International Water Summit to see wave of new products

Abu Dhabi: Masdar, in a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, is hosting the upcoming International Water Summit (IWS), to be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 20th-22nd, 2014, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. 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 International Water Summit (IWS). 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. 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 Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-AlShaikh, Deputy Governor for Planning and 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. IWS 2014 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 optimisation. - Emirates News Agency, WAM