The CEO of the Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO), Mohammed bin Zaid Abu-Haid, took part in the third meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). The session was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside members of the High-Level Advisory Group, as part of the Fourth World Irrigation Forum (WIF4).
In his address, Abu-Haid stressed that irrigation is no longer solely an agricultural concern but a strategic issue tied to national resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability. He highlighted the significant challenges faced by water-scarce countries, noting that agriculture consumes the largest share of water resources. In Saudi Arabia, he also explained, agricultural water supplies are largely drawn from non-renewable sources—making water sustainability a top national priority.
Abu-Haid underlined the Kingdom’s efforts to develop sustainable and reusable water resources. Additionally, he pointed out that the SIO plays a central role in this transformation, guided by a clear vision focused on capacity building, excellence in managing and developing irrigation and reclaimed water systems, and regulatory oversight to ensure sustainability.
He concluded by inviting ICID members and international partners to participate in the 11th World Water Forum, set to take place in Riyadh in 2027.
During the meeting, members reaffirmed that modernizing irrigation and agricultural infrastructure—through integrated water resources management—is essential to achieving sustainable food security amid the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and rising global food demand.
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