Strong Dutch presence at IFAT Saudi Arabia

Together with Holland Circular Hotspot, which coordinated the Dutch waste and circular economy presence, and with strong support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Dutch pavilion showcased innovative and integrated solutions that align closely with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious water and sustainability goals. The official opening ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen A. AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) coordinated a strong Dutch water delegation, highlighting the Netherlands’ expertise while actively supporting its members in exploring concrete opportunities in Saudi Arabia. 

The Netherlands Pavilion: showcasing expertise and creating connections

This year the Netherlands Pavilion brought together 15 companies: Aquatech Global, Blue Phoenix, Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions, Colubris, Dijmex Plastic Compounding, Flow Aqua, Fugro, Haskoning, Hein Lehmann, Hydrosat, MTD, Nijhuis Saur Industries, Noardling, and NX Filtration.

IFAT Saudi Arabia was a valuable platform for them to present their solutions and engage directly with Saudi stakeholders. The key themes included:

• water reuse and desalination;
• smart water management and digitalisation;
• wastewater treatment and resource recovery; and,
• climate-resilient urban water systems

Through collective branding, targeted matchmaking and on-site coordination, the Netherlands Water Partnership supported its members in strengthening their market visibility and engaging strategically with Saudi stakeholders, positioning the Dutch water sector as a trusted and innovative partner. The Netherlands pavilion was vibrant and productive, with the Dutch Water Sector reconnecting with long-standing partners while also engaging with many new stakeholders from the region.

As part of its long-term development agenda, Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in water efficiency, sustainability and the circular use of resources. These priorities closely align with Dutch expertise in integrated water management, governance and advanced water technologies.

For participants, IFAT Saudi Arabia was a welcome platform to translate this alignment into action. A carefully curated exhibition presence, complemented by pitches and panel sessions, enabled Dutch organisations to articulate their value propositions clearly and engage directly with senior decision-makers across the Gulf region.

Workshop fostering dialogue and practical cooperation

A key highlight of the Dutch programme was on Wednesday 28 January, when NWP and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in cooperation with the Saudi Water Authority, hosted a dedicated workshop on the Orange Stage. The workshop was officially opened by Ester van Someren, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia, who emphasised the importance of long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. The workshop was also attended by Auke Wibaut, First Secretary for Climate and Energy, and Aya Assaf, Senior Policy Advisor.

The session brought Saudi decision-makers, utilities and private sector representatives in contact with Dutch companies and organisations. Keynote speakers shared insights into the Saudi water sector, business environment and upcoming opportunities, while panel discussions showcased Dutch expertise and concrete solutions. NWP moderated the workshop, ensuring an interactive dialogue focused on practical cooperation, pilot projects and capacity building.

The strong attendance and active participation underlined the growing interest in Dutch knowledge and technologies and created a solid basis for follow-up discussions.

Knowledge exchange and networking

Beyond the exhibition floor and formal sessions, IFAT Saudi Arabia offered extensive networking opportunities. Dutch participants reconnected with long-standing partners and established new relationships with stakeholders from across the region. The programme concluded with a high-level networking reception at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Riyadh. In the relaxed and informal setting, the reception brought together senior representatives from the Saudi water sector and the Dutch delegation, creating space for open conversations, trust-building and the exploration of concrete follow-up opportunities.

Looking ahead

NWP looks back at a successful first IFAT Saudi Arabia. The strong interest in Dutch expertise confirms the relevance of the Netherlands as a strategic partner in addressing Saudi Arabia’s water challenges.

Building on the momentum of IFAT Saudi Arabia, NWP will continue to support its members in exploring opportunities in the Kingdom. The event also marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation in the run-up to the World Water Forum in Saudi Arabia in 2027. Collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing remain central to developing sustainable and future-proof water solutions.