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Attended by representatives from 40 top Japanese companies, the road show presented the main challenges that arid regions face globally, with a focus on the UAE and GCC.

Stressing the importance of ‘Global collaborations for solving water-related issues’, Ara Fernezian, Divisional Managing Director – UAE at Reed Exhibitions, organizer of the International Water Summit, engaged the audience in discussions on water challenges and the multi-fold approach to the water issue in the Middle East region.

“Rising concerns on water sustainability in arid regions globally makes it pertinent for business leaders, water-technologists and policy makers to share best practice, to collaborate and foster innovation and business opportunities on an international level.”

“GCC is a thriving economy that is investing in water”, he highlighted.

“Over USD300 billion will be invested in GCC water sustainability projects between the period of 2012 – 2022, presenting vast business opportunities to leading providers of cutting-edge technologies.”

Fernezian also said that the water-technology potential of Japan is enormous.

“Japan is a world leader in membrane water treatment technology. Currently, Japanese manufacturers account for 60% of the global water treatment membrane market. Japan’s global market share of highly energy-efficient reverse osmosis membrane products is nearly 70 per cent.”

“Japan’s technological advancement and experience, especially in water-saving technology and efficient water management systems constitute a remarkable strength. Through a common platform such as IWS, Japanese technology providers can share their experiences and know-how in the water sector and expand their related businesses internationally.”

He urged Japanese companies to participate at the 2014 International Water Summit to be held in Abu Dhabi from 20-22 January co-located with World Future Energy Summit, 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. To seriously address the global energy challenge, the relationships between economic development, poverty eradication, energy security, water scarcity and climate change cannot be overlooked. The largest gathering on sustainability in the history of the Middle East, ADSW encourages actionable outcomes to carve a pathway toward sustainability worldwide.

To discuss the opportunities in the GCC water sector and to encourage dialogue and international cooperation at the International Water Summit 2014, the road show will travel to France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, USA and UK.

The 2nd IWS in 2014 will continue to garner strong local support from partners such as the Ministry of Environment and Water, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) and Regulation and Studies Bureau (RSB).

The International Water Summit 2013, the inaugural edition held in January, 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 2013 brought together world leaders, government organizations, policymakers, public and private sector investors, business leaders, consultants, experts, contractors and developers under one roof at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to discuss, debate and display the latest thinking in water sustainability.

The conference proceedings at IWS 2013 were led by more than 110 of the world’s leading water experts from global organizations such as UN Habitat, the Global Water Operators’ Partnership Alliance (GWOPA), the World Bank, UN Water, the International Desalination Association, UNESCO, the Public Utilities Board Singapore, the Arab Countries Water Utilities Association and the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water.

The conference was further supported by more than 162 exhibiting companies, represented by 120 exhibitors from 20 countries, who showcased the latest innovations and solutions in the water sustainability sector.