Experts and Researchers at IDWS Showcase AI-Powered Water Technologies

Experts and Researchers

Jeddah – 09 December 2025

Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its global leadership in shaping the future of water solutions during the fourth edition of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025) in Jeddah, as sessions and presentations on the day two focused on practical implementation pathways and translating visions into actionable steps with tangible impact on the sector.

Several participating experts and researchers emphasized the importance of transformation, enhanced cross-sector collaboration, and the use of data as a cornerstone for improving efficiency and transparency across the water ecosystem. During a session titled “From Scarcity to Sustainability: Insights for a Water-Secure Future,” Brian Harvey, Vice President for the Middle East Region at Jacobs, presented a strategic perspective on global water security challenges and the evolution of solutions, including mega-projects, advances in desalination technologies, and the emergence of regional hubs leading innovation in the global water sector.

The session cited the Thames River Project in the United Kingdom as a global model for urban water management, where excess water from drains and sewer networks in London is conveyed through a 24-kilometer tunnel for treatment, contributing to a cleaner environment and a healthier city. The project was highlighted as a leading financing model that combines public and private sector investment, reflecting a pioneering approach to funding large-scale infrastructure.

In another session, Khalid Al-Mudabbal, Vice President for Business Development at ACWA Power, and Mohammed Al-Yousef, Executive Director for Business Development and Growth at the Saudi Water Partnerships Company, discussed the accelerating role of Saudi Arabia’s private sector in leading global investment in water infrastructure, driving innovation and operational efficiency in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

During a session titled “Smart City Water Models,” participants explored the impact of digital systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), AI-based leak detection technologies, and digital twins in enhancing network management and operational performance. They also reviewed the role of real-time data and analytics in reducing failures, improving predictive maintenance, and optimizing distribution.

Mohammed Ali, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Consulting at IBM, highlighted the ability of artificial intelligence to cut operating costs by billions of dollars, enhance asset efficiency, and predict failures before they occur. He noted that IBM has reduced costs by USD 3.5 billion through the use of AI and by assigning 3,000 roles to digital employees. He also referenced IBM’s collaboration with the Saudi Water Authority in developing the H2O Platform to manage water assets more efficiently.

Sessions also addressed the circular use of water by-products and advanced monitoring systems, from producing cement using brine discharge to data-driven operational optimization, alongside a presentation on constructed wetlands and their role in wastewater treatment through layers of sand and gravel.

The second day also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding among sector leaders. The Saudi Water Authority signed an MoU with the Saudi Accreditation Center to enhance the regulation of water services and raise performance quality. An agreement was also signed with GASCO to improve brine management and enhance operational efficiency.

Eng. Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Local Content at the Saudi Water Authority, affirmed that IDWS reflects the Kingdom’s significant progress in applying world-class solutions to address water challenges, from cross-sector partnerships and circular economy initiatives to waste management and enhanced transparency. He also noted that this progress demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to effective transformation and to building a resilient and sustainable water future for all.

Events of day three of IDWS will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, with a focus on transforming global challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term resilience, while highlighting the Kingdom’s leadership role in driving this global transformation through practical solutions and bold future-oriented visions.

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