MUSCAT, JAN 28 - Experts representing member states of the Islamic Development Bank gathered at MEDRC Water Research to discuss the challenges, needs, successes and perspectives of their water desalination sectors. Organised by MEDRC in partnership with the National Office for Electricity & Potable Water (ONEE), Morocco, the workshop is the result of an agreement by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), MEDRC Water Research and ONEE to look for a means to collaborate in areas specifically related to desalination, namely in research and capacity building.
The workshop offers the organising parties the opportunity to assess support requirements and to establish a framework for future collaborative efforts that respond to those needs. Sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), a specialised institution working to achieve economic development and social progress of Muslim countries, the three-day event offers a platform for peer learning and knowledge sharing and strengthens MEDRC’s reputation as a regional hub and catalyst for the development of solutions to fresh water scarcity.
Taking place at MEDRC’s Headquarters in Al Hail, Muscat, the workshop brought together a total of 10 IDB member states including Oman, Morocco, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Senegal and Libya. Oman was represented by Dr Ammar al Obaidani, an expert at the Transfer of Science Knowledge and Technology Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Zaher al Sulaimani, Chairman of the Oman Water Society together with representatives from the Oman Power and Water Procurement Co (PWP), The Research Council (TRC), Haya Water, PAEW and the Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources and Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries alongside key figures from operation & maintenance organisations running Oman’s desalination plants.
Among speakers at the event were Ciarán Ó Cuinn (Center Director, MEDRC Water Research), Dr Ammar al Obaidani (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oman), Dr Jauad el Kharraz, (Head of Research, MEDRC Water Research), Abdelhakim Yessouf (IDB), Salma Jariri (ONEE) and Abrar al Zaabi (OPWP). The event culminates on January 30 with technical visits to MEDRC’s state of the art reverse osmosis pilot training plant and research facilities plus a tour of the Ghubrah desalination plant.
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