Conference Programmes

Hall 3

What is meant by the word ‘security’ in the term water security? Is security the quantity of water available, or its quality, affordability or access to the water? And who is responsible for managing water security? This panel explores how regions can turn water vulnerabilities into strengths through community-driven initiatives and policy frameworks. It will highlight risk governance, regulatory standards, use of different water types and successful public-private partnerships (PPP) to advance water security.

Dr. Mohamed Hamyd Dawoud, Advisor - Environment Quality, Environment Quality, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
 

Fadi Comair, Director of EEWRC - Chair and Vice Chair of UNESCO-IHP (2019-2023),
President of Medurable
 

The second part of our focus on water security will discuss the role of new technologies. It will look at how we can better measure and predict water needs, and the benefits of more rapidly spotting water losses or theft across the network, such as by using AI in leak detection or smart metres for non-revenue water to cut losses.

Stella Martin Beck, Senior Commercial Advisor, Green Energy Transition UAE & Qatar,
Consulate General of Denmark
 

As we face unprecedented water challenges, innovative solutions are crucial. Technologies like remote sensing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced computing allow complex water management models to emerge. Techniques such as water harvesting, water reuse, and smart water management transform our approach. These case studies will offer insights into efforts to innovate water provision. 

15:25 | Talk 1: Chakravarthy Gudipati, Executive Director - Water Technologies,
Technology Innovation Institute 
 

15:40 | Talk 2:
 

In the arid GCC, desalination is a lifeline for water security. These presentations will explore advancements in desalination technologies that are aiding continual improvements in low carbon water production. From next-gen membrane technologies and energy-efficient processes to hybrid systems and sustainable practices, our experts will highlight the innovations making desalination more eco-friendly. 

• 16.00: Talk 1 
• 16.15: Talk 2

Decarbonising a country’s water infrastructure involves many steps that span the entire value chain. To achieve this transformation, it requires policy and regulation, technology adoption, particularly to implement energy-efficient processes and smart systems, and to foster increased collaboration and stakeholder engagement. This panel will discuss key steps, how to measure progress, and provide an insight into what is realistically feasible in the short term and the long-term ambitions and goals that can be set.

Water reuse remains a taboo topic when the word ‘potable’ is added. Is it a battle worth fighting in our efforts to treat water use more sustainably, or too expensive to be worthwhile? Instead, is it better to focus on revenue generating opportunities around wastewater – especially given that the rapid urbanisation happening in the region needs different water types for various roles. Can increased water reuse become a more viable pillar in reducing potable consumption and therefore capital requirements?

Moderator: Carlo Stella, Managing Partner - Global Practice Leader, Sustainability Practice, Arthur D. Little
 

Alok Srivastava, General Manager, Clear Water Solutions (Al Shirawi) 
 

Dr. Hazem Gouda, Associate Professor of Engineering, University of Wollongong in Dubai
 

The Dubai flood that struck after unprecedented heavy rainfall in April 2024 highlighted the impact of changing weather patterns, particularly as such events are predicted to happen more often in the coming years. Beyond investing in and building better stormwater drainage systems, how should water scarce countries integrate stormwater capture and management - including policies - into their urban design and planning? What purification processes will this polluted water need to go through to remove city contaminants and how do cities turn stormwater from a risk to a resource?

Water positivity goes beyond treating water properly - it’s about replenishing more than we consume. Leading companies worldwide are looking into how they can return water to nature, offsetting their usage. Achieving this involves a holistic approach, considering the entire value chain (including agriculture and consumer use), implementing replenishment strategies, and aligning with water stewardship policies. The benefits include enhanced sustainability and a positive environmental impact, while risks include replenishment programmes falling short. This session will look at how companies, especially major water consumers, are trying to become water positive.

This panel explores strategies for building resilient food systems amid escalating climate challenges. It highlights transformative approaches to food security and sustainability that are vital for healthy societies. 

Mira El Ghaziri, Managing Director, HealthyPath
 

An approach to reducing water use in food production is to invest more heavily into the research, development and production of alternative proteins, such as lab-grown meat or insects for human consumption. But getting the general populace to eat alternative proteins is a significant challenge. Here we look at if the future of food - and the future of low water use in farming - is inside a laboratory. What investment in protein products and safe production is required, what research is underway to bring down production costs and how will governments and organisations convince people to swallow these alternative foods?

Kerem Erikçi , Cofounder, biftek.co
 

Are GCC ambitions around agriculture technology (agtech) clear? Should the focus be on environmental sustainability – such as reducing emissions or water use? Or is it more important to concentrate on the economic viability of agtech? Farmers need to balance efforts to become more profitable with meeting local food demands and sustainability targets. For many, agtech is unaffordable. How do we make agricultural technology more standardised and less fragmented, so that it becomes a more cost-effective and sustainable investment for farmers? And is current agtech fit for purpose in the GCC’s harsh, arid climate, or do we need to see more localised efforts around research & development?

Sherif Hosny, Chief Executive Officer, Mishkat Agtech