Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a global hub for water innovation as the IDWS 2026 Conference is announced, bringing together world leaders, investors, and innovators in Jeddah to shape the future of global water sustainability. The event is expected to attract 10,000 participants from 140 countries and highlight breakthrough solutions in water governance, technology, and sustainable investment. Ilustrasi : Jaktimes.com
JEDDAH, JAKTIMES.COM – Amid the escalating global water crisis driven by climate change, population growth, and pressure on natural resources, Saudi Arabia is increasingly affirming its position as one of the world’s leading hubs for innovation and water governance.
This is marked by the announcement of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2026), which will take place from 7–9 December 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah. The international forum is projected to become one of the largest global water sector gatherings, bringing together more than 10,000 participants from 140 countries.
Organizers are targeting around 250 speakers and 150 exhibiting companies and institutions from various sectors, ranging from government, investors, technology companies, startups, academics, to industry players.
Amid global challenges related to water resilience, Saudi Arabia is considered to hold a strategic position. The country currently operates more than 500 water production facilities with a total production capacity exceeding 16.2 million cubic meters per day. Saudi Arabia is also known as the world’s largest producer of desalinated water and a pioneer in more energy-efficient desalination technologies.
The President of the Saudi Water Authority, Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkareem, said that hosting IDWS is part of efforts to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role in driving innovation and sustainability in the global water sector.
“Successive editions, marked by broad international participation, strategic partnerships, and various cutting-edge innovations, demonstrate growing global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the future of water sustainability,” he said in an official statement.
According to him, IDWS 2026 will enter a more ambitious phase focused on expanding international collaboration and accelerating the transformation of innovation into practical, scalable solutions.
Focus on Governance and Investment
Unlike previous forums, IDWS 2026 will place strong emphasis on water governance. Regulators, policymakers, financial institutions, and water utility operators will come together to discuss transparent and sustainable policy models that ensure long-term investment stability.
The forum will also address key strategic issues including green financing, public-private partnerships (PPP), large-scale water infrastructure development, and sustainable investment models that support long-term water security.
In addition, the organizers will provide various business platforms such as startup-investor matching sessions, venture capital forums, technology innovation pitches, and closed-door meetings aimed at accelerating financing for strategic water projects.
AI and Future Technologies
One of the key themes expected to draw attention is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in water resource management.
Innovations such as predictive operations, digital twin technology, smart infrastructure, and AI-based decision-support systems will be showcased as part of the transformation of the water sector into the digital era.
Beyond technology, the conference will also explore the interconnection between equitable water access and sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and urban development.
By bringing together government leaders, global CEOs, investors, utility operators, researchers, and technology providers in a single platform, IDWS 2026 is expected to accelerate the emergence of new projects, business partnerships, and investments that support global water resilience.
At a time when many countries are facing an increasingly serious water scarcity threat, Saudi Arabia appears to be aiming not only to remain the world’s largest water producer, but also to become a global hub for collaboration in finding sustainable solutions for the future of the planet’s water resources (Marwan Aziz).