Jeddah to host IDWS 2026 to accelerate global water innovation
Jeddah will host the fifth edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2026) from December 14 to 16, bringing together international experts, investors, researchers and water-sector organisations to accelerate the deployment of innovative water solutions.
The conference aims to bridge the gap between research and development and practical implementation, connecting innovators with investors and end users to strengthen water security, improve service efficiency and promote the sustainable management of water resources.
IDWS 2026 is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from over 140 countries, with more than 250 speakers and an international exhibition featuring over 150 global brands.
Focus on water security and investment
Eng. Tariq Al-Ghafari, Deputy President for Innovation and Promising Technology, said the conference would provide a global platform to discuss opportunities and challenges, showcase emerging technologies and strengthen international cooperation.
Al-Ghafari noted that the global market for water security and water infrastructure management is estimated at approximately $303.8 billion. Meanwhile, anticipated construction and engineering projects for water and wastewater facilities exceed $1.2 trillion.
Studies also estimate that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and sanitation will require additional annual investment of between $131 billion and $140 billion.
The conference comes amid growing pressure on water systems from droughts, floods and rising demand. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, 1.8 billion people still live in households without a water supply on their premises. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that agriculture accounts for approximately 72% of global freshwater withdrawals.
AI and water reuse among key themes
The conference programme will examine technologies and practices aimed at improving water management, including treated-water reuse, circular economy solutions, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and data analytics.
These applications can support planning, operations and asset management while improving service performance and water-use efficiency across different sectors.
Discussions will also explore the role of policy, governance, financing and capacity building in helping promising technologies move from research into operational use.
Organisers will place particular emphasis on aligning scientific research with the practical requirements of water-sector operators. The objective is to improve the viability of innovations and support their long-term impact in real-world applications.
Start-ups and innovation initiatives
IDWS 2026 will feature the “Miahthon”, platforms showcasing start-up solutions and the Global Prize for Innovation in Water.
The initiatives are intended to highlight emerging ideas, encourage partnerships and help innovative solutions enter the market and achieve wider adoption.
By bringing together technology developers, investors and end users, the conference aims to support collaboration across the water sector and advance the implementation of solutions addressing global water challenges.
