In The Spotlight
Conducted by Ciena with Censuswide, the research polled 100 service provider experts in the UAE and 100 in Saudi Arabia, forming part of a global analysis of 1,200 respondents across 12 countries.
Gulf telecoms target net-new revenue with AI network services
Telecommunications providers across the Middle East are realigning their strategic priorities, recognising artificial intelligence not just as an operational tool, but as a primary catalyst for commercial expansion.
A recent study has underscored this shifting landscape, revealing that service providers in both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia anticipate high-capacity AI-driven network services will become a dominant force in generating net-new revenue over the next three to five years.
Conducted by Ciena with Censuswide, the research polled 100 service provider experts in the UAE and 100 in Saudi Arabia, forming part of a global analysis of 1,200 respondents across 12 countries. The findings demonstrate a clear consensus on the financial potential of AI infrastructure, including the connectivity required by enterprises, hyperscalers, and neoscalers. According to the data, 96 per cent of UAE service providers and 90 per cent of their Saudi counterparts expect AI-enabled network services to primarily drive near-term revenue growth.
To support premium enterprise AI service-level agreements (SLAs), robust network infrastructure is essential. The survey highlights a pronounced urgency within the region, particularly in the UAE, where 97 per cent of service providers report an immediate need for optical network upgrades. This figure noticeably outpaces the Saudi Arabian average of 86 per cent and the global average of 88 per cent, indicating an aggressive approach to network modernisation.
Pete Hall, regional managing director for the Middle East and Africa at Ciena, articulated the nuances regarding this transition.
“Globally, service providers are balancing optimism with urgency about AI-driven revenue opportunities,” Hall stated. Addressing the distinct positioning of the Gulf, he added, “The survey findings for UAE and Saudi Arabia showed the same optimism, but urgency sits at the center of the conversation. In the UAE, service providers are treating network upgrades and automation as something to act on now, not plan for later. In Saudi Arabia, service providers are also focused on AI inference, service reliability, and sovereign infrastructure requirements.”
Divergent cloud and interconnectivity strategies
While the ambition to monetise AI is shared, service providers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are charting divergent paths for cloud connectivity and data centre strategies:
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AI Inference and Data Centres: Growth in AI inference data centres is expected to influence demand for interconnect services heavily. In Saudi Arabia, 58 per cent of respondents foresee this increase, tracking above the global average of 49 per cent. Conversely, only 37 per cent of UAE providers share this expectation.
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Multi-Cloud Connectivity Models: Saudi operators prioritise multi-cloud connectivity management, leading as a revenue driver for 64 per cent of respondents. In a reversal of global patterns, 57 per cent of UAE providers still view traditional fixed-capacity services as their primary revenue model, placing it ahead of multi-cloud management (46 per cent).
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Wholesale Hyperscaler Demand: Accommodating hyperscalers is universally critical. This segment is viewed as a substantial contributor to wholesale revenue growth by 99 per cent of UAE respondents and 91 per cent of Saudi respondents, aligning with the global average of 95 per cent.
Expanding portfolios and quantum-safe security
Beyond core connectivity, telecommunications organisations are identifying emerging avenues to expand AI-related revenue streams. Physical AI ecosystems, encompassing industrial robotics and remote-control systems, present a significant opportunity. Fifty-two per cent of UAE respondents and 37 per cent of Saudi respondents anticipate physical AI will account for more than 15 per cent of total enterprise AI revenue within five years. Furthermore, service providers across both markets recognise strong commercial potential in offering GPU-as-a-service.
Network performance and security posture are also undergoing rigorous re-evaluation. In Saudi Arabia, guaranteeing performance stability and maintaining low jitter is considered the leading premium monetisation opportunity. This focus on reliability is cited by 42 per cent of Saudi respondents, surpassing the global baseline of 35 per cent.
Meanwhile, the UAE is demonstrating rapid acceleration toward advanced security frameworks. The deployment of quantum-safe encryption is emerging as a near-term reality. Fifty-four per cent of UAE service providers confirm they have launched or expect to launch quantum-safe offerings within twelve months, compared to 38 per cent among Saudi counterparts. This highlights the UAE's expedited timeline for commercialising secure network solutions.
IBM has officially joined the 17th edition of the Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS) as the Title Sponsor.
IBM title sponsors MEBIS 2026 to drive AI banking in Dubai
The Middle East's financial landscape is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with artificial intelligence at the very heart of this evolution.
IBM has officially joined the 17th edition of the Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS) as the Title Sponsor. Scheduled for the 16th and 17th of September 2026 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, the summit is the premier banking technology event in the region.
This major announcement, placed prominently ahead of the industry gathering, underscores IBM’s commitment to equipping regional institutions with enterprise-grade solutions. The summit serves as the ultimate platform to shape the future of autonomous banking with C-level executives and digital innovators converging in the United Arab Emirates.
The shift towards AI-powered financial services
Banking today transcends traditional transaction processing; it is fundamentally about hyper-personalised customer experiences and frictionless digital ecosystems. MEBIS 2026 explores the AI-driven transformation reshaping the sector, focussing heavily on the critical transition from basic automation to advanced Generative and Agentic AI technologies.
IBM’s sponsorship highlights the urgent need for a cohesive digital strategy as institutions face escalating pressure to modernise. The technology leader helps clients across more than 175 countries capitalise on deep data insights, streamline complex processes, and reduce operational costs. Thousands of corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to execute their digital transformations rapidly and securely.
Innovation cannot come at the expense of enterprise security. IBM’s advancements in quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and artificial intelligence are backed by a steadfast commitment to transparency and responsibility. At the summit, senior figures, including Shukri Eid, Vice President and General Manager for Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan at IBM, will join strategic discussions on scaling AI responsibly whilst ensuring robust cybersecurity controls are maintained.
Key themes shaping the 2026 summit
The MEBIS 2026 agenda brings banking transformation to the foreground, tackling real-world challenges faced by the region’s boldest banking minds. The structured programme carefully blends visionary keynotes, executive dialogues, and practical case studies.
Attendees will actively explore several critical industry pillars:
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Intelligent Automation: Focussing on responsible scaling, agentic workflows, and delivering a tangible return on investment from artificial intelligence applications.
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Data Strategy: Establishing trusted analytics through enhanced data quality, robust lineage tracking, and strict institutional governance controls.
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Cloud Architecture: Transitioning to modern data platforms that allow for high-speed interoperability and seamless, non-disruptive system upgrades.
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Digital Banking and CX: Designing fully connected omnichannel networks to deliver hyper-personalised customer journeys.
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Risk and Cybersecurity: Implementing advanced threat intelligence and a proactive 'trust-by-design' framework across all digital finance touchpoints.
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Embedded Finance: Utilising open APIs to build collaborative digital ecosystems and unlock entirely new revenue models.
Gathering the region’s financial elite
Attracting over 400 attendees annually, MEBIS draws a highly influential crowd, with more than 75 per cent of delegates holding C-suite or key decision-making roles. The event consistently unites representatives from over 100 retail, corporate, and Islamic banks.
This unparalleled concentration of expertise provides unmatched networking opportunities. Emphasising the importance of this gathering, Saket Saith, Group Chief Technology and Data Officer at RAKBANK, noted: “It's always great to come here, meet people, and understand what's happening in the industry. We can't operate in isolation anymore, networking, sharing challenges, and discovering creative solutions together is essential. That's what brings me back to this event every year.”
Paving the way for digital success in the UAE
Dubai’s strategic position as a global financial hub makes it the ideal host for MEBIS 2026. The active participation of the UAE Banks Federation and top executives from regional heavyweights—such as Mashreq, Emirates NBD, and Dubai Islamic Bank—ensures that the summit’s outcomes will ripple across the wider Middle East.
By securing the Title Sponsor position, IBM is actively architecting the technological framework supporting the next decade of digital finance. As banking leaders convene this September, the focus remains firmly on actionable insights and forming dynamic partnerships that drive the region towards a secure, autonomous, and AI-enabled financial future.
The GCC's digital transformation represents a monumental $260 billion economic opportunity.
Protecting the Gulf’s US$260bn AI future from global bottlenecks
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stands at the precipice of a sweeping digital transformation, one that promises to reshape its economic landscape for decades to come.
Across the region, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from a theoretical technology into the bedrock of future economic diversification. According to a vital research study published by Strategy&, this digital pivot represents a staggering US$260bn economic opportunity for the Gulf. However, unlocking and sustaining this immense value is not guaranteed. The core finding of the report delivers a stark warning: to protect this $260bn windfall, the GCC must urgently secure critical AI chokepoints. If these vulnerabilities are left unaddressed, the region risks jeopardising its most promising avenue for post-oil economic growth.
The anatomy of global technology chokepoints
To comprehend the scale of the challenge facing the GCC, one must look at the broader architecture of the global AI industry. The concept of 'chokepoints' refers to the highly concentrated, easily disrupted nodes within the global supply chain that are absolutely essential for AI development and deployment. These bottlenecks are multifaceted, encompassing the physical, digital, and intellectual infrastructure required to sustain machine learning models.
Currently, the global AI ecosystem is overwhelmingly reliant on a handful of international suppliers. Advanced semiconductors, particularly the graphics processing units (GPUs) necessary for training complex AI models, are manufactured in highly concentrated geographic hubs. Similarly, high-bandwidth memory chips and the specialised networking equipment required to move data efficiently within vast data centres represent significant vulnerabilities. For the GCC, a region aggressively building its digital capacity whilst importing much of the foundational hardware, these global chokepoints represent a critical strategic risk. Over-reliance on external supply chains means that international trade disputes, manufacturing delays, or geopolitical shifts could severely restrict the Gulf’s access to the very tools it needs to realise its $260 billion AI ambitions.
Protecting a US$260bn economic engine
The US$260bn opportunity identified by Strategy& underscores just how deeply AI is expected to penetrate the Gulf’s primary industries. The GCC is rapidly transitioning away from hydrocarbon dependency, favouring knowledge-based economies championed by national frameworks such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s strategic digital initiatives. In this context, AI is slated to drive unprecedented productivity and operational optimisation across sectors ranging from logistics and aviation to healthcare, sovereign wealth management, and smart city development.
However, a topic-first analysis of global technology deployment reveals that an economic opportunity of this magnitude cannot be sustained on fragile foundations. The Strategy& report's focus on securing chokepoints is a clarion call for proactive defensive strategies. If the Gulf cannot guarantee uninterrupted access to advanced computing power, the deployment of enterprise AI applications will stall, significantly eroding the projected economic gain.
Strategic avenues for regional resilience
Securing these critical nodes requires a coordinated, multi-pronged approach to supply chain resilience and infrastructure sovereignty. To safeguard the future of its digital economy, the GCC must focus on several core strategies:
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Supply Chain Diversification: Moving aggressively away from single-source dependencies for vital hardware, including advanced AI processors and networking silicon, ensuring multiple procurement pathways.
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Sovereign Infrastructure Investment: Accelerating the construction of localised, state-of-the-art data centres. By bringing computational power within their own borders, GCC nations can ensure data sovereignty and operational continuity.
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Capitalising on Energy Supremacy: Artificial intelligence is incredibly energy-intensive. The Gulf states can leverage their massive, reliable energy grids—and growing renewable energy capacities—to position themselves as globally competitive hubs for sustainable AI computation.
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Cultivating Domestic Expertise: Reducing reliance on imported intellectual capital by heavily investing in local talent programmes, ensuring the region has the engineering and development expertise required to maintain sovereign AI systems.
Securing the digital horizon
This massive valuation is a testament to the GCC’s immense potential as a global technology leader. Yet, as the Strategy& study makes clear, potential alone is insufficient without highly secure infrastructure. By proactively identifying and reinforcing critical AI chokepoints, the Gulf can insulate its technological investments from global volatility. Securing these vital nodes is no longer merely a matter of standard IT procurement; it is a fundamental pillar of national economic security and the absolute key to realising a prosperous, digitally driven future.
BUTEC and Kanadevia Inova secured a major EPC contract for Casablanca's new waste-to-energy project.
Casablanca secures major waste-to-energy EPC contract
Casablanca is accelerating its transition towards sustainable urban development with the announcement that engineering and contracting group BUTEC, in partnership with waste-to-energy specialist Kanadevia Inova, has secured a major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the city's monumental waste-to-energy project.
This milestone initiative is set to fundamentally reshape waste management and energy generation across Greater Casablanca, addressing long-standing environmental challenges while supporting Morocco's ambitious nationwide decarbonisation objectives and renewable energy targets.
The project represents a vital leap forward in replacing traditional landfill disposal methods with advanced circular economy practices. By harnessing cutting-edge waste-to-energy technology, the initiative will efficiently process colossal volumes of non-recyclable municipal waste, converting an environmental liability into a reliable source of baseload electricity for local communities.
Project Scope and Key Infrastructure Details
Positioned northwest of the Mediouna landfill within the Casablanca-Settat region, the landmark facility involves extensive multi-sector engineering and infrastructural development. Key project figures, operational specifications, and contractual frameworks include:
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Processing Capacity: Designed to handle approximately 1.5 million tonnes of non-recyclable municipal waste annually, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the entire metropolitan area.
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Power Generation: Projected to generate roughly 126 megawatts (MW) of baseload electricity, alongside complementary renewable generation components designed to meet substantial local demand.
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Population Served: Set to reliably supply power and modern waste treatment infrastructure for more than 4.2 million residents across Greater Casablanca and surrounding districts.
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Concession Framework: Operating under a substantial 33.5-year concession agreement secured by the consortium, ensuring long-term operational stability and robust regulatory oversight.
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Emissions Reduction: Expected to avoid significant greenhouse gas emissions through systematic methane capture, reduced landfill dependency, and future-proof design readiness.
Collaborative Expertise and Strategic Responsibilities
The success of such a complex, large-scale undertaking relies heavily on precise division of labour among world-class technical partners. Under the EPC framework, Switzerland-based Kanadevia Inova is responsible for delivering the specialised waste-to-energy technology and core process systems, in addition to supporting operations, long-term maintenance and financial backing.
Meanwhile, BUTEC's comprehensive scope encompasses all civil construction across the entire site, alongside managing the engineering, procurement and building of non-process structures, essential amenities and associated infrastructure. This heavy-duty remit includes civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) tasks, as well as extensive external site work.
Commenting on the landmark agreement, Raymond Daou, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at BUTEC, emphasised the strategic significance of the venture for the region:
“Building on our affiliates' long-standing presence in Morocco, where BUTEC has established itself as one of the country's leading players in Electromechanical Solutions, the Group is reinforcing, through this landons.”
Daou further highlighted the company's rising prominence within the global environmental engineering sector, noting:
“With three consecutive large-scale Waste-to-Energy projects across the geographies in which it operates, BUTEC is establishing itself as the generalist EPC contractor of choice in this strategic sector.”
Strengthening Morocco's Green Transition
The Casablanca initiative arrives at a crucial time as urban centres across North Africa grapple with escalating municipal waste volumes and the heavy environmental footprint of traditional open dumping. Mediouna landfill, which has served the region for decades, has long faced criticism regarding odours, contaminated groundwater risks, and unmanaged methane releases that accelerate global warming. By introducing advanced incineration, strict emissions controls, and modern leachate treatment, the new facility establishes an exemplary gold standard for urban sanitation and municipal waste recovery.
Furthermore, the project unites international expertise from Morocco, Switzerland, and Japan—collaborating seamlessly with entities such as Nareva and Itochu Corporation—reflecting the sophisticated, borderless nature of modern green infrastructure finance and execution. Power purchase agreements secured with state utility ONEE and regional services company SRM Casablanca-Settat further anchor the venture's financial security. As construction milestones approach, this transformative venture promises to deliver enduring environmental relief, cleaner energy generation, and a resilient framework for future urban growth across the Kingdom.
ICC is set to participate as an exhibitor at the highly anticipated Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026.
Demystifying the Saudi building code for mega projects
The construction landscape across Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented expansion, fundamentally reshaping the region's urban footprint.
With major developments and vital infrastructure projects progressing rapidly across the Kingdom, the built environment is increasing in both sheer scale and structural complexity. As the ambition of these engineering feats reaches new heights, the foundational requirement for rigorous safety, design, and execution standards has never been more critical.
Today, the industry is navigating increasingly sophisticated requirements that span architectural design, complex engineering, strict fire safety protocols, and comprehensive construction compliance. The effective application of established building codes and robust regulations remains the central pillar in delivering safe, resilient, and fully compliant infrastructure that will stand the test of time.
Facilitating Compliance at Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026
Against this backdrop of rapid national development, the International Code Council (ICC) is set to participate as an exhibitor at the highly anticipated Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026. Taking place from the 30th of August to the 2nd of September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, the event serves as a crucial meeting point for industry leaders and decision-makers.
The ICC will use this major regional platform to facilitate vital conversations designed specifically to help construction professionals better understand the local regulatory landscape. The primary objective is to assist practitioners in successfully navigating the practical, day-to-day requirements of the Saudi Building Code (SBC).
To directly address these industry-wide challenges, the ICC is bringing together leading regional experts for a dedicated three-part educational programme. This initiative is heavily focused on the future of code compliance, the core tenets of the Saudi Building Code, and the crucial practical application of these regulations across the Kingdom's active construction sites. Scheduled for the 31st of August at the Big 5 Talks Theatre in Hall 1, the tailored programme aims to move beyond basic theory.
The dedicated ICC schedule includes the following key sessions aimed at standardising safety and quality:
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Opening Keynote Presentation: Dr Fahad Saud Allahaim, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Residential Building Code at the Saudi Building Code National Committee and Assistant Professor at King Saud University, will examine the pivotal role of the SBC in advancing project outcomes, elevating quality, and enforcing national safety standards.
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Practical Compliance Workshop: Titled ‘Navigating the Saudi Building Code: Key Requirements and Compliance Pathways’, this highly focused session will be led by Vortex Fire’s Regional Director, Tom Wood, alongside Senior Fire Engineer, Kareem Morsi. The workshop will offer practical insight into the underlying structure of the SBC, specifically addressing the key requirements of SBC 201 and detailing how to navigate complex compliance pathways.
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Interactive Expert Q&A: The programme will conclude with ‘Applying the Saudi Building Code: Q&A’. This interactive session will give attendees the valuable opportunity to raise specific questions, explore unique project-specific challenges, and gain expert perspectives on applying SBC mandates in real-world practice.
A Commitment to Resilient Regional Construction
The final interactive panel will be moderated by Mohamed Amer, Managing Director – MENA at the International Code Council, alongside Dr Fahad Saud Allahaim and Kareem Morsi.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this engagement, Mohamed Amer, Managing Director – MENA, International Code Council, said: “As Saudi Arabia’s construction sector continues to evolve, ensuring that codes and standards are understood and effectively applied will be critical to supporting safe, high-quality and successful project outcomes. Big 5 Construct Saudi provides an important platform for bringing together the industry’s experts and practitioners to have meaningful conversations around compliance. This three-part program is designed to move beyond the theory of code requirements and give professionals practical insights they can apply to projects across the Kingdom.”
The ICC’s participation at the event strongly reinforces its ongoing commitment to supporting industry professionals with the knowledge, essential resources, and expertise required for building safety. Visitors to Big 5 Construct Saudi are openly invited to meet the ICC team at Stand 2A160 to learn more about the organisation's work and to explore how rigorous building codes and standards can actively support safer, more resilient, and fully compliant construction across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
South Container Terminal (SCT) at Jeddah Islamic Port has officially recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput since commercial operations began in 1999.
Jeddah Port hits record monthly throughput amid Red Sea recovery
Global maritime logistics and supply chain resilience are experiencing a transformative moment as key Red Sea trade corridors rebound.
Demonstrating the broader recovery of regional maritime pathways and the increasing adaptability of international shipping networks, the South Container Terminal (SCT) at Jeddah Islamic Port has officially recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput since commercial operations began in 1999. Handling over 221,200 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July 2026, this vital Saudi gateway has surpassed trade volumes last witnessed prior to the onset of Red Sea shipping disruptions in late 2023.
This milestone underscores a remarkable period of post-disruption recovery, aligning with the gradual return of commercial shipping traffic through western maritime corridors. As international carriers re-establish routes and optimise vessel schedules, terminals equipped with advanced digital technologies and robust physical infrastructure are proving pivotal in supporting uninterrupted, high-volume trade flows across the Middle East.
Record-Breaking Performance and Export Growth
The exceptional July figures are part of a broader, sustained upward trajectory for the terminal throughout 2026. During the first half of the year, SCT throughput surged by nearly 79 per cent year-on-year across imports, exports, and transshipment operations, demonstrating the immense economic dynamism of the region.
Key operational milestones include:
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Total July Throughput: Over 221,200 TEUs handled in a single record-breaking month.
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Export Volumes: A monthly high of 79,720 TEUs processed, reflecting robust export growth through the Saudi gateway.
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Vessel Activity: Accommodated 390 vessel calls during the first half of 2026 alone.
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Service Expansion: Welcomed new shipping lines, including the maiden call of a Wan Hai-operated mainline container vessel in July.
These figures illustrate how vital modernised, high-capacity port infrastructure is in accommodating larger commercial fleet units while simultaneously driving down vessel turnaround times.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Strategic Vision
To support this rapid expansion in cargo density and maintain operational excellence, ongoing investments in port equipment and terminal modernization are actively reshaping the facility's capacity. Recent upgrades at SCT include the addition of three new quay cranes—bringing the total fleet to 17—alongside 17 automated electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes (AeRTGs). Furthermore, the terminal has integrated 35 electric terminal tractors, 30 additional trailers, and significantly enhanced reefer and cold-storage infrastructure to preserve perishable imports.
Looking ahead, terminal management is pressing forward with a broader development programme aimed at lifting annual throughput capacity to 5 million TEUs.
Reflecting on these milestones, Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO & MD, DP World GCC, noted: “Jeddah is a key gateway for Saudi Arabia's trade, connecting businesses in the Kingdom with regional and global markets. As trade flows grow, our focus is on building the capacity and connectivity needed to move catomers more options and more reliable routes to markheir supply chain requirements evo
The Future of Regional Supply Chains
As global supply chains continue to evolve, the seamless integration of maritime terminals with robust inland logistics networks remains paramount. By bridging the gap between deep-water berths, high-efficiency container yards, and multi-modal distribution facilities, operations like Jeddah’s SCT are anchoring the Kingdom’s strategic economic diversification goals. Through continued investment in sustainable technologies, automation, and expanded capacity, the terminal stands ready to serve as a resilient cornerstone for international commerce.
The 28th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2026), organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is set to unveil a dedicated Water Platform at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 20 to 22 October 2026.
WETEX 2026 launches dedicated platform for water innovation
The 28th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2026), organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is set to unveil a dedicated Water Platform at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 20 to 22 October 2026.
Designed to address escalating global resource pressures, this specialised hub will showcase cutting-edge innovations, smart technologies, and advanced solutions aimed at reshaping modern water infrastructure and securing sustainable urban development across the region.
The Strategic Imperative of Global Water Security
Water security remains an essential foundation for long-term ecological stability, societal health, and robust economic prosperity. Amid mounting challenges driven by rapid population growth, intensive urban expansion, and unpredictable climate shifts, utilities and governments face immense pressure to modernise resource oversight. Integrating advanced engineering, digital automation, and efficiency-focused frameworks is no longer optional; it is a critical mandate for modern civilisations striving to secure reliable supplies for future generations.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, Founder and Chairman of WETEX, emphasised the urgency of these developments:
“Water security is one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development, enhancing quality of life and supporting economic growth. In light of the growing challenges related to population growth, urban expansion and climate change, there is an increasing need to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of water resource management and contribute to ensuring the reliability and sustainability of water supplies.”
What to Expect at the Specialised Water Platform
Located within Sheikh Saeed Hall 3, the dedicated Water Platform will function as an interactive epicentre for international corporations, research institutions, industry pioneers, and environmental specialists. The space is engineered to foster high-value partnerships, encourage public-private sector collaboration, and accelerate the commercialisation of breakthrough green technologies.
Key highlights and focal points of the platform include:
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Advanced Desalination: Showcasing next-generation reverse osmosis systems and energy-efficient purification processes designed to reduce environmental impact.
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Smart Utility Networks: Highlighting automated monitoring tools, sensor-driven leakage detection, and data-driven network management to minimise resource loss.
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Artificial Intelligence Integration: Exploring how machine learning algorithms and predictive maintenance models optimise large-scale water distribution pipelines.
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Specialised Seminars: Hosting daily expert-led sessions from 11:00 am to 2:50 pm, offering deep dives into operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer further highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative:
“The Water Platform at WETEX provides a dedicated space that brings together key organisations, experts and specialists from around the world to exchange knowledge, expertise and best practices, as well as explore the latest technologies and innovative solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient future for all. It also contributes to strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.”
Driving Global Dialogue and Sustainable Innovation
Over nearly three decades, the exhibition has evolved into a premier international marketplace for clean energy, environmental protection, and resource optimisation. Last year's milestone event welcomed over 50,000 visitors from 65 countries, featuring 3,100 exhibiting brands across 18 international pavilions. By spotlighting pioneering water solutions, WETEX 2026 aims to galvanise investment and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Reflecting on the broader vision of the event, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer noted:
“Over 28 years, WETEX has consolidated its position as a leading global platform that brings together decision-makers, investors, developers, research centres and technology providers under one roof to promote dialogue, build partnerships and stimulate investment across various sustainability sectors. Allocating a dedicated platform to water underscores the strategic importance of the sector and its pivotal role in achieving water security and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
As registration numbers climb and international delegations finalise their participation, WETEX 2026 stands ready to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in global water management.