IFAT Saudi Arabia’s inaugural edition marks a historic debut
17.02.2026IFAT 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.
Opening speech by Messe München CEO Stefan Rummel at IFAT Saudi Arabia
© Messe München GmbH
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, Turkey, 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.
The environment ministers from Germany and Saudi Arabia at the opening of IFAT in Riyadh
© Messe München GmbH
International participation reinforces strategic positioning
The exhibition’s international standing was 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 impressively demonstrates how international cooperation can produce concrete solutions to global environmental issues. Especially in the areas of water, waste and recycling management, we need this exchange in order to advance sustainable progress worldwide.”
A defining milestone in Messe München’s expansion
Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München GmbH, described the exhibition as a defining strategic milestone, stating: “This was a landmark moment. With IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026, we opened Messe München’s first trade fair in the Kingdom. It was even the biggest IFAT launch ever, spanning its reach in the whole MENA region. The strong premiere confirms our approach of specifically accelerating internationalization.”
Professional exchange at the exhibition stands on innovative waste recovery solutions
© Messe München GmbH
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.”
View into the exhibition halls of IFAT Saudi Arabia with an international professional audience
© Messe München GmbH
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 to 20 January 2027.
