Riyadh to host inaugural WREX 2027 International Water Regulation Forum

The inaugural edition of the Water Regulation Forum, WREX 2027, will be held in Riyadh on January 24, 2027. Organized by the Saudi Water Authority at the InterContinental Hotel, the event will bring together four international organizations and more than 25 regulatory bodies from around the world, along with officials, decision-makers, and global experts.

The forum aims to explore the future of water sector regulation and facilitate the exchange of international experiences and best practices in developing regulatory frameworks. Six main sessions will address topics such as evolving regulatory roles, utility and service regulation models in the Americas, regulatory compliance and performance monitoring experiences in Europe and the Pacific, and regulatory practices in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Sessions will also focus on the integration of government, private sector, and financial institutions, highlighting key practices and lessons learned from international experiences in governance, financial sustainability, service quality, and consumer protection.

International and regional organizations will participate in the forum through specialized partnerships to promote knowledge exchange and international cooperation in the water sector. Strategic partners include the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA), the World Bank Group as a knowledge and development partner, the Latin American Association for Desalination and Water Reuse (ALADYR) as a regional partner for Latin America, and the Chilean Association for Desalination and Water Reuse (ACADES) as the professional community partner for Chile.

Preceding the forum, specialized international workshops will be held on January 23, showcasing regulatory experiences and practices from various countries. These workshops will allow participants to discuss regulatory challenges and solutions in detail, enriching the forum’s sessions and enhancing the exchange of expertise among participating entities.

The forum supports the Saudi Water Authority’s role in promoting international regulatory knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation to develop policies and practices that underpin the efficiency and sustainability of the water sector.