Saudi Arabia will host water industry experts from more than 140 countries in Jeddah from December 14 to 16 for a conference focused on harnessing innovation to tackle growing water security challenges. Organized by the Saudi Water Authority, the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2026) is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants and 250 speakers, with an exhibition featuring over 150 international brands. Bringing together researchers, investors, technology companies and water utility operators, the event aims to bridge the gap between scientific advances and the practical needs of the industry, helping promising solutions reach commercial markets. Tariq Al-Ghafari, the authority’s vice president for research and emerging water technologies, described the conference as an opportunity to connect new technologies with financing and operational expertise, paving the way for wider adoption. The gathering comes as pressure on water resources intensifies, creating growing demand for investment in infrastructure and technology. The global market for water security and infrastructure management is estimated at $303.8 billion, while planned construction and engineering projects in the water and wastewater sectors exceed $1.2 trillion. Meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and sanitation will require an additional $131 billion to $140 billion annually, highlighting the scale of investment needed to expand access and modernize infrastructure. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, around 1.8 billion people live in households without water supplies on the premises. Agriculture alone accounts for approximately 72% of global freshwater withdrawals, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, underscoring the importance of improving efficiency in water-intensive sectors. Against this backdrop, the conference will explore ways to expand treated wastewater reuse, promote circular economy practices and apply artificial intelligence, digital technologies and data analytics to water management. Discussions will also examine how regulation, financing and workforce development can speed up the adoption of new technologies, while improving efficiency across the water cycle, from production and treatment to resource recovery. The program includes the MiyahThon innovation competition, startup showcases and the fourth edition of the Global Prize for Innovation in Water. These initiatives are designed to bring innovators together with investors and water operators, giving emerging technologies a clearer path from development to commercial deployment. By connecting research with investment and industry needs, the conference aims to help turn promising ideas into practical solutions as countries seek more efficient, resilient and sustainable water infrastructure.
