RIYADH — The population of Saudi Arabia is growing at the rate of over 2.5 percent, while the demand for water is increasing by more than 8.8 percent annually. This has led the Saudi government to make significant investment in the water desalination industry, which has experienced an annual growth rate of six percent – the highest in the world. Furthermore, the Ministry of Water and Electricity have signed several contracts worth billions of dollars to establish new desalination facilities in the Kingdom in addition to renovating existing plants to prolong their life expectancy from 25 years to 40 years. Currently, the state-owned Saline Water Conservation Corporation (SWCC) operates 36 water desalination stations on the Red Coast. To be held on May 26-28, 2014 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Saudi Energy 2014 – the International Trade Exhibition for Electricity, Power Generation, Alternative Energy, Water Technology and Lighting – will show cutting-edge technology and latest products in water desalination. Under the patronage of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Water and Electricity, the event is being organized by the Riyadh Exhibitions Company and Informa Exhibitions. With the demand for desalinated water at an all-time high in the Kingdom, Saudi Energy is one of the leading specialized exhibitions in the region that will give exhibitors an insight about the requirements of the country's water desalination sector, enable them to strengthen their presence in the Saudi market. Furthermore, participant will gain entry into the regional market by exploring partnership opportunities with local companies, and networking with the region's professional audience, including government officials, service providers, regional buyers and international exhibitors. Fahad Al-Athel, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: “Saudi Arabia has the third largest water consumption rate in the world with an average use reaching 280 liters per person per day. Of the total daily requirement of seven billion cubic meters of water, 60 percent of water demand is supplied from the water desalination plants – 40 percent from SWCC stations and 20 percent from plants operated by the private sector. Saudi Energy 2014 is all set to contribute positively to growing demand for desalinated water at an alarming rate. The event will offer the visitors a chance to learn about path-breaking technologies from international experts as they interact with local service providers and explore cooperative opportunities.” Saudi Energy 2014 will showcase the latest sector products, services and technologies to a large group of professional visitors from Saudi Arabia and the region. The event will offer a chance to gain first-hand experience of fresh technologies and new equipment for attendees to stay abreast with the industry and market developments in the region. — SG
