Baku: A delegation from the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), led by Vice President for Research and Emerging Technologies Eng. Tariq Al-Ghaffari, concluded an official visit to the People's Republic of China, resulting in the signing of research and technology agreements and partnerships with leading universities, research centers, and global companies. Among the key outcomes was an agreement that paved the way for cooperation to establish a joint national laboratory for water resource protection and development, aimed at advancing innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable solutions for the water sector.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the visit included the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Tsinghua Research Institute for Environmental Innovation, as well as a research agreement with the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which is ranked among the world's leading research institutions according to the Essential Science Indicators (ESI). The agreements support the development of applied research, exchange of expertise, and long-term scientific partnerships.
The delegation also discussed cooperation opportunities with Tsinghua University in leak detection technologies, reverse osmosis membranes, and the establishment of a joint research platform. At Northwest A and F University, it reviewed innovations in smart irrigation and rainwater harvesting in arid environments.
In the field of future technologies, the delegation explored with Northwestern Polytechnical University the use of satellite sensors to forecast variables affecting water resources. It also discussed opportunities for cooperation with the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) in hydrological studies and the potential to benefit from its advanced research expertise.
As part of digital transformation efforts, the delegation visited 51World, a company specializing in digital twin and artificial intelligence technologies, to discuss developing digital models for water resources. It also reviewed low-emission solutions for integrated water services management with Capital Eco-Pro Group.
On the industrial side, the authority discussed efficiency-enhancing and cost-reduction technologies with Shanghai Electric Power Plant Water Engineering Co., Ltd. It also explored opportunities with LONGi Green Energy to leverage photovoltaic technologies. It discussed knowledge transfer and industrial localization with Neway Valve, supporting local content development and strengthening water-sector supply chains.
The two sides also discussed developing national capabilities, exchanging researchers and experts, and launching joint scientific projects to improve water system efficiency and support sustainable development goals.
The visit forms part of the Saudi Water Authority's efforts to strengthen international partnerships, promote research and innovation, and localize advanced technologies, supporting national priorities and objectives while reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for innovation in the water sector.
