Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – April 24, 2025. His Excellency Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, officially launched the identity of the IDRA World Congress 2026 last Thursday in Riyadh. The launch took place in the presence of an official delegation from the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA), led by Secretary General Ms. Shannon McCarthy.

This announcement comes amid growing global concerns over water scarcity, as the Kingdom intensifies preparations to host this prominent international event. The Congress underscores Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to innovation and global cooperation to ensure a sustainable water future.

The official identity reflects the Kingdom’s leadership within the international water community and aligns with its forward-looking vision for environmental and technological advancement in water resource management and service delivery.

During the meeting, both parties discussed coordination and integration between the Authority and IDRA to ensure the highest organizational standards, highlighting the Kingdom’s global leadership in water innovation.

Eng. Mohammed Al Sheikh, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Local Content, stated:

“We are proud to host the IDRA World Congress 2026 in Riyadh, which aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s vision for sustainable water security. We look forward to welcoming top minds in desalination and reuse to showcase our research, technologies, and practical solutions—reinforcing our commitment to solving global water scarcity challenges.”

IDRA Secretary General Ms. Shannon McCarthy praised the Kingdom’s high-level preparations, stating “Saudi Arabia serves as a model of excellence in execution of desalination, reuse, and transmission systems and also practical research initiatives. The Kingdom’s active role in strengthening international partnerships, adopting innovative technologies, and enhancing the efficiency of water treatment and reuse services and solutions contribute to global water security and resource sustainability. We are thrilled to work with SWA to convene this special edition of the IDRA World Congress in 2026.”

The 21st edition of the IDRA World Congress is expected to welcome participants from over 60 countries. The event will bring together experts, decision-makers, and innovators in the water sector to showcase the latest technologies, promote policies for sustainable water development, and support global development goals.

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) is the leading global non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing sustainable water management through innovation, research, and international collaboration. Its biennial World Congress serves as a pivotal global forum for sharing knowledge, presenting groundbreaking solutions, accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices, and fostering global partnerships to combat water scarcity and build long-term resilience.