Global innovations in waste, recycling and water come together at the inaugural IFAT Saudi Arabia tomorrow

Manal Saleh

·        Launch edition runs from 26–28 January at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center

·        Over 450 exhibitors showcase technologies supporting Saudi Arabia’s waste, water and circular economy goals

·        IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit and the CPD-certified conference programmes deliver policy, investment and technical insight

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 25 January 2026: IFAT Saudi Arabia opens for its debut edition tomorrow at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. Held under the patronage of His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the event is running from 26 – 28 January, welcoming over 450 exhibiting brands from around the world, offering a strategic meeting ground for direct dialogue between government entities, regulators and industry leaders.  

IFAT Saudi Arabia brings together technologies, expertise and solutions that support the Kingdom’s water, sewage, waste and recycling priorities. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative objectives, including long-term net-zero targets, the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in water and waste infrastructure. Supporting these ambitions, the event enables visitors to experience and compare practical solutions addressing recycling, treatment, monitoring and circular economy applications across the environmental value chain.

Leading conversations on circular economy and water resilience

IFAT Saudi Arabia brings together the Kingdom’s waste and water ecosystem through a strategically curated programme and diverse exhibitor lineup. The invite-only IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit convenes senior policymakers, regulators, investors and industry leaders to discuss policy frameworks, investment readiness, public-private collaboration and long-term system planning, with participation from the Saudi Water Authority, World Bank, NEOM and other regional stakeholders. Complementing this, the CPD-certified Orange Stage focuses on waste management, recycling and circular economy practices, featuring insights from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN), International Solid Waste Association, ITPO Germany and GESALO. The Blue Stage explores water resilience, reuse, desalination and digital water management, with contributions from MEWA, National Water Company, Saudi Irrigation Organization, Arab Water Council and regional utilities as well as international associations such as German Water Partnership or International Water Association.

Interactive experiences advancing sustainability, innovation and investment

The event features a range of interactive and insight-driven experiences designed to engage visitors across innovation, sustainability and investment. The Investors Lounge is a curated portfolio of 500 investment opportunities, with a total estimated value of SAR 750 billion, will be officially launched, with detailed information made available to investors. The Sort It Right Challenge encourages practical awareness of recycling through a fast-paced, hands-on activity that reinforces correct waste segregation. The Green Oasis offers an immersive sustainability experience, allowing participants to explore ecosystems by creating their own terrariums as a lasting takeaway. Meanwhile, the Startups Area showcases emerging companies and practical technologies across waste, recycling and water, highlighting innovation in action. The National Academy of Environment will develop environmental talent in Saudi Arabia through advanced training, strategic partnerships and applied research to tackle environmental challenges and support sustainable development. The Water Academy complements, on the other hand, will provide training to engineers and technicians with industry-aligned programmes and certifications to deliver efficient, innovative and sustainable water and wastewater solutions.

Exhibition floor highlights international and local expertise

The exhibition features more than 450 brands from over 35 exhibiting countries and 10 country pavilions covering the full environmental value chain. The local exhibitor line-up includes Estedama Environmental Solutions, Refuse Equipment MFG Co. (REM), ITQAN Industrial Company, Al Yamama, National Environmental Recycling Company “TADWEEER”, WETICO and Wilo Saudi Arabia. The exhibition floor will also showcase products and solutions from leading international brands, including HUBER SE, Detectronic, Lindner Recyclingtech GmbH, Blue Phoenix, Andritz, Aerzen Arabia Ltd., Blackforest Solutions, Steinert GmbH and Alton Automation, among others.

“As Saudi Arabia scales investment in waste, recycling and environmental infrastructure, the focus is increasingly on practical solutions that can be deployed at speed and at scale,” said Hamza Nasir, BDM, Yanbu United Company for Trade and Industry (YUNITCO). “IFAT Saudi Arabia provides a valuable space to engage directly with industry stakeholders, share proven approaches and highlight technologies that support resource efficiency, compliance and long-term environmental performance. As Green Footprint Sponsor, we are pleased to support a forum that connects market needs with on-the-ground solutions.”

By bringing together global expertise, innovative solutions and key stakeholders, IFAT Saudi Arabia sets the stage for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and tangible progress toward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and environmental goals.

IFAT Saudi Arabia is sponsored by Yanbu United Company for Trade and Industry (YUNITCO) as the Green Footprint Sponsor; Saudi Water Authority as the Platinum Sponsor; GI Aqua Tech Environmental Services LLC as the Gold Exhibition Sponsor; BEEAH as the Silver Summit Sponsor; and Sustainable Environmental Works as the Badge Sponsor. The event is also supported by Eayni Recycling Association Cooperative, Waste Management Supporting Associate; WASTECH, Waste Solutions Provider; and Riyadh Region Municipality, Supporting Partner.

Admission is free for trade and industry professionals. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted.

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