The Middle East has five per cent of the world's population, but possesses only 1 per cent of renewable fresh water, an expert said.

According to the World Bank, renewable water will also decline by 50 per cent by 2050, said Saudi Aramco community services executive director Mazen Snobar.

He was speaking ahead of a conference on 'Innovative Water and Wastewater Reuse Technologies,' to be held next week.

'Gulf countries spend around BD503 million ($133 billion) every year on water and wastewater management,' said Snobar, who is also conference organising committee head.

'We need more cost-effective, innovative, and sustainable technologies to help prevent the coming water shortage.'

Snobar said that non-renewable resources such as sea water desalination, recycling and innovative conservation policies to control human and agriculture consumption can play an important role in reducing water shortages.

However, he said, it should be done in a manner that does not harm the environment.

The three-day conference will be held from March 2 at the Gulf Hotel under the patronage of Works Minister and Electricity and Water Authority head Dr Fahmi Al Jowder.

'The conference will highlight the magnitude of the water scarcity in the region and promote dialogue and networking between all water industry stakeholders to better address the issue of water availability,' said Snobar.

He said that the conference aimed to provide the regional water professionals with information on the latest innovative water and wastewater technologies.

Authority chief executive Dr Abdulmajeed Al Awadhi said the conference will discuss continuous planning for water technology, re-using water, privatisation and the financial choices in using water and wastewater, treating industrial wastewater and water conservation.

It is being organised by the Saudi Arabian Water Environment Association, Water Environment Federation, International Desalination Association, and is supported by Saudi Aramco.

'An exhibition will be held on the sidelines of the conference, where major companies working in the field of water will exhibit the latest innovations and technologies in water production, re-use, wastewater and conservation systems,' said Dr Al Awadhi.-TradeArabia News Service