36 projects are competing for the Global Water Innovation Award in Jeddah
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in the sustainable water sector, the Global Water Innovation Award has unveiled its shortlist of 36 promising projects, meticulously selected from 2,570 submissions representing 119 countries worldwide. This proactive step precedes the official announcement of the winners in Jeddah on December 8th, an event eagerly anticipated by experts and specialists seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to the growing global challenges of water security.
Global context and pressing challenges
This announcement comes at a critical time, as the world faces unprecedented challenges related to water scarcity and climate change. International reports indicate that the water crisis is threatening the stability of many societies, making innovation in water technologies not a luxury, but a vital necessity for survival. This award is a direct response to these challenges, seeking to attract innovative minds to develop practical solutions that improve the quality of life in the most affected areas and support the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
The Kingdom and its leadership in the water security file
Jeddah's hosting of this global event reflects the pivotal role Saudi Arabia plays in shaping the future of the water sector worldwide. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability and water security. By hosting the fourth edition of the Innovation in Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025), the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to supporting scientific research and fostering technologies that serve humanity, thereby strengthening its position as a global hub for innovative water solutions.
Comprehensive technical pathways and rigorous standards
The shortlisted projects cover six vital tracks, including advanced desalination technologies, water treatment and reuse, water governance, smart technologies, and water quality control solutions. This diversity highlights the award's comprehensiveness and its focus on the most intricate aspects of the water crisis. Among the shortlisted projects are AI-based technological solutions for enhancing resource management efficiency and initiatives aimed at reducing water loss to unprecedented levels.
To ensure the highest levels of integrity and credibility, shortlisted projects undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a high-level international jury of 28 experts and judges from 12 influential countries in the water industry, geographically distributed across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. The presence of judges from industry powerhouses such as Saudi Arabia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands guarantees the quality of the final products, thereby enhancing the potential for the widespread application and global adoption of these innovations to benefit humanity.
