RIYADH: The Saudi Irrigation Organization participated in the third meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The meeting was held alongside the fourth World Irrigation Forum and was attended by members of the high-level advisory group, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Mohammed bin Zaid Abu-Haid, the organization’s CEO, said that irrigation is no longer just an agricultural issue but a strategic matter tied to national resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability.

He said water-scarce countries face major challenges, since agriculture consumes the largest share of water, while the Kingdom’s main agricultural water sources are largely non-renewable — making this a strategic priority for Saudi Arabia’s water sector.

Abu-Haid highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to develop sustainable and reusable water sources, with the organization leading the transition through capacity building, sector excellence, and regulation to ensure sustainability.

He concluded by inviting the commission’s members and international partners to participate in the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh.

Meeting participants emphasized that modernizing irrigation and agricultural infrastructure, based on integrated water resources management, is essential for sustainable food security amid climate change, water scarcity, and rising food demand.