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MENA Desalination Projects Forum Returns to Abu Dhabi as Region Accelerates Water Security Investments

By

Utilities Tech Outlook | Tuesday, June 02, 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE — The 7th MENA Desalination Projects Forum will be held on 3–4 June 2026 at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Recognised as the largest desalination conference and exhibition in the region, the forum will once again serve as the premier strategic platform for senior government leaders, utilities, regulators, EPC contractors, developers, investors, consultants, and technology providers to converge and shape the future of desalination and water security across the MENA region.

Now entering its seventh edition, the forum carries with it a well-established reputation as the defining gathering point for the regional desalination community. Against a backdrop of accelerating project pipelines, ambitious national water security strategies, and rapidly evolving technology landscapes, the 2026 edition arrives at a moment of considerable momentum for the sector.

The programme will centre on the next phase of desalination growth across MENA, tackling both the opportunities and complexities that come with scaling capacity to meet surging demand. Key themes will include energy-efficient desalination technologies, the integration of renewable energy sources — solar, wind, and green hydrogen — into desalination infrastructure, and the development of hybrid water-energy systems. Delegates will gain direct insight into major project pipelines, investment requirements, financing structures, and the technical challenges associated with delivering large-scale desalination capacity in some of the world's most demanding environments.

Digital innovation will also feature prominently, with discussions covering automation, real-time monitoring, data analytics, and the application of smart technologies to improve operational performance and reduce the cost of water production. As sustainability pressures intensify, the forum will examine how the sector can align with broader national ESG commitments while continuing to meet escalating water demand across the region.

A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be the expanded exhibition and technology showcase, providing solution providers and industry partners with a dedicated, high-visibility platform to present their latest innovations. Featured technology categories will include advanced membranes, pumps and valves, EPC services, process automation, energy recovery systems, filtration technologies, solar-powered desalination, subsea desalination solutions, and cutting-edge data analytics platforms. The exhibition is expected to draw significant interest from project owners and procurement decision-makers actively sourcing solutions for upcoming developments.

With MENA nations accelerating investment in desalination as a cornerstone of long-term water resilience, the forum offers unmatched access to the project intelligence, decision-makers, and strategic partnerships that matter most. Whether attendees are seeking to position for upcoming tenders, explore technology partnerships, or engage with senior government and utility stakeholders, the 7th MENA Desalination Projects Forum offers the ideal environment to do so.

The event is organised by Great Minds Event Management and is co-located with leading regional water infrastructure forums at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, creating one of the most concentrated water sector gatherings in the region.

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