Riyadh is preparing to host the Water Regulation Forum 2026 on Sunday, November 1, bringing together 28 international speakers from 24 countries, four international organizations, and 25 participating entities to discuss the future of water sector regulation.
Organized by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) in strategic partnership with the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA), the forum will take place at the King Faisal Conference Center, InterContinental Riyadh.
The event will be held alongside the IDRA World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse 2026, scheduled for November 1–5 in the Saudi capital.
Six Key Themes Shaping Water Regulation
The forum will address six major themes focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks and improving the sustainability of water services.
These include water policies and legislation, operational efficiency and service reliability, integrated water resource governance, environmental sustainability, international regulatory practices, and digital transformation.
The discussions will explore how regulatory authorities can respond to water scarcity, climate change, technological developments, and evolving infrastructure requirements.
International Experts to Share Regulatory Experiences
The forum will feature discussions examining water regulation practices across the Americas, Europe, the Pacific region, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Participants will exchange perspectives on regulatory compliance, performance monitoring, water security, and sustainable resource management.
A dedicated session will also examine cooperation between government authorities, private-sector operators, and financial institutions, highlighting the importance of effective regulatory frameworks in supporting investment and infrastructure development.
Forum Agenda and International Discussions
The event will begin at 9:15 AM with opening remarks, followed by a foundational discussion on the changing role of water regulation.
Subsequent sessions will explore international regulatory models, regional approaches to water security, and the relationship between public policy, private-sector participation, and financing.
The closing discussion will focus on translating international experiences into practical regulatory priorities capable of addressing future global water challenges.
WREX Platform Identity to Be Unveiled
The forum will conclude with the official unveiling of the identity and logo of the Water Regulation Exchange (WREX) platform.
The announcement will precede the platform's first full edition, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2027.
The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and encourage the development of effective and sustainable water regulatory practices.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia's Global Role in Water Sustainability
By hosting the forum, Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its role in international discussions on water governance, regulatory development, and resource sustainability.
The event also supports the Kingdom's broader efforts to improve water sector efficiency, encourage innovation, and strengthen international partnerships in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
