IFAT Saudi Arabia’s inaugural edition marks a historic debut, opening a new chapter for environmental technologies in the Kingdom and beyond
- Biggest IFAT launch in the brand’s global history, with more than 450 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 trade visitors
- Strong signal reinforcing the role of environmental technologies and international cooperation within Saudi Vision 2030
- High-level ministerial participation underscores the strategic importance of IFAT Saudi Arabia
IFAT Saudi Arabia recorded a historic start in its inaugural edition, cementing its position as the Kingdom’s only specialized event for waste, water and environmental technologies – and the largest launch in IFAT’s global history.
From 26 to 28 January 2026, the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center welcomed decision-makers, senior officials and international experts, alongside leading companies and organizations specializing in sustainable environmental solutions.
With more than 450 exhibitors from over 35 countries and nearly 20,000 trade visitors, the exhibition reflected strong international momentum and growing interest in environmental technologies across Saudi Arabia and the wider region – at a time when the Kingdom is accelerating the delivery of Vision 2030 goals in sustainability and the circular economy.
Broad international delegations from Egypt, France, Germany, India, Jordan, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond further confirmed IFAT Saudi Arabia’s evolution into a regional platform with global reach.
IFAT Saudi Arabia was delivered through a strategic partnership between dmg events and Messe München, providing an integrated platform that connects regional environmental challenges with global expertise and technologies, and supports knowledge exchange and professional dialogue across the entire value chain. The National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) served as the Founding and Strategic Partner of the event.
Ministerial patronage reflects national direction
Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, IFAT Saudi Arabia delivered a clear message reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to accelerating technological innovation, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing sustainability pathways aligned with Vision 2030. His Excellency stated:
“Through IFAT Saudi Arabia, we bring the latest environmental technologies and international expertise to the Kingdom. The exhibition is a key contributor to delivering our environmental and sustainability objectives within the framework of Vision 2030, and it also enhances constructive dialogue between local and international partners.”
International participation reinforces strategic positioning
The exhibition’s international standing was further reinforced by the participation of His Excellency Carsten Schneider, Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, who said:
“IFAT Saudi Arabia demonstrates in practical terms how international cooperation can deliver realistic solutions to global environmental challenges, particularly in the areas of water, waste management and recycling.”
A defining milestone in Messe München’s expansion
Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München GmbH, described the exhibition as a defining strategic milestone, stating:
“With IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026, we not only launched Messe München’s first trade fair in the Kingdom, but also achieved the largest launch in the history of IFAT events worldwide – strengthening our presence in the Middle East and North Africa and supporting our strategy of well-planned international expansion.”
A platform for long-term growth
Matt Denton, President, dmg events, noted that the inaugural edition exceeded expectations, emphasizing that the strong engagement from exhibitors, trade visitors and decision-makers confirms IFAT Saudi Arabia as a pivotal platform positioned for long-term growth and sustainability.
A comprehensive summit and knowledge program
A key highlight was the IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit, which brought together leaders from government and regulatory entities, investors and sector leaders to discuss the strategic development of Saudi Arabia’s waste and water sectors, alongside a specialized three-day conference program. The next edition of IFAT Saudi Arabia will take place in Riyadh from 18–20 January 2027.
