Final preparations in full swing for IDA World Congress 2009

The five-day event, organized under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and hosted by the Dubai Institute of Technology - TechnoPark, the science and technology facilitator of Economic Zones World, will take place in the period at Atlantis, The Palm.

The Organizing Committee reviewed the final arrangements being made by different local and international bodies for the conference and exhibition, which will attract more than 1,800 delegates from around the world.

The IDA World Congress 2009 will feature 26 technical sessions, 240 presentations, lectures, round table discussions, interactive sessions, workshops and concurrent exhibition.

Members of the committee voiced their satisfaction over the progress being made by the various sub-committees responsible for the logistical and other arrangements.

Ibrahim Al Janahi, Chief Commercial Officer, Economic Zones World, and Member of the IDA Organizing Committee, said:

"We are pleased with the progress made so far and the countdown for the opening of IDA Congress 2009 is proceeding as planned. The level of cooperation among the various agencies involved is very high and we are extremely encouraged by the selfless of those involved in the preparations. This international gathering on water desalination is one of the most important events to be held in Dubai and, as hosts, we are determined to make it a grand success."

Under the theme "Desalination for a Better World", the IDA Congress 2009 will address environmental and energy impacts of desalination on the global stage by exploring the challenges, trends and advances in the industry, as a reflection of the aim of both IDA and the industry to make desalination and water reuse sustainable and affordable.

Hamad Al Hashemi, Managing Director, Dubai Institute of Technology - TechnoPark, said:
"The IDA World Congress 2009 will see hundreds of international dignitaries and renowned scientists converge in Dubai to tackle one of the biggest challenges faced by our collective quest for a sustainable future. The debates and discussions will be of immense value and help to the UAE and other countries of this region, the world's leading users of desalination technology for common good."

As hosts, Dubai Institute of Technology - TechnoPark hope the IDA World Congress 2009 will generate greater regional and global awareness about the need to step up research and development in the water desalination field and water re-use issues.

The conference inaugural ceremony will be attended by a large number of ministers, experts, scientists, decision-makers, manufacturers and end-users.

The exhibition on desalination and water re-use will cover an area of 2,000 sq. m. area, with some 70 companies from 21 Countries showcasing the latest equipment and technologies.

The global water crisis is as critical as the challenges thrown up by climate change. The UAE is the world second largest producer of desalinated water with a capacity of producing 8.4 million cu. m. of desalinated water per day. About 95% of water used for local consumption flows from this source.

Though the Middle East has 5% of the world population, it has only 1% of the earth's renewable water resources.