Navigating the regulatory landscape: Water sector reform and licensing across the GCC

As geopolitical uncertainty, increasing cyber threats and evolving regulatory requirements continue to transform the risk landscape, safeguarding the resilience of critical water infrastructure is becoming ever more essential.

The regulatory environment governing desalination projects across the Middle East is evolving rapidly, as governments seek to attract private investment whilst maintaining strategic control over national water resources. This session provides an overview of the licensing and permitting regimes applicable to desalination projects in key GCC jurisdictions, including the role of sector regulators, government offtakers, and national water authorities. We will also examine how ongoing water sector reform programmes — including subsidy rationalisation and unbundling initiatives — are reshaping the risk profile for investors and developers.

Who should attend

Utilities, project sponsors, EPC contractors, developers, lenders, investors, operators, technology providers, insurers and public sector stakeholders involved in the development, financing, construction and operation of water and desalination infrastructure across the Middle East.