MENA
The Largest Desalination Conference and Exhibition in the Region
THE LARGEST DESALINATION CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION IN THE REGION
- 7-8 April 2027
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
Under the Patronage of
Collocated with
CLIENTS REVEIWS
Testimonials
Etihad WE
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE
PARTNERS
2026 Partners
Strategic Partner
PARTNERS
Supporting Partners
Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA)
Ministry of Equipment and Water Morocco
Etihad WE
National Water Company – Saudi Arabia
The Holding Company for Water and Wastewater
MENA Oceans Initiative by Goumbook
NYUAD Water Research Center
Center of Membranes and Advanced Water Technology- Khalifa University
Sustainable WaterPower Consultancy
OVERVIEW
What is the Event
As the region enters a new phase of water transformation, the 8th MENA Desalination Forum represents the next step in advancing desalination across MENA, bringing together the strategies, partnerships, and innovations that will shape the future of water security.
Focus
Key Focus Areas 2026
Energy-Efficient and Renewable-Powered Desalination:
Digital Transformation and Smart Operations:
Event in Numbers
2027
2026
2025
What’s new for the 7th MENA Desalination Forum
Expanded Exhibition and Technology Showcase
AI and Digital Innovation Hub
Regional Spotlight Sessions
Enhanced Networking Platform
Sustainability
Focus
Attend
Who Should Attend ?
Government
Utilities and Water Authorities
Desalination Plant Operators and Owners
Energy Companies and Power Producers
EPCs, Developers and Technology Providers
Engineering and Consulting Firms
Financial Institutions and Investors
NGOs, Research Institutes and Academia
PROJECTS
Investment Opportunities for Desalination Projects in the MENA Region
Join the drive for a sustainable water future. Now is the time.
Forum’s
Forum Chairman
Forum Chairman
Dr. Corrado Sommariva
Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Water and Power Consultants (SWPC),
United Arab Emirates
Advisory
Advisory Board
Eng. Bandar Alshammari
General Manager of Capital Projects Technical Services
National Water Company
Ms. Bouran Mohammed
Water Resources Management Specialist
United Nations Development Program Yemen
Prof. Nidal Hilal
Global Network Professor and Director
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Water Research Center
UAE
Dr. AlaEldin Idris
Water Resources Expert
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure,
UAE
Jihane Elwardi
Head of Unconventional Water Development Service
Ministry of Equipment and Water
Morocco
Committee
Speakers
Eng. Yousif Al Ali
Chief Executive Officer
Etihad WE
UAE
Eng. Abdulla Al Khemeiri
Chief Operations Officer
Etihad WE
UAE
Salaheddine Dahbi
Director General of Water Engineering
Ministry of Equipment and Water
Morocco
Rami Ghandour
Chief Executive Officer
Metito Utilities
UAE
Eng. Ammar Al Nuaimi
Chief Sustainability Officer, Environmental Engineering, Clean Energy Technologies & Installation Consultant
ADNOC
UAE
Event Agenda
DAY 1 – 3rd June 2026
09:30 – 10:15
Opening Panel Discussion:
National Strategies and Integrated Water Visions: Enabling Sustainable Desalination Growth Across the MENA Region
- Aligning national desalination roadmaps with long-term water security, energy transition, and sustainability targets.
- Strengthening institutional frameworks to streamline project delivery and ensure regulatory consistency across jurisdictions.
- Fostering regional cooperation and cross-border knowledge exchange to accelerate innovation and policy harmonization.
- Empowering private sector participation through PPP frameworks, investment incentives, and technology partnerships.
10:15 – 10:55
Panel Discussion
Beyond Net-Zero: Energy-Efficient Pathways to Net-Negative Desalination
- Integrating hybrid power systems: renewable and nuclear to decarbonize large-scale desalination operations.
- Optimizing plant design and process efficiency to lower energy intensity and minimize lifecycle operating costs.
- Showcasing performance benchmarks and best practices from leading regional utilities and EPC contractors.
- Exploring next-generation energy recovery systems and storage technologies, driving the shift toward net-negative water production.
Moderator:
- Dr. Corrado Sommariva, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Water and Power Consultants (SWPC), UAE
Panelists:
- Eng. Salaheddine Dahbi, Director of Water Research and Planning, Ministry of Equipment and Water, Morocco
- Eng. Ali Jabir Al Hosani, Senior Advisor CEO Office, Etihad WE, UAE
- Eng. Rami Ghandour, Chief Executive Officer, Metito Utilities, UAE
- Eng. Bandar Alshammari, General Manager, National Water Company, KSA
- Dr. AlaEldin Idris, Water Resources Expert, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE
PARTNERS
2027 Sponsors
PARTNERS
2026 Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Associate Partner
Associate Partner
Associate Partner
Associate Partner
Supporting Partner
Official Plastic Pipe Partner
SPONSORSHIP
Why Get Involved?
Engage your target market
Directly connect with the region’s key stakeholders, driving ongoing and upcoming desalination and integrated water-energy projects.
Gain exclusive project insights
Access first-hand updates on project timelines, investment pipelines, and technical requirements to spot new opportunities early.
Elevate your brand
Position your organisation as a trusted leader in desalination, power integration, and sustainable water solutions.
Boost your competitiveness
Understand the latest challenges faced by utilities and project owners and showcase tailored solutions that meet their evolving needs.
Generate high-quality leads
Meet decision-makers from government, utilities, and industry, and secure a place on shortlists for future projects across the MENA region.
OPPORTUNITY
Opportunities To Participate
At Great Minds, we partner with leading organisations to deliver maximum value to both participants and attendees. The Forum provides a powerful platform to communicate your message directly to decision-makers across the water and energy sectors. Whether your goal is to educate the market, showcase new technologies, launch a product, or elevate your brand visibility, our team will collaborate with you to design a tailored approach that ensures your organisation stands out.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We offer a wide range of sponsorship opportunities designed to align with your business objectives. From headline partnerships and session sponsorships to innovation showcases and networking events, our dedicated team will create a bespoke package that maximizes your impact and positions your company as a trusted leader in the rapidly growing desalination and integrated water-energy market.
REGISTRATION
Registration closed
Online event registrations are now closed. You may purchase your ticket at the event registration counter on the 1st day of the event. Please refer to the agenda for timings.
Vendors
$2799 + 5% VAT
Providers of the below technologies:
Membranes, Pump and Valve, EPCs, Sensor and Instrumentation, Automation, monitoring, and Control Systems, Energy Recovery, Filtration, Subsea Desalination, Solar Desalination, Data Analytics, System Developers
Industry Partner
$4000 + 5% VAT
Providers of the below technologies:
Membranes, Pump and Valve, EPCs, Sensor and Instrumentation, Automation, monitoring, and Control Systems, Energy Recovery, Filtration, Subsea Desalination, Solar Desalination, Data Analytics, System Developers
LOCATION
Event Venue
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
STAY
Accomodation
- Start Date: 1 June 2026
- End Date: 5 June 2026
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, for AED 500.00 per night, inclusive of breakfast and all applicable taxes.
Contact
Contact us
Join Us Next Year
Closing Message:
Building on the success of the 7th edition, the Forum continues to bring together the region’s most influential stakeholders to advance desalination, water security, and sustainable infrastructure development.
8th MENA Desalination Projects Forum
7-8 April 2027, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Speaking inquiries
- Maged Badr
- Conference Director
- +971 50 359 0900
- maged@gmevents.ae
Sponsorship inquiries
- Nitin Alfred
- +971 50 204 3235
- nitin.alfred@gmevents.ae
Marketing inquiries
- Mujtaba Ali
- Marketing Manager
- mujtaba@gmevents.ae















