Experts and Researchers at IDWS Showcase AI-Powered Water Technologies

Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its global leadership in shaping the future of water solutions during the fourth edition of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025) in Jeddah, as sessions and presentations on the day two focused on practical implementation pathways and translating visions into actionable steps with tangible impact on the sector.

Several participating experts and researchers emphasized the importance of transformation, enhanced cross-sector collaboration, and the use of data as a cornerstone for improving efficiency and transparency across the water ecosystem. During a session titled “From Scarcity to Sustainability: Insights for a Water-Secure Future,” Brian Harvey, Vice President for the Middle East Region at Jacobs, presented a strategic perspective on global water security challenges and the evolution of solutions, including mega-projects, advances in desalination technologies, and the emergence of regional hubs leading innovation in the global water sector.

The session cited the Thames River Project in the United Kingdom as a global model for urban water management, where excess water from drains and sewer networks in London is conveyed through a 24-kilometer tunnel for treatment, contributing to a cleaner environment and a healthier city. The project was highlighted as a leading financing model that combines public and private sector investment, reflecting a pioneering approach to funding large-scale infrastructure.

In another session, Khalid Al-Mudabbal, Vice President for Business Development at ACWA Power, and Mohammed Al-Yousef, Executive Director for Business Development and Growth at the Saudi Water Partnerships Company, discussed the accelerating role of Saudi Arabia’s private sector in leading global investment in water infrastructure, driving innovation and operational efficiency in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

During a session titled “Smart City Water Models,” participants explored the impact of digital systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), AI-based leak detection technologies, and digital twins in enhancing network management and operational performance. They also reviewed the role of real-time data and analytics in reducing failures, improving predictive maintenance, and optimizing distribution.

Mohammed Ali, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Consulting at IBM, highlighted the ability of artificial intelligence to cut operating costs by billions of dollars, enhance asset efficiency, and predict failures before they occur. He noted that IBM has reduced costs by USD 3.5 billion through the use of AI and by assigning 3,000 roles to digital employees. He also referenced IBM’s collaboration with the Saudi Water Authority in developing the H2O Platform to manage water assets more efficiently.