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One of the biggest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century is water shortage worldwide. Decision makers in the world's governments must pay attention to this major problem and provide alternative solutions for social and economic development in this vital and important field. In an era overwhelmed by such challenges and problems of water resources and increasing demand, the increase in population has led to a significant rise in global water consumption by about seven times in the twentieth century. On the other hand, scientists believe that global climate change will lead to changes in the hydrological cycle and to increasing weather extremes such as droughts and floods. This may present new challenges for the use and management of water resources at all levels. After this shortage of water resources has reached levels that require rapid intervention and participation in providing exploration for alternative solutions, the search for alternative water resources and their good management and preservation is no longer confined to government agencies, but has become a national responsibility involving individuals, institutes and universities, each according to its competences and capabilities. Hence the role of the university as an essential and vital factor in achieving the desired goals of exploring, assessing, managing and sustaining water for the present and future generations for sustainable development.
In line with the Saudi Vision "2030" as well as the vision and mission of King Abdulaziz University, the university has focused much of its efforts on water resources at the level of colleges, centers and research teams, which contributes to the study and assessment of the current water situation and development of strategies and plans to solve problems at the local, national, regional and international levels. The Water Research Center at King Abdulaziz University is one of the scientific stature, which is concerned with studying water resources and proposing appropriate solutions for its good management, sustainability and preservation in Saudi Arabia. It also contributes directly to achieving knowledge and transferring of expertise through scientific research and distinctive projects of strategic dimension, as well as preparing specialized training programs and scientific consultations in order to raise awareness, development and service of the community. The center comprises distinct scientific units and specializations namely; Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Water Geochemistry, Irrigation and Hydraulics Engineering, and GIS.
It is a great pleasure to welcome you all and thank you for visiting the website of the center. We ask Allah to guide us towards the achievement of the center's vision and objectives in order to meet the huge demand for water, and to benefit our society in particular, and the communities of the world in general. It is our hope to be an added value to King Abdulaziz University in the development and sustainability of water resources and conservation in Saudi Arabia. Our efforts in this center are directed towards serving our beloved university and our precious country.
Director of Water Research Center
Prof. Iqbal Mohammed Ibrahim Ismail
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