The fourth edition of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference, IDWS 2025, returned to Jeddah with record-breaking global participation and a renewed sense of urgency around the future of water. The event, hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah from 8 to 10 December, took place under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khaled Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. With delegations from across the world, it reaffirmed the Kingdom’s rising influence in shaping global water sustainability.
The conference had been distinguished this year by broad international representation. Organizers expected more than 5,000 visitors, 170 speakers, and 100 exhibitors, along with delegations from more than 137 countries. It became clear that the world viewed IDWS as a vital meeting ground for collaboration, policy dialogue, and technology exchange.
IDWS 2025 continued the momentum of its earlier editions, but it also expanded into new territories of innovation. The program had highlighted the circular water economy, advanced wastewater treatment, breakthrough desalination technologies, and a suite of digital tools designed for modern water management. Delegates gained a close, practical view of the challenges facing global water systems and the solutions that needed collective effort.
This year, the conference introduced new activations that moved beyond traditional presentations. Participants had been invited to experience live demonstrations of technologies designed for both large cities and remote rural communities. It created a more immersive, problem-solving environment, one that encouraged hands-on learning over theoretical discussion.
Eng. Tariq bin Ghassan Al-Ghaffari, Deputy President for Emerging Water Research and Technologies at the Saudi Water Innovation Center, remarked that the Saudi Water Authority felt honored to support a platform uniting global and local talent to protect the planet’s most essential resource. His comments reinforced the Kingdom’s positioning as a pioneer in transformative water technologies.
Some of the world’s most influential water innovators took part. Leading engineering firms, global utilities, and digital technology providers showcased next-generation desalination solutions, robotics for utility operations, and advanced monitoring tools. The investment community also played a prominent role, exploring funding pathways and new opportunities in the sector. Major participants included Siemens, ABB, Toray, Oman Water Solutions Manufacturing, KSB, and Toyobo MC Middle East Industries, while Saudi entities such as the National Water Company, STC, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, Rawafid Industrial Company, and Kindasa Water Services presented their upcoming solutions.
A major highlight had been the Global Prize for Innovation in Water, GPIW. The prize recognized forward-thinking ideas ranging from early research to ready-for-deployment technologies. With cumulative awards exceeding USD 10 million and prototype funding up to USD 250,000, the prize continued to position IDWS as a global stage for breakthrough concepts. The competition returned as a vibrant platform for young innovators who underwent intensive virtual and in-person bootcamps before competing in areas such as digital transformation, water reuse, leakage management, and operational efficiency.
The conference also hosted the Water Academy of the Saudi Water Authority. Developed in collaboration with the London Business School and a group of international experts, the academy offered training programs covering desalination, automation, innovative financing models, and utility governance.
IDWS 2025 ultimately stood as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in the sector. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom continued accelerating efforts in decarbonization, circularity, and smarter water systems. The conference served as a global platform that shaped new ideas, partnerships, and solutions, underscoring the enormous potential of collective innovation in securing the world’s water future.
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