Saudi Arabia to Host IFAT Conference in Riyadh in Early 2026, Advancing Sustainability Goals

Saudi Arabia is set to host the prestigious IFAT exhibition and conference for the first time in Riyadh in early 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to become a global leader in environmental sustainability and innovation. The event, organized in partnership with the National Waste Management Center (MOWN) and Messe München, Germany, will be a key platform for the exchange of knowledge, technology, and solutions in the fields of waste management, water treatment, and environmental protection. It will bring together leading companies, government bodies, and private entities from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making it a major event on the global environmental agenda.
The IFAT conference is expected to be a groundbreaking event that serves as a platform to showcase the latest technologies and innovative solutions addressing the challenges of waste management and water treatment, two of the most critical areas for sustainable development. According to the official website of the event, it will allow industry leaders and experts to exchange ideas, best practices, and strategies aimed at transforming environmental sectors across the region. By bringing together stakeholders from all over the world, the conference aims to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that can address the environmental challenges faced by the MENA region.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Subaie, CEO of MOWN, emphasized that the decision to host IFAT aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, a national development plan that seeks to diversify the economy, reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil, and promote sustainability across all sectors. Specifically, Dr. Al-Subaie highlighted that the event would contribute to the restructuring of the Kingdom’s waste management sector by increasing recycling rates and creating valuable opportunities for both local and international investors to build advanced, state-of-the-art infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to develop a robust and sustainable environmental framework that aligns with the Kingdom’s long-term development objectives.
Strategic Importance of Hosting IFAT: A Catalyst for Environmental Innovation
The announcement of Saudi Arabia’s role as the host of IFAT was made during a formal signing ceremony held in Riyadh, where the cooperation agreement was signed by Dr. Al-Subaie and Stefan Rommel, CEO of Messe München, in the presence of Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. The event marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Kingdom as it takes on the role of a regional leader in environmental sustainability and innovation.
Stefan Rommel, CEO of Messe München, emphasized the significance of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of IFAT in expanding the exhibition’s global network. He noted that IFAT has already established itself as a leader in the field, with 12 successful trade fairs operating across seven countries, and that hosting the event in Riyadh would further strengthen its international footprint. Rommel praised Saudi Arabia’s vast potential, particularly its commitment to sustainability, and expressed optimism about delivering an exceptional edition of the exhibition in the MENA region for the very first time.
Rommel also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in tackling the pressing environmental challenges of today. Hosting IFAT in Saudi Arabia will not only allow the Kingdom to showcase its own environmental innovations but will also foster greater collaboration with international partners, enabling the exchange of ideas, technologies, and expertise. This collaboration is particularly crucial as the world faces the urgent need to address climate change, water scarcity, and waste management challenges that are increasingly affecting countries across the globe.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Sustainability Goals: A Perfect Match
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving significant transformation across various sectors, including environmental sustainability. By hosting IFAT, the Kingdom is taking bold steps toward achieving its sustainability goals, particularly those related to waste management and water conservation. MOWN, the agency leading Saudi Arabia’s waste management efforts, has set ambitious targets to divert 91% of waste from landfills, prepare 79% of waste for recycling, and reduce landfill waste by 90% by 2040.
These goals align with broader environmental initiatives outlined in the Vision 2030 framework, which includes initiatives to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and promote the circular economy. Through the partnership with Messe München and the hosting of IFAT, Saudi Arabia aims to create an environment where innovation in environmental technologies thrives, fostering a sustainable future not just for the Kingdom, but for the entire MENA region.
The event will serve as an essential forum for developing local solutions, expanding regional and international partnerships, and driving advancements in waste management and water treatment technologies. The focus on sustainability will also encourage investment in clean technologies, offering both local and international investors opportunities to be part of Saudi Arabia’s green future.
A Key Milestone in the Global Environmental Movement
Hosting IFAT is a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming a global hub for environmental innovation. The exhibition will not only highlight the latest advancements in waste management and water treatment but also provide an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to position itself as a key player in the global environmental movement. It is expected that the event will attract prominent global players, as well as government officials, environmental experts, and companies from a wide range of sectors, all eager to engage in discussions and showcase their solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
In addition to the technological and industry advancements that will be on display, the event will also serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in the areas of water desalination, water recycling, and wastewater treatment, all of which are vital to the Kingdom’s efforts to manage its limited water resources sustainably. The country’s expertise in desalination and its ongoing efforts to expand its water networks and treatment facilities will be highlighted at the conference, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional leader in water management.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation and Collaboration
The IFAT conference is more than just an exhibition; it is a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and progress. It will serve as a springboard for the continued development of environmental technologies, offering a platform for both established companies and startups to showcase their solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems. As the Kingdom continues to drive its Vision 2030 goals forward, hosting IFAT will not only strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainability but also provide invaluable opportunities for growth and international cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the IFAT conference is an important step toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By fostering innovation, driving technological advancements, and promoting international collaboration, the event will contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s broader sustainability goals. Through this landmark event, Saudi Arabia is making a clear statement about its commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.