- Leading companies confirm their participation in the Exhibition of the International Water Summit in Abu Dhabi from 15 - 17 January 2013
- 20 countries set up national pavilions to showcase their latest innovations in the water sector

Abu Dhabi, Jan 8, 2013 - (ACN Newswire) - As many countries seek solutions for the urgent problem of water scarcity, governments, businesses and water experts from around the world will be gathering in Abu Dhabi from 15-17 January 2013 in an effort to provide tangible solutions on water sustainability. The inaugural International Water Summit (IWS), hosted by Masdar and supported by prominent entities, will gather water experts from around the globe in an effort to create an international think-tank dedicated to water sustainability and the water-energy nexus.

Running for the duration of the event, the IWS Exhibition will feature 150 companies from more than 20 countries, who will showcase cutting-edge products and solutions that aim to help arid regions - and especially MENA - to meet their need for water sustainability.

"For a first-time event, we are delighted with the response from exhibitors who clearly see the International Water Summit as an ideal platform to launch new products or release updated models," said Peter McConnell, Show Director for the IWS.

Leading water industry companies from around the world, such as Borouge Borealis, CH2MHILL, Xylem, Hyflux, Metito, Cla Val Europe, Abener Energia SA, GE Water, Grundfos, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Shell & Schlumberger, will be unveiling innovative solutions and new technologies on the floor of the International Water Summit and the co-located World Future Energy Summit Exhibitions.

Local exhibitors include among others the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, Regulation and Supervision Bureau and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

"Highlight of the Exhibition will be the national pavilions that will congregate national innovations into a dedicated area. Germany, Italy, USA, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Singapore have confirmed among others their participation at IWS," said Mr McConnell.

With water sustainability and the water-energy nexus high on the agenda for many governments, the IWS Exhibition will offer new and cutting-edge solutions to the most pressing problems affecting the sustainable production, treatment and supply of water.

These include used and waste water treatment, water reuse and recycling, distribution and sewerage networks, desalination, aquifer protection, water for agriculture, urban landscaping and architecture, and industrial water management.

IWS Information

The International Water Summit is a new global platform for promoting water sustainability and the water-energy nexus in arid regions. As a natural extension of the UAE's commitment to sustainability, IWS will bring together policymakers, scientists and business leaders to tackle the urgent challenges of wastewater and water access and security.

The International Water Summit (15 -17 January 2013) is hosted by Masdar, with Borouge Borealis being the principal sponsor and the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority a strategic partner.

IWS will be co-located with the World Future Energy Summit, also hosted by Masdar, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (13 - 17 January 2013), alongside the International Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi (ADIREC) and the 3rd session of IRENA.

About International Water Summit 2013

In response to the Abu Dhabi leadership's compelling declaration that water is more important than oil in the United Arab Emirates, the 2013 International Water Summit from 15 - 17 January 2013 is a bold first step in this arid region to develop the strategic action plans and innovative solutions needed to safeguard this invaluable resource with as little environmental impact as possible.

The 2013 International Water Summit is a testament to the commitment taken by the UAE, Abu Dhabi and Masdar to embrace the inseparable relationship between water and energy. Like energy sustainability, water sustainability needs to be at the top of the global agenda. For more information about the International Water Summit, visit: www.iwsabudhabi.com.

Source: International Water Summit 2013

Contact:

Reem Diab or Ian Mason
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 6334133
reem.diab@bm.com
ian.mason@bm.com