A crucial step towards water sustainability

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a strategic decision aimed at protecting its non-renewable water resources. The decision to halt the cultivation of perennial fodder crops in sedimentary aquifers will take effect on Monday, November 16, 2026 (corresponding to June 7, 1448 AH). This decision is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to achieve water security and address the challenges of water scarcity in one of the world's driest regions.

Historical context and groundwater crisis

Saudi Arabia has relied heavily on non-renewable groundwater, also known as “fossil water,” to meet its growing agricultural needs for decades. The sedimentary shelf regions are among the country’s most important underground reservoirs, containing vast quantities of water that have accumulated over thousands of years. However, significant agricultural expansion, particularly in the cultivation of water-intensive crops such as perennial fodder (like alfalfa), has led to the depletion of these precious resources at alarming rates, threatening the sustainability of future generations.

Details of the decision and the mechanism for its gradual implementation

The ministry clarified that the decision will not be implemented abruptly, but rather gradually over three years to allow farmers time to adapt to the new changes. This transitional period aims to encourage farmers to shift towards cultivating seasonal fodder crops that require less water, in accordance with the regulations stipulated in Cabinet Resolution No. 66, issued on February 25, 1437 AH (corresponding to 2016). The decision encompasses all areas cultivated with perennial fodder crops within the geographical boundaries of the sedimentary aquifer.

Expected impact and importance of the decision

This decision is of paramount importance on both the environmental and economic fronts. Environmentally, it will directly contribute to reducing groundwater depletion. Ministry data indicates that one hectare of perennial fodder consumes approximately 32,000 cubic meters of water annually, while seasonal fodder consumes only about 9,000 cubic meters. This significant difference reflects the substantial water savings that will be achieved, thus bolstering the Kingdom's strategic water reserves. Economically, the decision will encourage the agricultural sector to adopt more efficient and sustainable practices, aligning with the objectives of the National Agricultural Strategy and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability.

Towards a sustainable agricultural future

This government approach underscores that achieving food security should not come at the expense of water security. By shifting to less water-intensive agricultural alternatives and supporting farmers during this transition, the Kingdom seeks to strike a delicate balance between agricultural development and the preservation of its scarce natural resources, thus ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of global labor market reforms

His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading the global transformation in labor market policies. He made this statement during his opening address at the third edition of the International Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh. Al-Rajhi explained that the conference, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, has evolved from a mere dialogue forum into an influential global platform for discussing the future of work and its challenges, reflecting the Kingdom's leading role in shaping relevant global discussions.

Vision 2030: The primary driver of change

This Saudi leadership comes within the context of the radical transformations launched by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and reduce dependence on oil. Prior to the Vision’s launch, the labor market faced structural challenges, most notably the need to provide decent job opportunities for the growing Saudi youth population and to empower women in economic development. Accordingly, the Vision focused on strengthening labor market institutions, expanding skills development, and increasing the participation of the national workforce, particularly women, whose participation rate has risen significantly in recent years, exceeding initial targets.

Investing in human capital and empowering youth

Minister Al-Rajhi emphasized that the success of these reforms depends primarily on strong institutions and effective coordination among government entities. He noted that investment in human capital is at the heart of these efforts, as the Kingdom works to develop skills to keep pace with the rapidly changing labor market, particularly in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He affirmed that Saudi youth now view technology and artificial intelligence not as a challenge, but as a genuine opportunity for growth and innovation, with a growing awareness of the importance of acquiring practical skills to access suitable opportunities.

Growing regional and international influence

The impact of these reforms extends beyond the local level, reaching regionally and internationally. Saudi Arabia's experience in labor market reform has become a model for the region, as other Gulf states face similar demographic and economic challenges. Globally, by hosting the International Labour Conference, the Kingdom is contributing to shaping global discussions on pressing issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, building resilient labor markets, and enhancing job quality for young people.

The conference, held under the theme “Shaping the Future,” focuses on six key areas, including trade transformations, informal economies, the new global skills landscape, and the impact of artificial intelligence. These efforts underscore that the Kingdom is not merely keeping pace with change, but actively seeking to anticipate the future and build a more resilient and sustainable labor market for future generations.