Jeddah to Host Global Water Sustainability Conference in December 2026

Jeddah will host the fifth Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2026) from December 14 to 16, 2026. The event aims to transition water technology from research phases into practical, large-scale deployment by connecting innovators with investors and end users.

Key Takeaways

• Global attendance: Organizers expect more than 10,000 participants from 140 countries, featuring over 250 speakers and 150 international brands.
• Market value: The water security and infrastructure management market is estimated at USD 303.8 billion, with construction and engineering projects valued at over USD 1.2 trillion.
• Funding requirements: Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and sanitation requires an additional annual investment of USD 131 billion to USD 140 billion.
• Resource challenges: The conference will address systemic water issues, including the fact that 1.8 billion people lack on-premises water supplies and agriculture consumes 72% of global freshwater.
• Technological focus: Sessions will cover artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital technologies for water asset management and operational efficiency.

Accelerating Innovation

The conference seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and operational requirements. Eng. Tariq Al-Ghafari, Deputy President for Innovation and Promising Technology at the Saudi Authority, stated the event serves as a platform to discuss challenges and showcase technologies to foster international cooperation.

As global demand for water rises alongside climate-related disruptions like droughts and floods, the event will examine policy, governance, and financing models. These elements are necessary to enable the adoption of new technologies. The agenda includes the “Miahthon,” startup showcases, and the Global Prize for Innovation in Water to highlight promising developments.