A Roadmap of Sustainable Water Resources Management in Saudi Arabia: Leveraging a Circular Economy Model

Water is a critical natural resource in Saudi Arabia, a region characterized by its arid and semiarid environments. Recognizing this, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on conserving and maintaining natural water resources in the region as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s long-term development goals. The vision emphasizes improving water efficiency, enhancing wastewater treatment, reducing reliance on nonrenewable groundwater resources, and investing in innovative desalination technologies. Hence, this survey was conducted to understand the status of water resources in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on climate change, the availability of groundwater and its recharging processes, water consumption for agricultural and irrigation activities, domestic and industrial water demands, and the productivity of wastewater treatment plants. Ultimately, a circular economy model was proposed as an effective means of optimizing water management in the region. This review is expected to facilitate a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s transformation and the potential next-generation strategies that can be implemented.