Saudi Arabia to Host Conference on Water Desalination in Space

Saudi Arabia will host a conference to discuss the future of water desalination and the latest industrial developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia will host a conference to discuss the future of water desalination and the latest industrial developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Conference on Water Desalination in Space

Saudi Arabia will host a conference to discuss the future of water desalination and the latest industrial developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia will host a conference to discuss the future of water desalination and the latest industrial developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh will host the Future of Desalination International Conference (FDIConf 2022).

It is the first global gathering of its kind that explores the prospects and solutions for the future of water in the world to develop the industry and research and propose sustainable solutions.

The three-day event, “Desalination in Space”, is being organized by the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) and will be held on September 11.

Policymakers, innovators, financiers, marketers, operators, contractors, developers, and technology suppliers from around the world are set to participate.

The event will draw a roadmap for the development of the unconventional water resources industry until 2030 through workshops and a 3D presentation on desalination in space, undersea and in snowy areas, and virtual simulation stations that operate without humans.

It seeks to present a progressive and ambitious reading of the future in the field of water desalination, in line with advanced research, to benefit from space sciences and related experiments.

Experts will discuss new visions related to water desalination activity according to the available information, requirements and future research in the field of space.

It aims to suggest solutions that may held reduce carbon emissions by 50%, developing revenues in the industry, and controlling the cost of water desalination to reach the world record price of $0.32 per cubic meter.

The event will kick off with a ministerial session and an inaugural session, as well as an accompanying exhibition on water desalination.

Relevant parties will sign agreements and memoranda of understanding to underscore Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in water desalination.

The SWCC was established in 1974 as an independent governmental institution with a legal personality, mandated and entrusted with desalination of seawater and delivery of desalinated water produced to various regions across the Kingdom.



Saudi Arabia World Leader in Road Network Connectivity

The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia World Leader in Road Network Connectivity

The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in road network connectivity and has made significant strides, advancing to fourth place in road quality among G20 nations. These achievements are part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, which have contributed to a nearly 50% reduction in traffic fatalities.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, announced these figures on Sunday, during his opening remarks at the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow,” attended by over 1,000 experts from 50 countries.
Al-Jasser highlighted that the Kingdom has implemented numerous initiatives to maintain the safety and quality of its road network. These include “the adoption of performance-based contracts to ensure transparency, optimize spending, and improve quality and service standards,” all in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030.
At a press conference on the sidelines of the event, acting CEO of the General Roads Authority, Eng. Badr Aldulami, shared that the Ministry of Transport oversees more than 75,000 kilometers of roads, while the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs is responsible for over 115,000 kilometers, totaling nearly 200,000 kilometers designed to meet the highest standards in execution, quality, and safety.
For his part, Eng. Abdullah Al-Mogbel, honorary president of the International Road Federation, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s longstanding partnership with the federation, which includes over 119 member countries. He noted that the Kingdom has co-organized five conferences with the federation, all focused on improving road safety, maintenance, and performance.
The General Authority for Roads’ spokesperson, Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, noted that road fatalities have decreased from approximately 28 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 13 currently, with a target of reducing this to 5 by 2030. This progress has been achieved by adopting advanced technologies, methodologies, and large-scale projects, including the use of a global AI-powered fleet to survey the entire road network, assessing factors such as cracks, skid resistance, and road strength.
He further noted that the Kingdom aims to preserve the environment through asphalt recycling technologies, which have cut maintenance time by up to 40% and reduced carbon emissions.
The conference, spanning two days, will feature over 130 scientific papers and showcase approximately 27 innovations and modern technologies, focusing on innovative transportation solutions and government policies aimed at reducing emissions and seamlessly integrating green infrastructure to enhance road safety. The event also includes an exhibition featuring 20 entities showcasing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, intelligent transport systems, and sustainable transportation.