The Saudi Water Authority has announced the return of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS), which will be held from December 7-9, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah, bringing together global leaders to advance innovation and sustainability in the water sector.

The conference will feature 250 speakers and 150 exhibitors, creating a platform for policymakers, industry executives, investors, researchers and technology providers to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities.

Hosted by the Saudi Water Authority, IDWS 2026 will highlight topics including water innovation, sustainable infrastructure, financing models, public-private partnerships and investment strategies aimed at addressing global water challenges.

Organisers expect the 2026 edition to attract more than 10,000 participants from 140 countries, representing a growth of over 50 per cent compared with the previous event. 

Abdullah Al-Abdulkareem, President of the Saudi Water Authority, affirmed that IDWS continues to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for water innovation. 

He noted that the achievements of previous editions, marked by broad international participation, strategic partnerships, and advanced innovations, reflect the growing global confidence in the Kingdom’s role in shaping the future of water sustainability. 

Al-Abdulkareem added that the upcoming edition represents a more ambitious phase aimed at expanding international collaboration and accelerating the transformation of innovation into practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions.