Artificial Intelligence innovations for sustainable water management and climate resilience in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Framework

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities to advance sustainable water resource management in Saudi Arabia, a country challenged by arid conditions, rapid population growth, and high agricultural demand. By integrating machine learning with real-time environmental sensing, AI enables continuous monitoring and accurate forecasting of water quality and availability, facilitating proactive interventions to prevent pollution and optimize usage. Precision irrigation systems powered by AI adjust water delivery based on soil moisture, weather forecasts, and crop needs, reducing waste while supporting food security. Coupled with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and remote sensing technologies, these systems provide enhanced spatial and temporal data coverage for comprehensive analysis and adaptive management. Key challenges include ensuring data quality, addressing ethical and regulatory concerns, and strengthening technical capacity among users. Collaborative governance frameworks and public-private partnerships are essential to align technological solutions with societal values and sustain engagement. Embedding AI-driven approaches within national strategies such as Vision 2030 supports environmental preservation, economic resilience, and compliance with international sustainability commitments. This integrated approach enhances water conservation, improves resource allocation efficiency, and strengthens climate resilience in the face of complex hydrological and socio-economic pressures.