Saudi Arabia to Host Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference 2025

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia will host the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWSC 2025) from December 8–10, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah. Held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Region, the event will bring together global leaders to confront one of the world’s most urgent challenges: water security.

Organised by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), the conference will convene policymakers, researchers, innovators, and industry representatives to advance solutions in sustainable water management. The gathering comes at a critical time, with more than two billion people lacking safe drinking water globally and demand projected to exceed supply by 40 percent by 2030.

Supporting Global Innovation in Water Sustainability

A major highlight of IDWSC 2025 will be the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW), designed to accelerate breakthrough technologies in water production, treatment, and reuse. The prize will connect innovators with investors and implementation partners, helping move promising concepts into real-world applications. Winning teams will receive technical support and financial backing to scale their projects in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

Mehaideb Saleh Al Mehaideb, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference, said: “Through the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference, the Kingdom reaffirms its global leadership in advancing sustainable water management. IDWSC embodies our shared vision to harness innovation, technology, and collaboration to ensure long term water security. By convening the world’s brightest minds and honoring breakthrough solutions through the Global Prize for Innovation in Water, we are creating a legacy of impact that extends well beyond our borders.”

Miyahthon, The Water Academy & Capacity Building

The conference will also present the second edition of Miyahthon, the Water Innovation Hackathon. Entrepreneurs, startups, and technologists will develop solutions related to reuse, digital transformation, and efficiency across the water cycle. Participants will gain access to mentorship, incubation pathways, and potential investors.

In parallel, The Water Academy will introduce new professional development programmes in coordination with London Business School and 15 global training partners. These courses aim to strengthen expertise in water management, leadership, and innovation across the Kingdom and the wider Arab region.

Exhibition, Workshops & Global Expertise

IDWSC 2025 will feature specialised workshops on technology adoption, water financing, regulation, and sustainability. Peer-reviewed research will be presented by academics and industry experts covering the latest developments in desalination, treatment, and water resource management.

The accompanying international exhibition will showcase advanced water technologies and systems, including several making a regional debut. Exhibitors include Siemens, ABB, ACWA Power, KSB, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works (SSEM), the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, the Saudi Investment Bank, and Toray.

Confirmed speakers include:

• HE Vera Eiro, President of WAREG (European Water Regulators)
• HE Dr. Mansoor Al Hinai, Chairman, Authority for Public Services Regulation, Oman
• Ben Tarbell, Co-founder & CEO, Ebb Carbon
• Gustavo Saltiel, Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank
• Michael Toh, Managing Director, Singapore Water Association

Water Content Creators Award

To support public awareness initiatives, the Saudi Water Authority will launch the Water Content Creators Award, aimed at media professionals and content creators producing Arabic-language educational content focused on water sustainability. Categories include innovation, community engagement, water security, and knowledge-based storytelling, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and its environmental stewardship objectives.

IDWSC 2025 positions Saudi Arabia at the centre of global dialogue on water resilience—bringing the world together to inspire innovation, strengthen collaboration, and advance sustainable solutions for a water-secure future.