More than 133 new products and services from 41 companies related to water management, recycling, wastewater, energy efficient desalination and groundwater conservation are set to be launched and showcased at the upcoming International Water Summit (IWS), to be held in Abu Dhabi from January 20 to 22, 2014.
Hosted by Masdar and in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, the IWS is a component of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Now in its second year, IWS has seen a 25% growth in exhibition space. The event has also posted a 70% increase in new product launches from 2013, where it featured 77 new products from 11 countries.
"This significant growth is a testament to the global standing of IWS as a platform for the water industry," said Ara Fernezian, divisional managing director UAE at Reed Exhibitions. "This year's exhibition will feature the latest innovations and patented technologies, tailor- made for the Middle East and North Africa's arid climate, making the event an ideal business opportunity for local and regional water authorities and companies."
"Water is a critical resource in nearly every industry today," Fernezian said. "How should these industries continue to use water in their operations? And can they do so in ways that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable? These are the questions participants in the next International Water Summit will attempt to find the answers for."
This year, the new products and technologies on show at the IWS exhibition will cater to a diversity of industries, including agriculture, utilities and construction.
"Being located in an arid region that is heavily dependent on desalination, Middle East policy makers understand that every drop counts," added Fernezian. "IWS 2014 offers unique perspectives for government decision makers, business leaders and the R&D community on tackling the inter-connected challenges of water sustainability."
The IWS 2014 conference will feature presentations from 77 local and international water sustainability experts, highlighting best practices from Japan, Singapore, the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, among many other countries.
Confirmed speakers at the conference include H.E. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority; Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-AlShaikh, deputy governor for planning & development, Saline Water Conversion Corp., Saudi Arabia, and president of the International Desalination Assn. (IDA); and Dr. Peter H. Gleick, president of the U.S.-based Pacific Institute.
IWS 2014 is also supported by IDA as a Knowledge Partner. IDA is set to host several sessions on a host of topics including energy efficiency, energy conservation and water optimization.
Co-located with the 7th World Future Energy Summit, IWS will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, an annual platform to address the inter-connected challenges impacting the widespread adoption of renewable energy and the acceleration of sustainable development.
Source: International Water Summit
