In 2023, Saudi Arabia took notable steps toward a sustainable future, with a strong focus on reducing the environmental impact of energy-intensive processes like seawater desalination. Currently accounting for 50% of the Kingdom’s water supply, desalination is central to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious green initiatives, reflecting its commitment to balancing resource demands with environmental stewardship.

The General Authority for Statistics’ latest Water Accounts report reveals a 7% reduction in non-renewable groundwater consumption in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector, dropping to 9,356 million cubic meters in 2023 from 10,044 million cubic meters in 2022. This shift toward renewable groundwater sources underscores the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to its Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to minimize reliance on non-renewable resources.

In 2023, renewable groundwater accounted for 21% of Saudi Arabia’s total groundwater usage. Complementing these efforts, water reuse consumption rose by 12% to 555 million cubic meters, reflecting advancements in recycling initiatives. With groundwater reserves diminishing rapidly, the Kingdom increasingly turns to desalination and renewable groundwater as viable alternatives, offering significant untapped potential for sustainable water management.

Official data highlights Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector as the largest consumer of water resources, utilizing over 12,298 million cubic meters annually and accounting for 61.4% of the Kingdom’s water expenditures. Meanwhile, the industrial sector saw a notable increase in water consumption, rising from 22% in 2022 to 30% in 2023, reflecting the sector’s rapid growth and expanding resource demands.