King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh organized, on October 6, 2025, a lecture titled "The Water Prince: Mohammed AlFaisal" presented by researcher Michael Christopher Low, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Middle East Center at the University of Utah. The lecture addressed the experience of Prince Muhammad AlFaisal, may Allah have mercy on him, in the field of water and desalination, highlighting his significant contribution to the national development. This lecture aimed to open a window into an important aspect of the prince's biography and reveal the dimensions of his practical thinking and forward-looking vision.

The researcher clarified at the beginning of his talk that the prince's awareness of the water issue originated from his childhood and youth in the city of Jeddah, when the city was suffering from a real crisis in meeting daily water needs. The residents relied on salty well water or on water brought from Taif at a high cost, which made him realize that water is not just a resource, but a crucial issue related to life and stability. This early awareness accompanied him during his years of study in the United States, where he found an abundance of rivers and lakes that contrasted sharply with the severe scarcity in his country. It became deeply ingrained in his mind that searching for innovative water solutions is a national necessity that cannot be postponed.

The researcher pointed out that this vision prompted the prince to propose ideas that seemed unusual at the time, such as bringing pieces of icebergs from the South Pole to melt them on the shores of the Red Sea in the Kingdom or blowing up giant depressions deep in the desert to collect seawater. Although these projects were never implemented, they expressed a broad imagination and a determination to face the crisis without mental constraints and demonstrated his ability to think of unconventional solutions to an existential issue.

The researcher pointed out that the prince quickly moved from bold ideas to institutional action, persisting in convincing his father, King Faisal, may Allah have mercy on him, and the relevant authorities to launch a comprehensive desalination project that was not limited to purchasing small, ready-made plants. His efforts resulted in the conclusion of an important agreement in the mid-1960s to establish a dual plant for water and electricity production in the city of Jeddah, which was considered at the time a turning point in the process of addressing thirst, as well as a first step towards building an integrated national strategy in this field.

Michael Christopher Low pointed out that Prince Mohammed AlFaisal's role was not limited to diplomatic coordination in water projects but was further enhanced when he assumed responsibility for water desalination at the Ministry of Agriculture and Water, which formed the nucleus of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation. Its achievements included the launch of the first modern desalination plants in the cities of (Al-Wajh, Duba, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar), and the establishment of an integrated national program for seawater desalination. With the establishment of the organization by royal decree in 1974, the prince continued to lead the project by transforming desalination from limited initiatives into a strategic national industry. He established major plants on the coasts of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf and connected them to networks that transport water to inland cities, which contributed to improving the quality of life and meeting the needs of the growing population. The researcher emphasized that these efforts laid the foundation for the Kingdom to later become a global leader in desalinated water production, an achievement directly linked to the early vision adopted by Prince Mohammed AlFaisal.

He added that the prince’s contributions were not limited to infrastructure, but also included building national cadres capable of managing, operating and maintaining the stations. He believed that imported technology was not sufficient, and that relying on Saudi talent was the real guarantee for the continuity of this industry. Hence, he was keen to encourage training and qualification programs and to transfer expertise to a new generation of engineers and technicians.

The researcher emphasized that the prince's interest in water was inseparable from his comprehensive vision for development. He considered water a fundamental pillar without which no sector could thrive, whether in agriculture, industry, or housing. Hence, his name became associated with the title the "Water Prince" given to him in recognition of his leadership in transforming the thirst crisis into an opportunity for progress and as an affirmation that water security is an integral part of national security.

Christopher Low also highlighted the humanitarian side of Prince Mohammed Al Faisal, who constantly reminded those around him that water is a right for all, and that it is our responsibility to ensure that every home has access to it, regardless of the cost. He is quoted as saying that providing clean water to citizens is no less important than any economic or financial achievement; rather, it is the foundation upon which a dignified life is built. This conviction led him to treat desalination projects as a national issue first and foremost, rather than merely a technical or financial investment.

The researcher emphasized that Mohammed Al-Faisal's legacy in the water sector will remain present in the Kingdom's history, not only as a record of accomplishment in the desalination sector, but also as a lesson that the courage to think and the commitment to action can transform major challenges into solid achievements. So, the title "Water Prince" was not a complimentary description, but rather a testament to the journey of a man who realized early on that water is the foundation of existence, and that investing in it is an investment in the future of nations.

At the end of the lecture, the audience heard from several experts and officials, including Engineer Sharekh Al-Sharekh, Deputy Chairman of the Water Authority for Technical Affairs and Projects, Engineer Abdulaziz Al-Shibani, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Dr Khalid Batrafi, and Dr Yahya Mahmoud Bin Junaid, who addressed technical developments in the field of water desalination, the Kingdom's efforts to promote the sustainability of its water resources and increase the efficiency of its projects, and appreciation for the role of Prince Mohammed Al-Faisal. The presentations also touched on the importance of international partnerships and the adoption of modern technologies in achieving water security, emphasizing that the Kingdom's experience represents a global model that combines innovation and sustainability in resource management.