The Ministry of Environment launches the smart assistant "Saqr" to protect water resources
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to employing the latest technologies to achieve environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture the "Saqr" smart assistant on Thursday. This assistant is the latest output of the "Hafez" digital platform for water resource sustainability. This significant step represents a pivotal shift in field monitoring mechanisms, aiming to protect water resources, which are among the Kingdom's most important strategic resources.
Strategic context: Water security and Vision 2030
This event cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the Kingdom's direction, as water security is central to the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Given the Kingdom's geography and desert climate, preserving groundwater and surface water is not merely a regulatory choice, but an existential imperative. The launch of "Saqr" (Falcon) comes in response to the historical challenges related to traditional monitoring methods. Through the National Water Strategy, the Ministry seeks to reduce water loss, prevent encroachments, and ensure the rational use of resources, which necessitates monitoring tools characterized by speed and high accuracy.
"Saqr": Artificial intelligence serving the field
The ministry explained that the smart assistant "Saqr" is not just a traditional application, but a comprehensive system based on artificial intelligence . This system was specifically designed to be the digital companion for law enforcement officers in the field. Its primary function is to enable inspectors to have immediate and accurate access to the texts of the Water Law and its implementing regulations. Instead of manually searching through complex regulations, "Saqr" analyzes the field situation and guides the officer toward the correct legal procedure based on the type of violation, its geographical location, and the licensing status, thus eliminating the possibility of personal interpretations and ensuring the fair and firm application of the law.
Enhancing compliance and reducing procedural errors
It is expected that "Saqr" will have a direct impact on the efficiency of the ministry's operational processes. By automating field legal consultations, the system will contribute to:
- Speeding up enforcement procedures: Reducing the time spent issuing citations and reviewing regulatory documents.
- Reducing human error: Ensuring the accuracy of the legal classification of violations, thus legally protecting the Ministry's decisions.
- Standardization: Ensuring uniform application of regulations in all regions of the Kingdom without variation.
- Digital documentation: Guiding officers to the documents and attachments required for each case to ensure the completeness of the seizure reports.
Expected impact and future of water governance
This launch represents a significant step towards "smart governance" of natural resources. Locally, "Saqr" will enhance the authority of the system and reduce water waste resulting from unmonitored violations. Regionally, the Kingdom is setting a leading example in how to leverage technology to serve environmental and water issues, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in government digital transformation. "Saqr" embodies the harmony between technological advancement and the urgent need for resource sustainability, ensuring future generations' right to clean and sustainable water.
