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting for the 11th World Water Forum, making the event a comprehensive platform for real progress. Participants discussed practical issues related to increasing the efficiency of water use, reducing losses, improving governance, mobilizing financing, and promoting innovation in integrated water resources management. Notably, youth engagement was also highlighted as a marker of a forward-thinking approach to long-term answers.
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) said the week was about forging partnerships and sharing knowledge across borders. “The week provided a model platform that contributed to the event’s success and the achievement of its ambitious objectives through the active participation of decision-makers, experts and partners from Saudi Arabia, the Arab region and the world,” the ministry said. It emphasized talks on challenges and opportunities for enhancing water security and sustainability.
One of the most visible outcomes is a clear roadmap for the 11th World Water Forum, to be held in Riyadh in 2027 under the theme “Action for a Better Tomorrow”. MEWA officials said the Jeddah sessions were an important milestone in preparations, setting priorities and translating top-level talks into coordinated global action. The ministry said there was positive feedback from participants who appreciated the well-organized program and the combination of policy and technical discussions through bilateral and multilateral meetings.
The emergence of Saudi Arabia as a leader on water issues could not come at a better time. Such events are a good example of the value of bringing together diverse voices, especially as climate pressures, population growth and rising demand put strain on resources around the world. The Kingdom’s investment in hosting both this first week and the upcoming World Water Forum is a serious commitment to turning words into workable strategies that can benefit regions far beyond its borders.
The momentum from Jeddah should help guarantee the 2027 forum delivers more than declarations. The real success will be in the follow-through: tangible projects, shared technologies, measurable improvements in the way communities manage this vital resource. Saudi Water Week has set an ambitious but collaborative tone and laid important groundwork for meaningful outcomes in Riyadh.
There is cause for optimism for the global water community. It is easier to advance sustainability when countries share their expertise and agree on priorities. The first Saudi Water Week has shown the potential of focused international collaboration, and there are high expectations for what is to come.
