Water Partnership Forum 2025 strengthens collaboration and innovation in the water sector
Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the second edition of the Water Partnership Forum successfully concluded in Riyadh, after two days of impactful dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the water sector.
Hosted and organized by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the forum was held on November 2–3, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel, bringing together ministers, senior officials, experts, leaders, and decision-makers from around the world. The event served as a strategic platform to connect expertise with advanced solutions and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors — in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote sustainability, enhance resource management efficiency, and advance the development of the Kingdom’s water infrastructure.
The second edition of the Water Partnership Forum, organized by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), successfully took place in Riyadh on November 2–3, 2025
His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, which featured 25 local and international exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies and innovative solutions in the water industry. This year’s edition achieved record participation, with more than 50 speakers from 25 participating countries, over 30 panel discussions and presentations, and six supporting and knowledge partners. The event drew more than 1,600 attendees, supported by over 600 staff members, and achieved extensive media coverage through 17 media partners, generating over 12 hours of live broadcasting, 100+ media materials, and 100+ social media posts.
A highlight of the forum was the announcement of a national achievement recorded in the Guinness World Records, as SWPC proudly revealed the registration of the Shuaibah 3 Conversion Project as the world’s largest project to convert a desalination plant from multi-stage flash (MSF) technology to reverse osmosis (RO). This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s global leadership in the water sector and its commitment to innovation and resource sustainability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a regional and international hub for water excellence.
This year’s edition achieved record participation, with more than 50 speakers from 25 participating countries, over 30 panel discussions and presentations, and more than 1,600 attendees
Throughout the two-day event, panel discussions explored a wide range of topics addressing the future of the water sector — from sustainability and governance to financing, partnerships, and emerging technologies. Among the highlights, the session titled Water Security and Future Challenges — Governance, Policies, and the Role of Institutional Partnerships emphasized the importance of collaboration and policy development in achieving resilience and efficiency. H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, President of the Arab Water Council, highlighted that “coordination and collaboration between Saudi entities and the Arab Water Council have enhanced the resilience of desalination, supported governance and scientific research, and enabled the exchange of successful models.” Similarly, Dr. Abdulaziz AlSheibani, Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, noted that “since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the water sector has witnessed remarkable momentum in water security, governance, and policy development, alongside a tangible strengthening of institutional partnerships.”
Other sessions focused on fostering investment, innovation, and best practices across the sector. The panel Financing Water Infrastructure Projects examined investment opportunities and sustainable funding models. Mr. Hussam Al-Zuahir, Director General of the General Department of Fiscal Balance at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, stated that “the Kingdom has set an exemplary model, establishing a comprehensive framework that enhances role clarity and ensures smooth coordination among various entities within the water sector.” Mr. Idrissa Dia, Director of the Economic and Social Infrastructure Department at the Islamic Development Bank, added that “GCC countries demonstrate full readiness to finance water sector projects, with a focus on providing sustainable, long-term solutions.”
The discussion Best Practices of EPC Contractors in Implementing Water Infrastructure Projects under the PPP Model focused on collaboration, innovation, and technology integration. Eng. Ali Al-Shehri, Chief Commercial Officer at Solutions Valley, stressed that “water projects should be built on partnerships that encompass all stages — design, procurement, construction, and operation — where each partner contributes effectively to ensure quality execution and sustainable outcomes.” Eng. Eugenio Pérez, Head of Water and Treatment Division at TYPSA, highlighted the role of digital transformation: “we utilize artificial intelligence in modelling and digital twin systems to compare operational results, and we adopt smart solutions early on to enhance the efficiency and quality of plants through precise algorithms.”
Meanwhile, the panel on New Bankable Models for Public-Private Partnerships examined innovative frameworks that can drive investment and project efficiency. Mr. Ramzi Azar, Head of Strategy and Performance at Alkhoraief Water & Power Technologies, explained that “all projects in the Kingdom, including water flow projects, are closely aligned with Vision 2030. These initiatives serve as a pivotal point in enhancing sustainability, fostering partnership and innovation, and improving the efficiency of water resource management.” Mr. Chetan Kapoor, Partner at Synergy Consulting, added, “The private sector is witnessing rapid growth in strong projects that support partnerships within the Kingdom. The risk management ecosystem here is unique compared to other countries, as supply chains remain unaffected.”
The forum reflects SWPC's ongoing commitment to enabling public-private partnerships, accelerating the implementation of vital water projects, and adopting innovative technologies
Supported by leading national companies — including Mutlaq Al-Ghowairi Holding Company as the main sponsor, ACWA Power, Al-Khorayef Company, and Miahona as diamond sponsors, and Al Yamama Company as a platinum sponsor — the forum showcased the vital role of the private sector in advancing Saudi Arabia’s water sector transformation.
The Saudi Water Partnership Company reaffirmed that the forum reflects its ongoing commitment to enabling public-private partnerships, accelerating the implementation of vital water projects, and adopting innovative technologies that strengthen Saudi Arabia’s water security and reinforce its position as a regional hub for sustainable water solutions.
The success of the Water Partnership Forum 2025 — marked by record participation, groundbreaking discussions, and a historic world record achievement — reaffirmed the Kingdom’s leadership in shaping global dialogue on water sustainability, innovation, and resilience.