Saudi Arabia to Host IFAT Conference in Riyadh in Early 2026

Saudi Arabia will host the IFAT Exhibition and Conference for the first time in early 2026 in Riyadh, following an agreement signed between the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) and Messe München of Germany. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Riyadh on January 27, 2025, attended by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley. The event marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to advance its environmental and waste management sectors.

Context and Background

IFAT is widely recognized as the world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste, and raw materials management. By bringing this prestigious event to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia underscores its commitment to adopting global best practices and cutting-edge technologies in environmental sustainability. The conference will serve as a platform for leading global companies and public and private entities from across the Middle East and North Africa to exchange expertise and showcase innovative methods to benefit environmental sectors.

Key Details of the Agreement

The agreement was signed by CEO of MWAN Dr. Abdullah Alsebaei and CEO of Messe München Stefan Rummel. Dr. Alsebaei emphasized that hosting the exhibition aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including restructuring the waste management sector, increasing recycling rates, and creating opportunities for local and international investors to develop advanced infrastructure. The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative methods in waste management and water treatment.

Implications for the Region

The IFAT Conference attracts key global governmental and private entities and represents a strategic step toward expanding its influence and supporting sustainable development plans. Through MWAN, Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve ambitious goals such as separating 91% of waste at the source, preparing 79% of waste for recycling, and diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2040. In the water sector, the Kingdom plans to advance seawater desalination, expand water networks, and build wastewater treatment plants along with their related infrastructure.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of environmental sustainability and economic diversification. By hosting IFAT, Saudi Arabia reinforces its global leadership in environmental stewardship and creates a platform for international collaboration and investment. These efforts aim to meet national needs while ensuring resource sustainability and environmental protection, contributing to a greener future for the Kingdom and the region.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the IFAT Exhibition and Conference?

A1. IFAT is the world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste, and raw materials management, bringing together global experts, companies, and policymakers to showcase innovations and share best practices in environmental sustainability.

Q2. When and where will the IFAT Conference be held in Saudi Arabia?

A2. The IFAT Conference will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in early 2026. This marks the first time the event will take place in the Kingdom.

Q3. Who organized the IFAT Conference in Saudi Arabia?

A3. The conference is organized in collaboration between the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) in Saudi Arabia and Messe München, a leading German trade fair organizer.

Q4. Who signed the agreement to host IFAT?

A4. The agreement was signed by CEO of MWAN Dr. Abdullah Alsebaei and CEO of Messe München Stefan Rummel during a ceremony in Riyadh on January 27, 2025.

Q5. What sectors will the IFAT Conference focus on?

A5. The conference will focus on waste management and water treatment sectors, including recycling, water conservation, and innovative environmental technologies.

Q6. How does hosting IFAT align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A6. Hosting IFAT supports Vision 2030 objectives by restructuring the waste management sector, increasing recycling rates, and attracting local and international investors to develop advanced infrastructure.

Q7. What are MWAN’s waste management goals by 2040?

A7. MWAN aims to separate 91% of waste at the source, prepare 79% of waste for recycling, and divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2040.

Q8. How will the conference benefit international participants?

A8. The conference provides a platform for global companies and entities to exchange expertise, showcase technologies, and explore investment opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

Q9. What water sector initiatives does Saudi Arabia plan?

A9. Saudi Arabia plans to advance seawater desalination, expand water networks, and build wastewater treatment plants to meet national needs and ensure resource sustainability.

Q10. Who attended the signing ceremony?

A10. The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, along with other officials.

Q11. Why is IFAT important for the region?

A11. IFAT brings global expertise and innovation to the region, supporting sustainable development plans and addressing environmental challenges in the Middle East and North Africa.

Q12. What is the role of Messe München in the event?

A12. Messe München, as a co-organizer, brings its experience in hosting IFAT globally, ensuring the conference meets international standards and attracts key global participants.

Q13. How will the conference support local investors?

A13. The conference creates opportunities for local and international investors to develop advanced infrastructure in waste management and water treatment, fostering economic growth.

Q14. What technologies will be showcased at IFAT?

A14. Cutting-edge technologies in waste separation, recycling, water treatment, and sustainable resource management will be showcased to benefit environmental sectors.

Q15. How does this initiative contribute to environmental protection?

A15. By promoting recycling and efficient waste management, the initiative reduces landfill use, conserves resources, and supports long-term environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia.

Q16. What is the significance of hosting IFAT for the first time?

A16. Hosting IFAT for the first time demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s leadership in environmental stewardship and its commitment to adopting global best practices.

Q17. How will the conference impact waste management in Saudi Arabia?

A17. The conference will facilitate knowledge exchange and investment, accelerating the restructuring of the waste management sector and improving recycling rates.

Q18. What is the target audience for the conference?

A18. The target audience includes global companies, government entities, and private sector stakeholders in waste management and water treatment from the Middle East and beyond.

Q19. How does the water sector initiative align with sustainability?

A19. The water sector initiatives aim to ensure resource sustainability through desalination and wastewater treatment, supporting clean water access and environmental protection.

Q20. What long-term benefits does hosting IFAT bring to Saudi Arabia?

A20. Hosting IFAT positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for environmental innovation, attracts investment, and advances its Vision 2030 goals for a sustainable and diversified economy.

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