• Inaugural edition brings together more than 450 local and international exhibitors showcasing innovations in waste management, water and recycling
• National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN) signs several MoUs, signalling strong public-private collaboration in the Kingdom

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 27 January 2026: The inaugural edition of IFAT Saudi Arabia opened yesterday in Riyadh under the patronage of His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia, and in the presence of His Excellency Carsten Schneider, German Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety-setting a new event record as the biggest launch in IFAT’s 60-year history.

The exhibition brings together more than 450 local and international exhibitors, showcasing the latest technologies and solutions across waste management, water, recycling and the circular economy.

During the opening, His Excellency Minister AlFadley highlighted that IFAT Saudi Arabia reflects a shift toward comprehensive, long-term solutions that strengthen sustainability, protect public health and support economic growth, saying: “Waste management is no longer only an operational challenge; it is a real opportunity to redesign value chains, turn waste into value-added resources, and accelerate the circular economy. From this standpoint, we have established a clear legislative and regulatory framework and launched more than 500 investment opportunities over the next 25 years.”

His Excellency added that Saudi Arabia’s water sector is undergoing a major transformation into an integrated system spanning the entire value chain, noting: “Production capacity has exceeded 16 million cubic meters per day, supported by private-sector partnerships, along with the reuse of nearly 33% of treated wastewater-enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency.”

His Excellency Carsten Schneider said: “One of the greatest challenges of our time is preserving the natural foundations of life on Earth. I am pleased to see Saudi Arabia investing in the circular economy on a large scale to drive forward the transition using the latest technologies. The Vision 2030 Strategy and the Saudi Green Initiative form an impressive framework for achieving these goals.” He added: “Germany and Saudi Arabia are united in this vision. This is also reflected in the joint kick-off of IFAT Saudi Arabia here in Riyadh.”

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sebaei, Chief Executive Officer, National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN), took attendees through Saudi Arabia’s national waste strategy, explaining how a SAR 750 billion investment has created more than 500 cross-sector investment opportunities across the Kingdom.

Stefan Rummel, CEO, Messe München, praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to making a difference, saying: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic and ambitious markets in the world. The doors of IFAT Saudi Arabia are open, and the world has arrived in Riyadh.” He thanked His Excellency Minister AlFadley and His Excellency Minister Schneider for their support in bringing IFAT to the Kingdom, before adding: “It is deeply meaningful that we begin our 60th anniversary of IFAT, and the 12th edition of the show, right here in Riyadh. I invite you all to use the next three days with purpose.”

MoU signings confirm strong collaboration across the circular economy

During the opening ceremony, MWAN signed several MoUs with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Centre (RIPC), King Salman International Airport, Estidamah, and NEOM. The Saudi Investment and Recycling Company (SIRC) also signed a partnership with private sector company Hydrogen Utopia, while the National Academy for the Environment signed an agreement with the Water Academy.

Running until 28 January at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, IFAT Saudi Arabia brings together technologies, expertise and solutions that support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals and the Saudi Green Initiative. The three-day event offers a strategic platform for direct dialogue between government entities, regulators and industry leaders, supporting collaboration and accelerating the adoption of best practices across the environment, water and waste management sectors.

For more information or to register, visit www.ifat-saudiarabia.com