Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen, who is leading a Saudi delegation to the World Congress on Desalination, said water desalination projects would require $500 billion within the next 10 years. Over 700 delegates from 42 countries have gathered in Singapore for the opening of the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse, according to a report published today by Arab News. Saudi Arabia is not only the world's largest oil producer but also one of the world's largest producers of desalinated water, accounting for some 30 percent of the world's total output. Though better known for its role in OPEC, the Kingdom is also an active member of the International Desalination Association (IDA). Today, Saudi Arabia had the chance to share its experiences of desalination at the IDA World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse. The congress was opened by Singapore's minister of the environment and water resources, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, who is also Singapore's Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs. In his opening remarks, Yaacob said, "Clean, drinkable water cannot be taken for granted, as evidenced by a recent United Nations report that about one-sixth of the world's population still lacks access to safe water. Only about one percent of the planet's natural water supply is fresh water." --MORE 1026 Local Time 0726 GMT
