The global water sector is entering a historic phase of transformation, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a bold leader that combines technological innovation and international collaboration to deliver new solutions for global water security.
Under the leadership of H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, this opening address highlights pioneering initiatives that drive innovation, unlock new partnership opportunities, and contribute to shaping a more sustainable future for the water sector.
Representatives will address federal funding opportunities for state and local water systems, emerging challenges in water security, and legislative priorities for sustainable water resource management. Speakers will provide insights into dual investment opportunities for the US and Saudi Arabia.
Opening Address from H. E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President, Saudi Water Authority.
Meagan Mauter Stanford University - NAWI Professor/Research Director
A ceremony celebrating the joint commitments of the Saudi Water Authority and the US’ cutting-edge experts in technology and innovation.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Dr. Duane Waliser NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Chief Scientist, Earth Sciences
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Dr. Ebru Sule Canan Sokullu United Nations Institute for Training and Research Director, UNITAR Global Water Academy
9:40-10:45 | Presentations from the Saudi Delegation
The first of two sessions outlining the key investment opportunities in the Saudi market.
Presentations:
Saudi Water Authority: Overview of the water sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Investment: The Investment Gateway – opportunities and priority sectors
National Water Company: Partnerships for future services improvement
Saudi Water Partnerships Company: PPP models, lessons learned, and future packages
Water Transmission Company: Smart transmission networks, reliability, and advanced control
ACWA Power: Integrated desalination and energy solutions, innovation, and low-carbon technologies
10:45-12:00 | Panel Discussion: Investing in Innovation
Global water security demands unprecedented capital and innovation -- resources the US and Saudi Arabia uniquely possess. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has deployed hundreds of billions in transformative projects, while the US leads in smart water systems, advanced desalination, and AI-driven management.
This session examines how strategic US-Saudi partnerships can leverage each nation's strengths through joint ventures, investment models, and collaboration frameworks to deliver water security solutions at scale.
Moderator:
Dr. Peter Fiske NAWI Engagement and Technology Transitions Manager
Speakers:
Tariq Alghaffari Saudi Water Authority (SWA) Vice President Research & Promising Technologies
This ice-breaker-cum-networking session offers the choice of 10 discussions to join at 10 separate tables. Each one will present a new opportunity for investors and innovators alike.
Presentations:
Emerging Membrane Technologies for Investment
John Tonner Water Consultants International Inc / AMTA President / Executive Director
A New Resource Frontier: Fresh Water and Minerals from the World’s Toughest Brines
Hypersaline brines, once considered “too tough to treat,” are now at the center of breakthrough technologies delivering low-cost water recovery and mineral extraction.
