Global industry leaders, senior policymakers and investors will be in Riyadh to discuss ways to strengthen waste and water systems, advance circular economy models and support long-term environmental resilience at the IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit which kicks off this month.
Held under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, the inaugural edition of IFAT Saudi Arabia supports the kingdom’s ambitions to accelerate investment in sustainable waste and water infrastructure.
The event will spotlight knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and sector collaboration through a dedicated strategic summit and a Continuous Professional Development (CPD)-certified conference programme.
To be held from January 26 to 28 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the Summit has been designed to support national development goals and market readiness, said the event organisers.
IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit and two conference programmes will explore how policy, capital and technology can work together to strengthen waste and water systems, advance circular economy models and support long-term environmental resilience, they added.
Waste, water economy in Saudi Arabia
Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, CEO, National Center for Waste Management (MWAN), said: "Waste management systems is a key priority for supporting environmental protection, operational efficiency and resource recovery."
"Saudi Arabia creates a focused environment for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, review international experience and align on strategic approaches that support the Kingdoms regulatory direction and circular economy ambitions," he stated.
An invite-only event, IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit will convene senior decision-makers from government entities, regulatory authorities, investors and industry leaders to examine the strategic direction of the Kingdom’s waste and water sectors.
Focused on impact investment, public-private partnerships, stakeholder engagement, future readiness and knowledge transfer, the summit will provide access to regional and international case studies, policy-led insights and practical frameworks that support scalable infrastructure development and service delivery, said the organisers.
Key sessions include the Leaders Panel, which will examine the evolving waste and water economy in Saudi Arabia, assessing market dynamics, investment potential and policy alignment with national priorities.
Another headline session, the Water Security Panel, led by the Saudi Water Authority, will focus on strategic leadership and governance in advancing water security, exploring national water strategies and integrated policy frameworks.
"Secure and resilient water sector requires long-term planning, strong governance and close coordination across public and private stakeholders," said Eng. Mamdooh Alshuaibi, the Vice President of Sustainability and Water Sector Services, at the Saudi Water Authority.
"Saudi Arabia provides a timely setting to discuss policy priorities, investment frameworks and technical approaches that support efficient water use, system resilience and sustainable service delivery across the kingdom," he stated.
Orange Stage: Empowering a Circular Future
Complementing the Summit, IFAT Saudi Arabia will host a CPD-certified conference programme across two thematic stages, Orange Stage and Blue Stage, open to all visitors.
Over the three days, Orange Stage will focus on waste management, recycling and circular economy practices. Sessions will explore regulatory developments, operational optimization and technology deployment across municipal, industrial and specialist waste streams.
Highlights include a technical presentation on optimization techniques in municipal solid waste management, examining smart collection systems, routing efficiencies and processing workflows aimed at improving recovery rates and reducing operational costs.
The programme also includes a session exploring the role of data, cybersecurity and digital transformation in modern waste management systems, reflecting the growing importance of smart infrastructure and connected operations.
One of the highlights on the agenda is a panel discussion marking the launch of the World Bank’s latest report on Solid Waste Management in Mena, in collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).
Blue Stage: Innovative Solutions in Water Management
Running from 27 – 28 January, Blue Stage will focus on water resilience, desalination, reuse and digital transformation across utilities and industrial users. Sessions will examine how policy, finance and technology are shaping water security in arid and water-stressed environments.
One of the sessions will be a panel discussion on water resilience in the Middle East, organised by German Water Partnership, which will draw on international project experience and highlight the role of collaboration and policy alignment in achieving long-term impact.
A case study on brine mining led by NEOM, will examine the valorisation and commercialisation of brine streams to reduce environmental impact while supporting circular industrial practices.
A dedicated panel discussion on finance and public-private partnerships, led by the International Water Association, will explore funding mechanisms, PPP models and green finance approaches supporting water infrastructure, digital water management and climate-resilient systems across the region, said the organisers.
By connecting policy, investment and applied solutions, IFAT Saudi Arabia will support informed decision-making, cross-sector collaboration and practical delivery across the Kingdoms environmental ecosystem, they added.-TradeArabia News Service
