Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is set to host the IFAT Exhibition and Conference for the first time in early 2026 in Riyadh. The event is a collaboration between the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) and Messe Mnchen of Germany.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the announcement was made during a signing ceremony held today in Riyadh, attended by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley. CEO of MWAN Dr. Abdullah Alsebaei and CEO of Messe Mnchen Stefan Rummel signed the agreement.

The conference will provide a platform for leading global companies and public and private entities in the waste management and water treatment sectors across the Middle East and North Africa. It aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative methods to benefit environmental sectors.

Dr. Abdullah Alsebaei emphasized that hosting the exhibition aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including restructuring the waste management sector, increasing recycling rates, and creating opportunities for local and international investors to develop advanced infrastructure.

The IFAT Conference attracts key global governmental and private entities and represents a strategic step toward expanding its influence and supporting sustainable development plans. Through MWAN, Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve ambitious goals such as separating 91% of waste at the source, preparing 79% of waste for recycling, and diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2040.

In the water sector, the Kingdom plans to advance seawater desalination, expand water networks, and build wastewater treatment plants along with their related infrastructure. These initiatives aim to meet national needs while ensuring resource sustainability and environmental protection.