In brief
Saudi Arabia’s Water Authority has opened the inaugural Water Regulation Exchange (WREx 2027) in Riyadh, scheduled for January 24, 2027. The forum will gather representatives from more than 25 regulatory bodies, government officials, and four international organizations to share best practices and develop regulatory frameworks for the water sector. Prior workshops on January 23 will provide deeper dives into regulatory challenges and solutions.
WREx 2027 will open in Riyadh on January 24, 2027, after a series of preparatory workshops announced by the Saudi Water Authority.
The event will bring together representatives from more than 25 regulatory bodies worldwide, along with government officials, policymakers, and international experts to discuss the future of water sector regulation and exchange global experiences and best practices in developing regulatory frameworks and operational standards.
Four international organizations will also be represented at the forum, strengthening the global reach of the exchange and allowing for a broader dialogue on regulatory approaches across the Gulf and beyond.
WREx 2027 will feature six sessions addressing key aspects of water sector regulation, including the evolution of regulatory roles, utility and service regulation models in the Americas, compliance and performance monitoring experiences in Europe and the Pacific region, and regulatory approaches across the Gulf countries.
In addition to the main event, the Saudi Water Authority will host specialized international workshops on January 23 to showcase regulatory experiences and practices from various countries. These workshops offer an opportunity to examine regulatory challenges and solutions in greater depth, enrich forum discussions, and promote the exchange of expertise among participating entities.
The extended schedule aims to provide a comprehensive platform for policymakers and practitioners to refine regulatory tools and advance sustainable water management practices. By convening regulators from diverse regions, WREx 2027 seeks to foster collaboration that can adapt to future challenges in water provision and service quality.
Organizers emphasize that the exchange will serve as a catalyst for developing regional best practices and harmonizing regulatory standards across neighboring states. Participation in the event will allow stakeholders to align their regulatory strategies with emerging global trends and local water needs.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of WREx 2027 signals an increased commitment to strengthening water governance, reflecting government objectives to improve regulatory efficiency and water service delivery across the Kingdom.
Attendees anticipate that the forum’s discussions will result in actionable insights to support stronger, more resilient water regulation frameworks worldwide.
