SWPC Forum 2024: Empowering Partnerships for a Sustainable Water Future
On December 1, 2024, SWPC will host the Empowering Partnerships for a Sustainable Water Future Forum at the prestigious Fairmont Hotel in Riyadh. This landmark event will bring together over 500 attendees, including more than one hundred CEOs, leading experts, managing directors, and over seventy government officials, representing one of the most comprehensive gatherings of stakeholders in the water sector.
Designed to unite decision-makers from across the globe, the Forum aims to spark collaboration and innovation to address the growing challenges of water security in Saudi Arabia, the MENA region and beyond. The Forum is a unique opportunity to explore actionable solutions for sustainable water management while forming partnerships that transcend national boundaries. SWPC has meticulously crafted the event to be more than just a conference. It represents a shared commitment to advancing water infrastructure and management in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This vision prioritizes sustainable resource management across sectors, placing water security as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s development agenda. The event has an impressive roster of over 30 sponsors, including industry leaders such as Acwa Power, AlJomaih Energy and Water, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies, Taqa, Amiantit, Engie, Samsung E&A,and many other sponsors.
The event is open to the public, and registration is mandatory via this link.
SWPC is a key driver of progress in the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, playing a leading role in public-private partnerships (PPP) to ensure water security and efficiency. With a portfolio that includes 12 operational projects, seven currently under construction, nine in the tendering stages, and 22 in planning, SWPC’s efforts are transforming water infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. The company’s flagship initiatives include an expansive pipeline network spanning nearly 10,000 kilometres, a vital component of ensuring uninterrupted water supply in the country’s arid landscape. These projects embody the innovation and determination required to overcome environmental and logistical challenges while building a robust and resilient water management system.
This high-profile event will bring together over 500 attendees, including more than one hundred CEOs, leading experts, and managing directors
The Forum will set the stage with opening remarks by SWPC leadership and a keynote address that will highlight the event’s theme, “Empowering Partnerships for Sustainable Progress.” Throughout the day, participants will have the chance to explore SWPC’s strategic objectives and learn about the pivotal role of local resources and expertise in driving development. The event will also showcase two critical presentations. The first, conducted by Abdullah bin Tuwaym, Chief Transactions Officer, and Eng. Amer A. Alrajiba, Chief Planning Officer, where they will provide a comprehensive overview of SWPC’s current and upcoming projects. The second, led by VP of Business Development Mohammed Alhadi and Executive Director Mohammed Alyousif, where it will focus on SWPC’s expanded service offerings, shedding light on their significance for the Kingdom’s water infrastructure and future planning.
Adding to the depth of the Forum will be the signing of over ten Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between SWPC and key stakeholders. These MoUs reflect a shared commitment to leveraging private sector expertise, fostering innovation, and strengthening water infrastructure. They will formalize partnerships designed to ensure sustainable resource management and drive progress across the Kingdom’s water sector.
For attendees, the Forum will provide a platform to engage with SWPC’s most ambitious projects to date, with insights on strategic objectives
The Forum will also feature engaging panel discussions designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the water industry. One panel, moderated by SWPC CEO Eng. Khaled AlQureshi, it will focus on strategies to maximize inter-agency cooperation, exploring how government entities can overcome bureaucratic obstacles to achieve impactful results. Another discussion will dive into the complexities of tendering processes within water infrastructure projects, offering insights into enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
Complementing the panel discussions are seven specialized workshops designed to deliver hands-on knowledge for specific stakeholders, including developers, EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firms, and financial experts. The workshops will provide targeted learning opportunities tailored to address key areas of water infrastructure development:
Workshop 1: Partnering for Success – Developers & SWPC. This session is tailored for developers, focusing on building successful partnerships with SWPC. Participants will gain insights into collaboration dynamics, project lifecycle management, and strategies for aligning their goals with SWPC’s objectives.
Workshop 2: PPP Legislation. This workshop offers a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and practical considerations involved in Public-Private Partnerships, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate this crucial framework effectively.
Workshop 3: Building Saudi Arabia’s Water Infrastructure with Top EPC Companies. Designed for EPC firms, this session will explore strategies for constructing robust water infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Participants will learn about overcoming project challenges and implementing successful collaboration strategies.
Workshop 4: Financing Water Solutions. Targeted at investment professionals and financial planners, this workshop delves into funding mechanisms, risk management, and financial planning tailored to Saudi Arabia’s water security goals.
Workshop 5: Offtake Long-Term Partnership. This workshop serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration, and exploring innovative solutions in the water sector. Participants will learn the tools and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of off-take agreements and drive sustainable water infrastructure development.
Workshop 6: Practices for Sustainable Development – The SWPC Experience. Focused on SWPC’s sustainable development practices, this session provides insights into the innovative approaches the organization employs to promote sustainability across the water sector.
Workshop 7: SWPC Comprehensive Services. This workshop offers a deep dive into the comprehensive services provided by SWPC, showcasing how these integrated solutions support the development and management of water projects across Saudi Arabia and enhance project effectiveness and sustainability.
SWPC Forum is designed to be more than just a learning experience — it is a platform for meaningful networking. Attendees will have ample opportunities to connect with industry leaders, government officials, and potential collaborators through structured networking sessions. An exhibition space featuring over 35 exhibitors will further enhance the experience by showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in water management, offering attendees a chance to interact with cutting-edge tools that are shaping the industry’s future.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event is the prestigious SWPC Awards Ceremony, Under the patronage of H.E Eng. Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. This ceremony celebrates excellence in the water sector, recognizing outstanding achievements in categories such as Operational Excellence, Reliability, and Project Execution. Opening remarks by SWPC CEO Eng. Khaled AlQureshi will set the tone for the evening, followed by a gala dinner that will provide a celebratory yet relaxed atmosphere for fostering deeper connections and collaborations.
SWPC Forum and Awards Ceremony offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for top-tier dialogue and collaboration among industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders in sustainable water management. Sponsors of the event will enjoy exclusive access to networking opportunities, including VIP sessions, private luncheons, and the gala dinner. They will also gain prominent visibility through branding at keynote sessions and workshops, as well as prime exhibition space to showcase their innovations. Sponsors will have the opportunity to attend the workshops, sharing their expertise with an influential audience. SWPC invites interested sponsors to contact the organization directly to tailor sponsorship packages that maximize their impact at this pivotal event.