Saudi Arabia to Host Global Innovation-Focused Water Sustainability Conference in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia is set to host one of the world’s most prominent gatherings on water innovation and sustainability as the planet confronts an escalating water crisis. With more than two billion people lacking safe drinking water and global demand projected to outstrip supply by 40% by 2030, the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025) aims to galvanise global action.

The conference will run from 8 to 10 December 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, 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 Makkah Region. Organised by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), IDWS 2025 will gather international leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry experts to accelerate progress towards long-term water security.

A flagship feature of the event, the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW), will spotlight and fund pioneering solutions designed to transform how water is produced, treated, and reused. The GPIW is the largest prize of its kind in the region and one of the most significant globally, connecting scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and implementers to bring cutting-edge ideas into practical application. 

Winners will receive funding and operational support to pilot and scale their technologies within Saudi Arabia and internationally.

IDWS 2025 will also mark the return of Miyahthon (The Water Innovation Hackathon), now in its second edition. The programme invites young innovators, startups, technologists, and entrepreneurs to develop scalable solutions across the water cycle—from production and reuse to digital transformation and efficient management. 

Participants will receive hands-on mentoring through virtual and in-person bootcamps, while winning teams will gain opportunities for incubation and commercialisation. A dedicated investor track will further link promising teams with potential funders and strategic partners.

Strengthening human capital in the water sector is another core priority of the conference. Through the Water Academy, the SWA will launch advanced professional development programmes in partnership with London Business School and 15 international training institutions. These courses will equip Saudi and Arab professionals with skills in water management, sustainable leadership, and organisational innovation.

Technical workshops during IDWS 2025 will explore emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks, financing tools, and sustainability strategies. Peer-reviewed scientific papers will also be presented, showcasing the latest research and practical advancements in water management.

A major draw will be the international exhibition, where global organisations will unveil state-of-the-art technologies in water treatment, desalination, and resource management. Several innovations will make their regional debut. Exhibitors include Siemens, ABB, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works (SSEM), Saudi Investment Bank, ACWA Power, KSB, the Local Content & Government Procurement Authority, and Toray—illustrating a collective commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions.

The conference programme will feature high-level panels, keynote sessions, and networking forums addressing urgent water priorities. IDWS 2025 will host a distinguished lineup of global experts, including H.E. Vera Eiro, President of WAREG (European Water Regulators; H.E. Dr. Mansoor Al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation in Oman; Ben Tarbell, Co-Founder & CEO of Ebb Carbon; Gustavo Saltiel, Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist at the World Bank, and Michael Toh, Managing Director of Singapore Water Association.

This diverse group reflects the conference’s ambition to bring together decision makers, innovators, and thought leaders from government, finance, academia, and the private sector.

Mr. 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. IDWS embodies our shared vision to harness innovation, technology, and collaboration to ensure long-term water security. By convening the world’s brightest minds and honouring breakthrough solutions through the Global Prize for Innovation in Water, we are creating a legacy of impact that extends well beyond our borders.”

As part of its commitment to public awareness and creative engagement, the Saudi Water Authority will launch the “Water Content Creators Award” during IDWS 2025. This nationwide initiative will encourage media creativity and enrich Arabic-language content focused on water sustainability. Its aim is to strengthen public understanding of water’s role in sustainable development while supporting the storytelling and environmental objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The award features multiple tracks—including Innovation in Water, Saudi Water Through the Eyes of Its People, Community Engagement, Awareness and Conservation, Water Security, and Knowledge-Based Content—and is open to individuals and organisations.

Registration is free and open until 31 October 2025 via the official conference website: https://IDWSC.com