Driving global Water Sustainability Through Innovation
IDRA World Congress 2026
1 – 5 November, 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Accelerating the World's Clean Water Future
Accelerating the World's Clean Water Future
Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and hosted by the Saudi Water Authority, the IDRA World Congress 2026 in Riyadh will convene global leaders, innovators, and decision-makers under the theme Driving Global Water Sustainability Through Innovation.
The Congress focuses on accelerating the systems, technologies, and solutions needed to secure reliable, low-carbon, resilient water supplies for a rapidly changing world.
A World Congress like no other
With knowledge sharing across five days of Technical and Thematic programs, and, Business Development and Networking across robust exhibitions and leadership streams, the IDRA World Congress 2026 will examine how advanced desalination, scaling water reuse, integrated water systems, and digital intelligence contribute to national, regional and global resilience; and how these capabilities support broader development priorities, including economic growth, industrial competitiveness, agricultural stability, and community wellbeing.
Supporting Water for Prosperity
In this context, as IDRA is a partner with UN Water, water for security becomes a practical outcome of innovative water policy, sustainable infrastructure, and sound investment, not an abstract aspiration.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
“We are delighted to welcome the global water community to Riyadh, as we host the IDRA World Congress in Saudi Arabia for the very first time.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) for their patronage, and the Saudi Water Authority for their hosting of the IDRA World Congress 2026.
Few places demonstrate the pace, scale, and ambition of modern water transformation as clearly as Saudi Arabia, and WC2026 will bring together innovators, leaders, and experts driving the next era of sustainable water systems.
At a time when water underpins climate resilience and future prosperity, this World Congress is an essential moment to learn, collaborate, and accelerate solutions that work. We look forward to meeting you in the Kingdom.”
Shannon McCarthy
IDRA Secretary-General
Jon Freedman
IDRA President
With thanks to our Industry Sponsors
A Global Hub for Water Innovation and Leadership
Saudi Arabia's Water Sector transformation
Saudi Arabia has built water infrastructure at national scale, becoming the world’s largest producer of desalinated water and a hub for high-impact innovation. Under the leadership of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) and the national direction set by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), the Kingdom is advancing one of the most ambitious water transformations in the world—guided by its National Water Strategy 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia among the top ten countries globally in sustainable water resource management.
This progress extends far beyond scale alone. The Kingdom is rapidly advancing:
- Water reuse as a core pillar of its circular water economy
- Net-zero desalination pathways aligned with renewable energy
- Digital and AI-enabled water intelligence for forecasting, efficiency, and real-time operations
- Integrated national water systems connecting desalination, reuse, groundwater protection, agriculture, and urban water management
- Next-generation environmental stewardship, including improved brine management and ecological protection
These priorities align directly with the five strategic objectives of the National Water Strategy 2030: ensuring continuous access to safe water under normal and emergency conditions; enhancing water demand management across all sectors; delivering cost-effective, high-quality, and affordable services; safeguarding and optimizing water resources while preserving the environment; and driving sector competitiveness through effective governance, private sector participation, capacity building, and innovation.
The World Congress allows delegates to see this transformation first hand – and it is an opportunity to accelerate solutions that work, strengthen global collaboration, and shape a resilient water future… together.
IDRA World Congress Registration Costs
Registration for the IDRA World Congress opens in late February. All prices are in $USD.
Please note: Non-member full-time professors/students must register with the standard non-member registration price
General Registration Early Bird fee until April 30
| IDRA Member | $1,400.00 |
| Non-Member | $1,650.00 |
| Full Time Professors/Students who are IDRA members | $750.00 |
General Registration May 1 to August 31
| IDRA Member | $1,600.00 |
| Non-Member | $1,850.00 |
| Full Time Professors/Students who are IDRA members | $850.00 |
Speaker and Session Chair Registration
| Speaker and Session Chair Registration | $850.00 |
Public Utilities
IDRA MEMBER
| Registration until July 31 | $825.00 |
| Registration – August 1 – November 20 | $925.00 |
Public Utilities
NON MEMBER
| Registration until July 31 | $975.00 | |
| Registration – August 1 – November 20 | $1,075.00 |
IDRA World Congress Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities for the IDRA World Congress 2026 are now open, offering a full range of categories, packages, and benefits designed to elevate your organization’s global presence.
We have a number of different sponsorship levels currently available, each providing exceptional brand visibility, high-level networking with industry leaders, and valuable international exposure.
By partnering with the Congress, sponsors gain a strategic platform to showcase innovation, strengthen relationships, and engage directly with a worldwide community of decision-makers and experts.
Sponsorship packages provide opportunities to:
- Build visibility among senior decision-makers and project owners
- Position your organisation at the forefront of global water innovation
- Showcase technologies and solutions to an international audience
- Strengthen partnerships with utilities, regulators, EPCs, and industry leaders
- Support knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and international collaboration
- A range of sponsorship tiers is available, including branding, exhibition, technical programme involvement, and tailored partnership activations.
- If you are interested in securing a sponsorship opportunity, please contact [email protected]
IDRA World Congress Exhibition Opportunties
The IDRA World Congress 2026 exhibition is strategically designed to maximize engagement between exhibitors and conference delegates from across the globe.
To ensure your brand receives prime visibility and exposure, it’s imperative to secure your preferred location promptly.
Early booking not only guarantees your spot but also allows you to strategically position your booth for maximum foot traffic and interaction.
As the heartbeat of innovation and industry discourse, the WC26 Exhibition floor is where meaningful connections are forged, partnerships are initiated, and groundbreaking ideas are exchanged.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be at the heart of this influential gathering. For more information on how to secure your spot – email [email protected]
IDRA World Congress 2026 Dates
8
February, 2026
IDRA World Congress 2026 Technical Program
2
March, 2026
IDRA World Congress 2026 Thematic Program
26
January, 2026
IDRA World Congress 2026 Exhibition Hall Booth Booking
Media Partners
Strategic Partners
