HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurates IDA World Congress 2019

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) today (Monday October 21, 2019) inaugurated the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress 2019, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The four-day event will conclude on Thursday October 24. The congress inauguration was attended by HE Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of DEWA; HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD&CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX, Miguel Angel Sanz, IDA President, and senior officials from DEWA.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “We welcome you all here today at the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress 2019, hosted by Dubai under the theme 'Crossroads to Sustainability'.”

“This global event is the world’s largest and most prominent congress on water desalination specialty areas and is attracting leaders, high-profile officials, experts, and academics, as well as 2,000 participants from 60 countries around the world,” HH Sheikh Hamdan added.

“We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize our continuous efforts with the IDA for the success of this global event. We have a shared vision to promote energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental responsibility through the development and use of innovative desalination technologies,” His Highness further said.

HH Sheikh Hamdan said that the congress will showcase the latest technological and scientific developments and practical applications and offer a perfect platform to share international expertise in water desalination field. Visitors will also have the chance to learn about new water-related projects implemented or in the process of implementation.

“Additionally, the congress will serve as a platform to interact and network with global experts and leaders in the fields of electricity, water and clean energy to promote a prosperous future for generations to come. In conclusion, I would like to welcome the guests of the congress again and wish them a good stay in the UAE”, HH Sheikh Hamdan concluded.

Miguel Angel Sanz, IDA President,  said: “Dubai is hosting once again the IDA World Congress, in its 18th Edition, with the theme of ‘Crossroads of Sustainability’. On this note, I would like to start giving my utmost thanks to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, for their consistent and generous support to host the new IDA World Congress”.

IDA President added: “Desalination industry is in a great period, developing more and more projects. MENA Region and more specially United Arab Emirates and Dubai have an important number of huge Plants, more sustainable and efficient, in the pipe-line. The use of renewable energies is helping to reduce the carbon footprint and is doing more affordable the water costs.

Held under the theme “Crossroads to Sustainability”, the congress will bring together some of the top leaders, senior officials, academics and specialists with more than 2,000 participants from over 60 countries around the world.

Organized by the International Desalination Association (IDA), the largest International Congress on Water Desalination discusses a host of vital topics including desalination, water reuse, energy, environment and finance of water treatment projects, in light of the rapidly increasing trends to meet the growing demand for water reuse.

The participants will address current and future challenges facing water desalination sector to develop sustainable solutions to water scarcity resulting from the continuing population growth, industry needs, and climate change implications. Participants are also expected to collaborate in developing a clear mechanism of action to promote joint efforts among different sectors in the world through exchanging relevant ideas, knowledge and experiences.

The biennial event will witness launching a technical program, and will feature extensive panel discussions and organizing a desalination exhibition, training sessions and specialized workshops. The event will also provide an opportunity to directing network with industry and public sector leaders as well as organize a series of forums for companies and public institutions.

The conference comes at a time when the UAE is at the forefront of countries implementing green strategies to support sustainability. The country has made a series of significant achievements, that can be attributed to various water-related strategies and initiatives including the Water Security Strategy 2036, and the Dubai Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy 2030, as well as Demand Side Management (DSM) strategy, which aims to reduce Dubai's electricity and water consumption by 30% by 2030. DEWA also adopts a clear strategy to ensure that by 2030, 100% of desalinated water will be produced by a mix of clean energy that uses both renewable energy and waste heat.