The Saudi Water Authority is hosting the 21st World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse (IDRA 2026) in Riyadh from November 1 to 5, 2026, under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and in collaboration with the International Desalination and Water Reuse Association. The event, held for the first time in the Kingdom, brings together leaders and experts from 100 countries, including 400 specialists and over 2,200 participants, to address global water security challenges and solutions.
Context and Background
The congress, themed “Leading Global Water Sustainability through Innovation”, will take place at the King Faisal Conference Hall at the InterContinental Riyadh. It marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia, which has established itself as a global leader in water desalination and sustainable water management. The Kingdom’s strategic location and substantial investments in water infrastructure have positioned it as a key player in addressing worldwide water scarcity.
This year’s congress builds on Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience in desalination technology, which supplies a significant portion of the Kingdom’s potable water. The event aligns with the nation’s broader sustainability goals under Vision 2030, emphasizing innovation and international collaboration.
Key Details and Program Highlights
The scientific program features 25 sessions, over 200 technical presentations, and more than 240 peer-reviewed papers across four parallel tracks over four days. These sessions cover 58 subtopics within six main areas: research and innovation, circular water economy and climate adaptation, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, water reuse regulation, and project implementation.
Additionally, the congress will host three specialized forums, an exhibition, workshops, and the second edition of the Global Desalination Hackathon, alongside the IDRA Awards ceremony. The Water Regulation Forum, organized by the Saudi Water Authority in partnership with IDRA, will serve as an international platform for regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange expertise and develop water policies and regulatory frameworks.
Implications and International Impact
The congress provides an opportunity to expand international cooperation and knowledge exchange, driving innovation toward practical solutions for global water challenges. By hosting this prestigious event, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a hub for water technology and policy development. The discussions will address technical and financial solutions to enhance water system efficiency, expand reuse, reduce emissions, and increase sector resilience amid growing water scarcity and demand.
The event also highlights the Kingdom’s advanced expertise in desalination, water reuse, and resource management, contributing to global efforts to achieve sustainable water security.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Hosting IDRA 2026 underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision 2030, particularly its goals of economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. The congress supports the Kingdom’s leadership in water sustainability and its ambition to share knowledge and solutions with the world, paving the way for a more water-secure future. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in research, digital transformation, and international partnerships, it solidifies its position as a global leader in water security.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the IDRA 2026 World Congress?
A1. IDRA 2026 is the 21st World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse, hosted by the Saudi Water Authority in Riyadh, bringing together global experts to discuss water security solutions.
Q2. When and where will IDRA 2026 take place?
A2. The congress will be held from November 1 to 5, 2026, at the King Faisal Conference Hall at the InterContinental Riyadh hotel in Saudi Arabia.
Q3. Who is organizing IDRA 2026?
A3. It is organized by the Saudi Water Authority in collaboration with the International Desalination and Water Reuse Association, under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Q4. What is the theme of the congress?
A4. The theme is “Leading Global Water Sustainability through Innovation”, focusing on innovative solutions for global water challenges.
Q5. How many countries are participating?
A5. Leaders and experts from 100 countries are participating, including 400 specialists and over 2,200 attendees.
Q6. What is the significance of hosting IDRA 2026 in Saudi Arabia?
A6. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership and expertise in water desalination and management, supporting its Vision 2030 goals.
Q7. What are the main topics covered in the scientific program?
A7. Topics include research and innovation, circular water economy, climate adaptation, digital transformation, AI, energy efficiency, and water reuse regulation.
Q8. How many technical presentations and papers are expected?
A8. There will be over 200 technical presentations and more than 240 peer-reviewed scientific papers.
Q9. What is the Water Regulation Forum?
A9. It is an international platform for regulators and policymakers to develop water policies and regulatory frameworks, organized by the Saudi Water Authority.
Q10. What special events accompany the congress?
A10. The congress includes three specialized forums, an exhibition, workshops, the Global Desalination Hackathon, and the IDRA Awards ceremony.
Q11. How does the congress address global water security?
A11. By discussing technical and financial solutions to improve water efficiency, expand reuse, reduce emissions, and increase sector resilience.
Q12. What is Saudi Arabia’s role in global water desalination?
A12. Saudi Arabia is a global leader in desalination, with extensive experience and advanced technologies that supply a significant portion of its water needs.
Q13. How does IDRA 2026 align with Vision 2030?
A13. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting innovation, sustainability, economic diversification, and international collaboration.
Q14. What is the expected impact of the congress on international cooperation?
A14. It is expected to expand cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and drive innovation toward practical water solutions globally.
Q15. How many sessions and parallel tracks are there?
A15. The program includes 25 sessions and over 200 technical presentations, delivered through four parallel tracks.
Q16. What are the six main areas of the scientific program?
A16. They are research and innovation, circular water economy, climate adaptation, digital transformation and AI, energy efficiency, and water reuse regulation.
Q17. How can participants register for IDRA 2026?
A17. Registration is available online at the official congress website: https://idraworldcongress.org.
Q18. What is the Global Desalination Hackathon?
A18. It is a competition where innovators develop solutions for desalination challenges, now in its second edition.
Q19. How does the congress contribute to Saudi Arabia’s quality of life goals?
A19. By enhancing water security and sustainability, it supports a better quality of life for citizens and residents.
Q20. What is the legacy of hosting such a major water event?
A20. It cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in water sustainability, fosters innovation, and strengthens international partnerships for future water security.
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