2014 International Water Summit to See Wave of New Products

Abu Dhabi, Jan 15, 2014 – (ACN Newswire) – More than 133 new products and services from 41 companies related to water management, recycling, wastewater, energy efficient desalination and ground water conservation are set to be launched and showcased at the upcoming International Water Summit (IWS), to be held in Abu Dhabi from January 20-22, 2014.

Hosted by Masdar and in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, the International Water Summit is a key component of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Now in its second year, IWS has seen a 25% growth in exhibition space. The event has also posted a 70% increase in new product launches from 2013, where it featured 77 new products from 11 countries.

“This significant growth is a testament to the global standing of IWS as a platform for the water industry,” said Ara Fernezian, Divisional Managing Director UAE at Reed Exhibitions. “This year’s exhibition will feature the latest innovations and patented technologies, tailor- made for the Middle East and North Africa’s arid climate, making the event an ideal business opportunity for local and regional water authorities and companies.”

“Water is a critical resource in nearly every industry today,” said Fernezian. “How should these industries continue to use water in their operations? And can they do so in ways that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable? These are the questions participants in the next International Water Summit will attempt to find the answers for.”

This year, the new products and technologies on show at the IWS exhibition will cater to a diversity of industries, including agriculture, utilities and construction.

“Being located in an arid region that is heavily dependent on desalination, Middle East policy makers understand that every drop counts,” added Fernezian. “IWS 2014 offers unique perspectives for government decision makers, business leaders and the R&D community on tackling the inter-connected challenges of water sustainability.”

The IWS 2014 conference will feature presentations from 77 local and international water sustainability experts, highlighting best practices from Japan, Singapore, the United States of America, and the United Arab Emirates, among many other countries.

Confirmed speakers at the conference include H.E. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority; Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-AlShaikh, Deputy Governor for Planning & Development, Saline Water Conversion Corporation, Saudi Arabia, and President of the International Desalination Association; and Dr Peter H. Gleick, President of the US-based Pacific Institute.

IWS2014 is also supported by International Desalination Association (IDA) as a Knowledge Partner. The world’s leading association focused on desalination and water reuse, the IDA is set to host several sessions on a host of topics including energy efficiency, energy conservation and water optimization.

Co-located with the 7th World Future Energy Summit, IWS will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, an annual platform to address the inter-connected challenges impacting the widespread adoption of renewable energy and the acceleration of sustainable development.

About International Water Summit

IWS 2014, hosted by Masdar, is a global platform that hosts world leaders, government organizations, policymakers, public and private sector investors, business leaders, consultants and water experts to interact, negotiate and finalise plans to develop diverse and sustainable water portfolios in the GCC and other regions.

The inaugural edition of International Water Summit 2013, hosted by Masdar with the strategic Partnership of ADWEA, was attended by over 4700 attendees from 75 countries and contributed significantly to addressing global water issues such as water scarcity in Arab regions, sustainable growth and economic development in arid regions, the future challenges of water availability and cross-boundary collaboration through international water governance and the water – energy nexus.

IWS 2014, from 20-22 January 2014, is co-located with World Future Energy Summit, also hosted by Masdar, as a part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), a global platform that addresses the interconnected challenges that affect the widespread acceleration and adoption of sustainable development and renewable energy. For more information about the International Water Summit, visit:www.iwsabudhabi.com.

Contact:

Dania Ghalayini

Reed Exhibitions

Email: dania.ghalayini@reedexpo.ae

T: +971 2 491 7615

Nathan Wilson

Asda'a Burson-Marsteller

E: nathan.wilson@bm.com

T: +971 2 6334 133