Riyadh: The Saudi Water Authority (SWA), through its research wing, the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA), has entered into a strategic partnership with the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This collaboration marks the first of its kind in the Middle East, aiming to share laboratory and research facility use to advance sustainable water and environmental solutions as part of the Belt and Road initiative.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the agreement facilitates mutual access to research facilities, including the Water Oasis in Rabigh and RCEES facilities in China, enabling experts and researchers from both countries to engage in joint projects and studies. The collaboration will leverage Saudi Arabia's expertise in water production and transmission with RCEES' leading technological capabilities in water quality development.

The partnership also involves exchanging researchers and experts, which will enhance knowledge transfer and capacity building. This initiative aims to develop innovative solutions through joint work at existing centers and laboratories and to organize international scientific events in both countries, thus strengthening global research ties.

The agreement was formalized during an RCEES delegation's visit to the SWA, where they explored the Water Oasis in Rabigh and its infrastructure dedicated to water technology development and testing.