Latest news with #water security
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar strengthens water security through strategic planning, global partnerships
Doha: Qatar is well-positioned in terms of water security, thanks to the proactive vision of the nation's leadership, which began planning for water resilience more than two decades ago, said an official. Qatar operates from a position of strength, with comprehensive risk management frameworks and business continuity systems firmly in place,' said Head of the Water Control Section at Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) Eng Abdulhadi Masoud Al-Marri. Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said that the key focus areas include ensuring sufficient water availability to meet national needs and maintaining high water quality standards. Al-Marri also discussed current and future projects, water sources, the impact of climate change, technological innovations, and Qatar's role in global cooperation on water sustainability. As a country with no significant groundwater resources, he said Qatar relies almost entirely on seawater desalination for its freshwater supply. 'Currently, over 99.9% of Qatar's water comes from desalinated seawater, with less than 0.01% sourced from underground aquifers. The abundance of marine resources not only supports water production but also fuels other sectors such as energy and fisheries,' said Al-Marri. He noted that climate change poses new challenges. Rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns have led to higher seawater salinity, which in turn increases the energy required for desalination. Nevertheless, Qatar has anticipated these challenges and is actively implementing sustainability measures and environmental protection initiatives to adapt effectively. 'Qatar uses two primary desalination technologies: The thermal desalination method, where seawater is heated, condensed, and re-mineralised to produce potable water. The reverse osmosis (RO) method, which uses high-pressure filtration to separate salt and impurities from seawater,' said Al-Marri. He said that both methods are environmentally sound and safe, with RO being particularly favoured for its energy efficiency and future potential across the Gulf region. 'One of Qatar's most notable achievements in water management is the development of the largest strategic water reservoirs in the world, which have earned recognition from the Guinness World Records,' said Al-Marri. He said that these mega-reservoirs significantly enhance the country's ability to store and distribute water efficiently, allowing for seamless supply across all regions of Qatar. The water supply process is organised in three stages: strategic reservoirs store desalinated water long-term, operational reservoirs manage short-term supply and daily distribution, and water is then delivered to end users, including homes and businesses. This multi-tiered system ensures flexibility, reliability, and resilience in Qatar's water distribution network. Recognising that water security is a global issue, Qatar actively collaborates with international organizations such as the International Water Association (IWA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Through these partnerships, Qatar gains access to the latest technologies, data, and policy insights. The country also participates in global conferences and exchanges scientific papers, which contribute to the development of advanced solutions in areas like pumping systems, water storage, valves, control technologies, and cybersecurity. Looking ahead, Qatar aims to expand national water storage capacity by constructing additional reservoirs, enhance remote-control systems and digital monitoring of water infrastructure and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across desalination and distribution facilities — a move already underway within Kahramaa. Qatar's water security strategy reflects a forward-thinking, sustainable approach that prioritises innovation, resilience, and global cooperation. Through long-term planning, strategic infrastructure, and public engagement, Qatar is not only meeting current demands but also preparing to face future environmental challenges with confidence. Qatar places strong emphasis on water conservation and public awareness. A dedicated department within Kahramaa has launched multiple projects focusing on behavioural change and sustainability education. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
UN report praises Kingdom's achievements in integrated water resources management
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia shared its experience of advancing water security and sustainability in a region of extreme water scarcity during the SDG 6 Water Action Agenda Special Event in New York. The event was held on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN's headquarters, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. It followed UN-Water's recognition of Saudi Arabia as one of the countries showing clear and measurable progress in integrated water resources management under SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 6. The Kingdom's delegation, led by Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, the deputy minister for water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, presented Saudi Arabia's approach to accelerating the progress of SDG 6. The event spotlighted successes in the sector and countries making significant strides. Saudi Arabia was highlighted in the report as a success story for its rapid progress in integrated water resources management, the SPA added. Al-Shaibani said that the Kingdom's efforts had brought notable improvements in efficiency, coordination, and service quality between 2017 and 2023. The Kingdom's integrated water resources management indicator rose from 57 percent to 83 percent during this period, marking one of the fastest global increases under SDG indicator 6.5.1, he said. Al-Shaibani stressed that strong support from the Kingdom's leadership had enabled significant structural and organizational reforms to aid sustainable water management. With substantial investments to expand and modernize water infrastructure, these efforts had raised the Kingdom's 'enabling environment' score from 42 percent in 2017 to 87 percent in 2023, he added.
Arab News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Iraq plans to build 10 dams to harvest desert rains, as drought displaces 10,000 families in Dhi Qar
LONDON: Iraq has announced plans to build 10 dams to harvest water in desert areas, as part of an urgent strategy to boost water security amid dwindling supplies. The effects of climate change and the construction of dams in neighboring countries, including Turkiye, have significantly affected water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which are vital lifelines for Iraqis. The Iraqi minister of water resources, Awn Dhiab Abdullah, said on Monday that the dams would store floodwater and rainwater in the desert to build up strategic reserves, especially in provinces lacking in surface-water resources. 'The shortage the country is experiencing is the most dangerous in its history, forcing 12 provinces to rely exclusively on groundwater to cover their various needs,' he said. Dhi Qar, which is in southern Iraq, has experienced one of its worst summers on record, with severe water shortages and drought forcing nearly 10,000 families in rural areas to abandon their homes and migrate to urban areas. Abdullah said that more than half of Iraq's desert region relies on groundwater supplies. He emphasized the importance of water-harvesting projects and the need to reduce dependence on traditional sources.
