JEDDAH, 26 October 2007 — Issues related to water and power will be discussed in-depth at the Saudi Water and Power Forum (SWPF) scheduled in Jeddah on Nov. 3-6.
This is a strategic conference being held with the support of Makkah Governor Prince Khaled ibn Faisal, Dr Bakr ibn Hamza Khoshaim, member of the Shoura Council and a steering committee member of the forum, told a press conference at the Jeddah Hilton.
The forum assumes importance as Saudi Arabia is by far the largest water and power market in the Middle East with over $200 billion investment required by 2020.
The SWPW will bring over 500 top-level Saudi and international delegates together to discuss the huge requirements for investment in the Kingdom’s water and power sectors, he said, adding that the forum has been developed in partnership with the 2007 advisory committee, government and industry advisors to offer an interactive and highly informative experience for all participants.
Throughout the forum, there will be plenty of networking sessions for local and international delegates to discuss future trends and exchange ideas. More than 80 national and international companies are taking part in the event.
Dr Adil Bushnak, chairman of the forum, said: “By creating a platform to bring Saudi and international investors together, SWPF has become a crucial tool in the development of the Kingdom’s water and power sectors. We have increased the number of networking functions this year and also announced the inaugural SWPF Award for innovation to ensure that the forum maximizes the value to industry and all participants.”
Among the forum speakers will be Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen, Dr Fareed Zedan, governor, Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority, Mohamad Abunayyan, chairman, ACWA Power Projects, and Magued Eldaief, executive direct, infrastructure accounts, GE Energy.
Technical workshops, conference and exhibition opening ceremonies, and a “SWPF 2007 award for innovation” dinner will mark the opening day.
On Nov. 4 and 5, there will be a strategic conference and international exhibition, followed by a reception.
On Nov. 6, there will be a seminar on “Facilitating investment in the Kingdom” and start of a two-day technical workshops.
The organizers have announced the inaugural SWPC 2007 award for innovation, which aims to encourage and celebrate excellence in the industry. The award will be presented at a dinner reception on the evening of Nov. 3.
SWPF 2007 is the result of the organizers’ partnership with the Ministry of Water and Electricity, CWC Associates Ltd., and Dr Al-Taqniya Academy.
Running alongside the conference will be an exhibition that brings leading domestic and international suppliers to demonstrate their innovative products and services, giving visitors the opportunity to find what is new and current, meet new suppliers and network with their international peers.
The workshops on Nov. 3 will be on integrated water and power production, minimizing energy required for desalination systems, solar desalination and contract options in infrastructure.
Two-day workshops from Nov. 6 will be devoted to seawater desalination and the marine environment, membrane desalination technologies n practice, and energy auditing practices in industry.