Saudi Arabia to Host Major Water Sustainability Conference in 2026

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to host the fifth Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2026) in Jeddah from December 14 to 16, 2026. Organized by the Saudi Water Authority, the conference aims to bridge the gap between innovation, investment, and implementation within the global water sector.

The event is poised to attract over 10,000 participants from more than 140 countries, featuring over 250 speakers and an exhibition showcasing more than 150 global brands. A key focus will be on facilitating connections between financing sources, including investment funds, financial institutions, and banks, with water service providers and industry leaders.

A significant highlight will be the fourth edition of the Global Prize for Innovation in Water, offering a total of $10 million in prizes. This prize supports innovative ideas and solutions addressing critical water sector challenges, from early-stage research to market-ready applications. This year introduces a new category specifically for water conservation and efficiency improvements.

The conference agenda will also include Miyahthon, a water hackathon, technical workshops, and the Global Water Innovations Launchpad. Scientific discussions will cover seven core themes, including desalination, water reclamation, industrial water solutions, AI in water operations, agriculture water, infrastructure management, and water quality. A new eighth theme, focusing on produced water management and reuse, will be added through a partnership with the Produced Water Society.

Hosting the conference in Saudi Arabia offers a practical dimension, allowing participants to draw on the Kingdom's extensive experience in integrated water resources management and its significant investments in water infrastructure and technology.