Jeddah to host 2026 Water Sustainability Innovation Conference

Jeddah is set to host the fifth edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2026) from December 14 to 16, 2026. The event aims to accelerate the transition of water solutions from research and development to practical application by connecting innovators with investors and end users.

The conference is expected to attract over 10,000 participants, including 250 speakers and representatives from more than 140 countries. An accompanying exhibition will feature over 150 global brands. Key discussion topics include the reuse of treated water, the circular economy, and the integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in water management and asset operation.

According to Eng. Tariq Al-Ghafari, Deputy President for Innovation and Promising Technology at the Saudi Water Authority, the global market for water security and infrastructure management is estimated at approximately $303.8 billion, with anticipated construction and engineering projects for water and wastewater facilities exceeding $1.2 trillion. The event comes amid global challenges such as droughts, floods, and rising demand, noting that achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and sanitation requires an annual investment of $131 billion to $140 billion.