World Future Energy Summit 2025 to Address Water Security Challenges in MENA

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The World Future Energy Summit 2025, hosted by Masdar and part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will focus on addressing critical water security issues in arid regions, particularly the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The event, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from January 14–16, will feature a dedicated Water Conference to explore innovative solutions in water management.

This conference will bring together global thought leaders and innovators to discuss cutting-edge technologies and strategies aimed at reducing water waste. The industry highlights that 30% of water is lost due to leakage in distribution systems. According to the UN Environment Programme, only 11% of treated wastewater is reused, and around 50% of untreated wastewater pollutes natural water bodies.

Treated wastewater, an underutilized resource, offers significant opportunities in wastewater management, job creation, and new revenue streams. It can support circular economy models, recharge groundwater aquifers, be used in construction as a concrete additive, and generate biogas through waste-to-energy technology.

MENA, home to 15 of the world’s 20 most water-scarce nations, is facing severe water security challenges. By 2030, The World Bank predicts that water availability in MENA will fall below the 500 cubic meters per capita threshold, exacerbating the crisis as the population grows. The Water Conference will serve as a platform to discuss sustainable solutions, such as desalination, wastewater reuse, water network optimization, and smart water technologies.

Innovations in desalination, wastewater reuse, and smart water management systems powered by AI and IoT will be key themes. AI tools for real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and optimized water distribution are emerging as game-changers, offering sustainable solutions to water scarcity challenges.

Speakers include Dr. AlaEldin Idris Elhag, Water Resources Expert at the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Dr. Najib Dandachi, CEO of Al Usul, and Dr. Mohamed Hamyd Dawoud, Advisor for Environment Quality at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. They will explore how community-driven initiatives and public-private partnerships (PPP) can turn water vulnerabilities into strengths.

Dr. Mohamed Hamyd Dawoud commented, “As water scarcity deepens, AI and cutting-edge technologies are pivotal in enhancing water supply and efficiency. The conference will pave the way for scalable solutions tailored to arid regions, ensuring water security while safeguarding ecosystems.”

Alok Srivastava, General Manager at Clear Water Solutions, will discuss sustainable desalination solutions, emphasizing collaboration within the industry. “The Summit has greatly enhanced our networking opportunities and deepened our understanding of emerging technologies,” said Srivastava.

The Summit will showcase AI-driven irrigation systems, blockchain for water management transparency, and nanotechnology in water treatment. According to Consegic Business Intelligence, the global market for water treatment technologies is expected to reach over US$53 billion by 2031, growing at a rate of 16.3% annually.

Leen AlSebai, General Manager of RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit, highlighted, “These technologies align with the UAE’s National Climate Change Plan, aiming for resilience in water, energy, and infrastructure by 2050.”

The World Future Energy Summit remains a leading platform for renewable energy, clean technologies, and sustainability, positioning the UAE as a global hub for innovation.