Economic growth, welfare, and sustainability outcomes of integrated water, energy, and food investments in Saudi Arabia

Numerous nations have enacted substantial policy changes to diversify key industries, affecting multiple domains. However, the overall consequences of these reforms still lack robust empirical clarity. This research examines how Saudi Arabia's public investments in water access, agricultural output, and sustainable energy systems influence economic development, societal well-being, population health, and ecological balance. Using panel fixed-effects quarterly data from 2000 to 2023 analyzed through an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. We find that a 1 % increase in potable water expenditure improves social welfare by 0.012 units and public health by 0.028 units, with a doubling of such investments potentially reducing waterborne diseases by 5–7 % in vulnerable regions. Expenditures on food production significantly enhance social welfare and public health, with a 10 % increase linked to a 2–3 % reduction in malnutrition rates. Renewable energy investments demonstrate robust economic and environmental returns: a 10 % spending hike boosts GDP growth by 0.75 % and reduces annual carbon emissions by 2.7 %, aligning with net-zero targets. Notably, combining investments in renewable energy with potable water infrastructure amplifies economic growth by 9 % and public health outcomes by 15 % compared to isolated efforts, while integrating renewable energy with food production spending strengthens food security impacts by 15 %. These findings underscore the need for the Saudi government to prioritize cross-sectoral investments in potable water and renewable energy to advance health, welfare, and sustainability while reinforcing targeted social programs to maximize synergistic returns.