Jeddah: The Saudi Water Authority has announced the return of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS), taking place from December 7 to 9, 2026 in Jeddah, as the Kingdom consolidates its position at the center of the global water conversation.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the upcoming edition is expected to bring together over 10,000 participants from 140 countries, featuring 250 speakers and 150 exhibitors. Alongside policymakers and utility operators, the platform will unite investors, researchers, technology companies, startups, and industrial leaders to explore the future of water, accelerate the development of sustainable water solutions, and promote investment opportunities and international partnerships.
As home to one of the world's most advanced and rapidly evolving water management ecosystems, Saudi Arabia currently operates more than 500 water production facilities across the Kingdom with total water production capacity exceeding 16.2 million cubic meters per day. The Kingdom is also the world's largest producer of desalinated water and a global leader in energy-efficient desalination technologies.
President of the Saudi Water Authority Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkareem affirmed that IDWS continues to strengthen Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for water innovation. He noted that the achievements of previous editions, marked by broad international participation, strategic partnerships, and advanced innovations, reflect the growing global confidence in the Kingdom's role in shaping the future of water sustainability.
He added that the upcoming edition represents a more ambitious phase aimed at expanding international collaboration and accelerating the transformation of innovation into practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
Alongside the conference programme, the event will feature live demonstrations, venture capital matching zones, startup pitch platforms, investor engagement roundtables, and closed-door strategic sessions aimed at accelerating project financing and delivery.
The conference will also place a strong focus on the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the future of the water sector, including smart operating systems, predictive analytics, digital twins, and real-time management of assets and infrastructure. These technologies are expected to enhance operational efficiency and support the sustainable use of resources.
The Saudi Water Authority invited government and private entities, investors, innovators, researchers, and industry leaders worldwide to participate in IDWS 2026 and help shape the future of water through a global platform that unites innovation, investment, and implementation. The event aims to turn ideas into projects and partnerships into tangible outcomes that strengthen water security and support sustainable economic growth globally.
