Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced on Monday that it had signed a contract to establish a geographical information system (GIS) for water planning, reports the Saudi Gazette.
This relevant step in water management and planning aims to create a smart water digital platform aligning with international best practices for the water sector within Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, the Ministry's Undersecretary, emphasized that the aim was to develop intelligent digital systems for water information and risk management. Such systems are envisioned to bolster decision-making processes and facilitate crucial water analyses. This ambitious undertaking is slated to unfold across seven phases, with a target completion date set for 2026.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced on Monday that it had signed a contract to establish a geographical information system (GIS) for water planning
The inaugural phase will include an assessment of existing water data and digital infrastructure, paving the way for subsequent phases. Following this, efforts will be directed towards identifying and embracing international best practices, followed by a gap analysis to discern the sector's specific needs. Subsequent stages will focus on crafting a comprehensive plan for database development and system enhancement.
Al-Shaibani outlined the fifth and sixth phases, scheduled for 2025, which involve the creation of an integrated institutional water database and the deployment of trial operations for smart digital water systems. The project's culmination in 2026 will concentrate on providing solutions and consultancy support to ensure seamless database and system operation.
The envisioned digital platform will provide an array of advanced features, including mobile applications, satellite data processing, and geospatial analysis capabilities. Equipped with a sophisticated dashboard, the platform will enable users to conduct geospatial analyses and manage tasks efficiently. Furthermore, it will integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning models, ensuring its adaptability and sustainability in meeting diverse user needs.
