Around 2,000 participants from 60 countries around the world witnessed the inauguration International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress 2019 yesterday (October 21) at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), the event will conclude on October 24.

The congress inauguration was attended by Matar Humaid Al Tayer, chairman of Dewa; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa and founder and chairman of Wetex, Miguel Angel Sanz, IDA president, and senior officials from Dewa.

Sheikh Hamdan said: “We welcome you all here today at the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress 2019, hosted by Dubai under the theme 'Crossroads to Sustainability'. This global event is the world’s largest and most prominent congress on water desalination specialty areas and is attracting leaders, high-profile officials, experts, and academics.”

Sheikh Hamdan said that the congress will showcase the latest technological and scientific developments and practical applications and offer a perfect platform to share international expertise in water desalination field. Visitors will also have the chance to learn about new water-related projects implemented or in the process of implementation.

“Additionally, the congress will serve as a platform to interact and network with global experts and leaders in the fields of electricity, water and clean energy to promote a prosperous future for generations to come. In conclusion, I would like to welcome the guests of the congress again and wish them a good stay in the UAE”, he concluded.

Sanz said: “Dubai is hosting once again the IDA World Congress, in its 18th edition, with the theme of ‘Crossroads of Sustainability’. On this note, I would like to start giving my utmost thanks to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, for their consistent and generous support to host the new IDA World Congress”.

“Desalination industry is in a great period, developing more and more projects. MENA region and more specially the United Arab Emirates and Dubai have an important number of huge plants, more sustainable and efficient, in the pipeline. The use of renewable energies is helping to reduce the carbon footprint and is doing more affordable the water costs,” Sanz added.

The congress is organised under the theme “Crossroads to Sustainability” by the IDA.  The largest International Congress on Water Desalination discusses a host of vital topics including desalination, water reuse, energy, environment and finance of water treatment projects, in light of the rapidly increasing trends to meet the growing demand for water reuse.

The participants will address current and future challenges facing water desalination sector to develop sustainable solutions to water scarcity resulting from the continuing population growth, industry needs, and climate change implications. Participants are also expected to collaborate in developing a clear mechanism of action to promote joint efforts among different sectors in the world through exchanging relevant ideas, knowledge and experiences.

The biennial event will witness launching a technical programme, and will feature extensive panel discussions and organising a desalination exhibition, training sessions and specialised workshops. The event will also provide an opportunity to directing network with industry and public sector leaders as well as organise a series of forums for companies and public institutions. – TradeArabia News Service