Saudi Arabia Leads Global Water Innovation at IDWS 2025

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The 4th Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS) 2025 concluded on December 13, 2025, solidifying its position as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of water innovation, sustainability, and security. The conference, powered by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), brought together global policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to address the world’s escalating water challenges.

Addressing Global Water Challenges

Discussions centered on shared challenges within the global water ecosystem, knowledge exchange, and exploring opportunities for collaboration. Attendees underscored the increasing strategic importance of water – central to economic resilience, climate adaptation, and human survival – and the shared responsibility of nations to safeguard this vital resource.

Strategic Partnerships and Investment

A key outcome of the conference was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Singapore Water Association and the Saudi Water Authority, outlining a strategic partnership for international collaboration. Michael Toh, Managing Director of the Singapore Water Association, highlighted Singapore’s experience in overcoming water scarcity despite abundant rainfall, noting the country’s US$7 billion investment over five years in research and development. This investment has enabled Singapore to achieve 100% access to clean drinking water through desalination and NeWater – a reclaimed sewage water purification process that yields water cleaner than potable sources.

The Urgency of Water Investment in Africa

Jaehyang So, Chair of the Technical Committee, Global Water Partnership, emphasized the critical need for increased investment in water infrastructure, particularly in Africa. She pointed out that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water is among the worst-performing SDGs, largely due to climate change and population growth. With Africa experiencing rapid population growth, continental leaders are prioritizing water security, but current private sector investment in water and infrastructure remains at only 1% of the estimated US$60 billion required to achieve water security. A recent summit in Cape Town, South Africa, identified US$10-12 billion of potential investment in water projects.

Innovation Showcased: Miyahthon and the Global Prize for Innovation in Water

The conference concluded with the presentation of awards, including the winners of the Miyahthon, a water ‘hackathon’ celebrating sustainable solutions. Winning projects included Separation Membrane Innovation (SMI), Raaq, Smart Corr, Aqua Volt, VibraFlow, Mizan For Technology Solutions, AquaTwin, NuPlasTec, Hessan, Smart Green Solutions, HydroMine, Earth Pulse and The Door of Innovation. The event also highlighted the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW), the largest water innovation prize in the region, designed to accelerate breakthrough technologies in water production, treatment, and reuse.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Water Sustainability

His Excellency Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading impactful change for a better future. He emphasized that IDWS 2025 showcased the Kingdom’s dedication to water sustainability, fostering collaboration across public and private sectors and academia to drive tangible progress.

Agreements and Launches

A total of 27 agreements were signed during the three-day conference, focusing on advanced technologies, capacity building, innovation support, service efficiency, and research collaboration. The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) signed five agreements, including collaborations with Taibah Valley (Taibah University) for technology and digital transformation, and Yokogawa to develop AI-driven leak detection solutions. Other agreements focused on ceramic membrane technologies with Meidensha Corporation, photocatalyst research with Najran University, and specialized training programs with GI AQUA.

The conference also saw the inauguration of the SWA Rabigh Water Oasis, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest water innovation oasis, and the launch of the National Framework for Innovation Partnerships in the Water Sector (Water Strip) by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Looking Ahead

Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, emphasized that IDWS 2025 served as a reminder of the power of collective ambition and the potential for transforming challenges into opportunities. The conference underscored Saudi Arabia’s ambition to drive real-world impact and build a more resilient water future for the Kingdom and the world. Future iterations of IDWS promise to build on this momentum and further showcase Saudi Arabia’s leadership in water innovation.