Water scarcity in the Middle East is intensifying due to climate change, population growth and resource overuse. According to the World Bank, climate-induced water scarcity could cost the region up to 14% of its GDP over the next three decades. This panel will explore the path to a sustainable water future. Can technological advances like desalination and smart water management help? Desalination currently accounts for 70% of Saudi Arabia’s water supply and contributes to 55% of global brine production in conjunction with the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. However, the practice has severe environmental consequences, with brine discharge concentrating salts and chemicals that devastate marine ecosystems, leaving some areas barren. What innovation could make desalination more sustainable and affordable, particularly if powered by renewable energy? And what role should regional cooperation play in managing transboundary water resources?