Dr. Abdulmalik bin Abdulrahman Al-Sheikh, Secretary General of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water, announced that 275 nominations have been received from scientists and researchers in 69 countries worldwide, competing for its five prizes totaling 3 million Saudi riyals. Al-Sheikh, who also oversees the Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research at King Saud University, emphasized that this significant participation reflects the prestigious standing the prize has achieved internationally as one of the most prominent scientific awards specializing in the field of water.
Historical background and founder's vision
The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water was established in 2002 at the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him), who was known for his deep concern for humanitarian and environmental issues. The prize reflects his vision of the need to mobilize global scientific efforts to address one of the greatest challenges of our time: water scarcity. Since its inception, the prize has become an international platform to honor scientists, inventors, and research institutions that offer innovative and sustainable solutions for managing and protecting water resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions facing increasing water pressures.
Importance and impact at the local and international levels
The significance of the award stems from its status as a pioneering Saudi initiative addressing a global challenge. Saudi Arabia, by virtue of its geographical location, possesses extensive experience in dealing with water scarcity challenges, making it ideally positioned to lead international efforts in this field. The award's objectives align directly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on environmental sustainability and achieving water security.
Internationally, the award is gaining increasing importance as the global water crisis intensifies due to climate change and population growth. By highlighting outstanding scientific achievements, the award encourages increased investment in research and development and stimulates the exchange of knowledge and expertise among nations, thereby accelerating the development of widely applicable solutions. It is not merely about financial recognition; it aims to build bridges of scientific cooperation to confront a shared challenge that threatens the stability and prosperity of societies.
An open invitation to innovators in the new cycle
The award seeks to recognize outstanding contributions in five main categories: Innovation, Surface Water, Groundwater, Alternative Water Resources, and Water Management and Protection. This diversity encompasses all aspects of the water sector, from traditional sources to modern technologies in desalination and reuse.
In this context, the Secretary-General of the award reiterated his call to scientists, researchers, and scientific institutions at the local, regional, and international levels to submit their research and achievements for consideration for the thirteenth cycle of the award. He noted that nominations will remain open until the end of December 2027 via the award's official website.
