Digital Transformation: The Future of Water Management in Saudi Arabia Opinion Piece By Javier Díaz, Country Manager, Aqualia Saudi Arabia

Water is a key driver of economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious transformation under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing in cutting-edge technologies to optimize water management and ensure long-term sustainability. Aqualia is proud to play a leading role in this journey, integrating advanced digital solutions to enhance efficiency, service reliability, and conservation efforts.

Through the power of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics, digital transformation is unlocking new possibilities for smarter, more sustainable water infrastructure. By leveraging these innovations, we are not just optimizing operations, we are reshaping the future of water management in Saudi Arabia.

The water sector is undergoing a significant shift, driven by technological advancements that allow for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. These solutions help utilities maximize efficiency, improve service delivery, and ensure that water is managed as a strategic asset.

Advanced AI-driven leak detection systems are minimizing water loss by identifying and resolving potential issues before they escalate. Smart metering technology enhances billing accuracy and optimizes distribution networks, ensuring water is delivered efficiently and equitably. Integrated digital management platforms provide a real-time overview of vast infrastructure networks, allowing for proactive responses to operational needs. These advancements represent a paradigm shift, moving from traditional, reactive approaches to intelligent, data-driven water management.

As a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s water sector, Aqualia manages key water services for over 8 million residents across both the North and South Clusters, deploying cutting-edge digital technologies that enhance efficiency and service delivery.

In the North Cluster, covering Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Border regions, Aqualia has integrated AI-powered leak detection systems, reducing water loss by 15% and significantly improving conservation. Smart metering technologies have enhanced billing accuracy, ensuring fair and transparent water usage tracking. Additionally, a real-time data management platform monitors a vast network of 18,000 kilometers of pipelines, 92 water treatment plants, and 657 reservoirs, allowing for optimized operations and faster response times.

Similarly, in the South Cluster, which serves over 5 million residents across Assir, Jazan, Baha, and Najran, Aqualia has implemented IoT-driven automation and smart sensors across key

infrastructure, ensuring seamless operation of 380 reservoirs and 330 pumping stations. Predictive maintenance powered by AI and data analytics has led to a 12% increase in energy efficiency, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals. By embracing these digital advancements, we are ensuring a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable water future for the Kingdom.

At the heart of Aqualia’s digital transformation strategy is AqualiaLive, a state-of-the-art digital platform that unifies water management through AI, smart analytics, and real-time operational control. This integrated system provides real-time insights, allowing us to predict and address infrastructure challenges before they impact service delivery.

By leveraging AI-powered automation, AqualiaLive dynamically adjusts supply based on real-time consumption patterns, ensuring that water is delivered efficiently while minimizing waste. Additionally, automated quality monitoring guarantees that water meets the highest safety standards, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable water infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places digital transformation at the forefront of national development, with sustainability and private-sector collaboration playing a key role in achieving long-term goals. Aqualia is fully aligned with this vision, helping to modernize the Kingdom’s water sector by integrating advanced digital infrastructure that enhances operational efficiency and supports sustainable water management.

One of the most critical aspects of this transformation is reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW), ensuring that every drop is accounted for and used efficiently. Aqualia’s smart metering and AI-driven automation solutions are playing a pivotal role in minimizing water losses, enhancing service reliability, and ensuring that the Kingdom’s water resources are managed with maximum efficiency.

Moreover, our efforts in privatization and optimization of water services contribute directly to Saudi Arabia’s goal of enhancing private-sector participation in infrastructure projects. Through AI-driven operations, digital innovation, and strategic foresight, Aqualia is supporting the Kingdom in building a future-ready, sustainable water economy.

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation, the need for intelligent, data-driven water management will only grow. Digital transformation is no longer an option, it is the foundation for long-term sustainability and resilience. Aqualia remains committed to leading the way in smart water solutions, ensuring that our operations not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate the demands of the future.

By integrating AI, IoT, real-time analytics, and automation, we are redefining the future of water services, making them more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.

Water is life. Managing it wisely is our mission. Through digital transformation, operational intelligence, and strategic innovation, Aqualia is paving the way for a new era in water

management, ensuring that Saudi Arabia continues to set global benchmarks for smart water solutions.

**ENDS**

Javier Diaz Gomez BIO

Javier Diaz Gomez was born in Spain in 1976. He holds an MSc degree in Civil Engineering and has completed various postgraduate programs. He also has French nationality and has specialized in water infrastructure for more than 15 years. Since 2014 he has been managing Aqualia’s business in KSA, responsible for its expansion in Bahrain and Kuwait and previously in Eastern Europe for a five-year period. He has experience in water resources such as desalination plants thanks to his role as PM at Chennai RO Plant and with Abengoa WWTP in Spain. He has also worked on different projects for irrigation and potable water.

About Aqualia:

Aqualia is the water management company owned by the citizen services group FCC (51%) and the Australian ethical fund IFM Investors (49%). The company is the fourth largest water company in Europe by population served and the ninth largest in the world, according to the latest Global Water Intelligence ranking (March 2021).

It currently serves almost 30 million users in 17 countries: Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Czech Republic, Romania, and Tunisia. In the 2020 financial year, the company had a turnover of €1.189 billion and maintained a business portfolio of more than €15 billion.