Singapore and Saudi Arabia have formalised a new strategic partnership aimed at accelerating water innovation, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Singapore Water Association and the Saudi Water Authority at the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS) 2025 in Jeddah.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration across advanced water treatment technologies, non-conventional water resources, digital water systems and capacity building. A central objective is to adapt and scale proven solutions for use in arid regions and rapidly growing urban environments.
The partnership brings together Singapore’s experience in integrated water governance and technology-led resilience with Saudi Arabia’s expanding water infrastructure programmes and its ambition to position itself as a global hub for water sustainability and innovation.
Speaking at IDWS 2025, Michael Toh, Managing Director of the Singapore Water Association, outlined how Singapore has transformed water scarcity into long-term resilience through sustained investment, public engagement and innovation across the entire water cycle.
Singapore’s approach includes large-scale deployment of reclaimed water, known as NEWater, alongside desalination, catchment management and demand-side measures. These strategies have enabled the city-state to reduce vulnerability despite the absence of natural freshwater resources.
The MoU with the Saudi Water Authority is intended to support joint exploration of pilot projects, technology demonstrations and co-innovation programmes, enabling knowledge transfer and the practical application of water solutions at scale.
His Excellency Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in strengthening national water security.
“Through deepening our collaboration with Asia’s water innovation ecosystem, we are working to deliver more reliable and more resilient water security for the next generation,” he said.
IDWS 2025 brought together policymakers, international organisations, investors and technology providers to address global water challenges, including the growing investment gap in water infrastructure and services.
Discussions during the conference highlighted the scale of investment required in water-stressed regions, including Africa, and the role of private capital alongside public funding in delivering sustainable solutions. Against this backdrop, the Singapore–Saudi partnership was presented as a model for cross-regional collaboration on water resilience.
The conference also showcased developments in desalination, smart monitoring, leak detection and membrane technologies, areas where Singapore’s water sector has developed significant technical expertise.
Commenting on the conference, Mike Champion, Chief Executive Officer of Tahaluf, which co-organised the event with the Saudi Water Authority, said IDWS 2025 demonstrated the value of aligning ambition with practical delivery.
IDWS 2025 builds on broader international efforts to promote cooperation on water sustainability, complementing platforms such as Singapore International Water Week and ongoing partnerships across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
