Oman reaffirms commitment to water resource sustainability

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, along with the other world countries, will mark the World Water Day, which falls on March 22 each year.
By marking the World Water Day, the Sultanate of Oman reaffirms its commitment to the continued development of the water sector and the adoption of the latest technologies related to water resource management, thereby achieving water security and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Sultanate of Oman attaches great importance to the water sector, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR) working to implement strategic plans aimed at developing and preserving water resources to achieve sustainable food and water security.
Dams play a pivotal role in enhancing water reserves and protecting communities from flood risks.
As of the end of February 2026, the ministry oversees 209 dams of three types including flood protection dams. Surface storage dams and groundwater recharge dams have a total storage capacity of 458.685 million cubic metres and they have impounded more than 3.17 billion cubic metres of floodwater up to the end of 2025.
The ministry stressed that groundwater recharge dams, particularly those located in areas like the Al Batinah Plain, help increase groundwater reserves.
Surface storage dams in mountainous regions provide water for local residents, contributing to their stability and supporting the development of agricultural, livestock and economic sectors.
The ministry employs a mechanism for constructing dams with full or partial funding from local communities while providing financial support and engineering supervision.
The percentage of financial support was increased from 20 per cent to 50 per cent starting in 2026. In 2025, eight community dams were completed, bringing the total to 35 dams distributed across the governorates of Al Batinah North, Al Dhahirah, and Al Dakhiliyah. The ministry currently oversees the construction of 19 dams.
The aflaj (traditional irrigation systems) are an integral part of Omani national identity, given their economic, environmental and social value, and their role in supporting food security and sustaining agriculture. There are 4,198 aflaj in the Sultanate of Oman, of which 3,206 are active. These include the Dawoodi, Aini, and Ghaili types.
The number of registered wells in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman is 180,444, used for various purposes according to regulations that ensure the sustainability of water resources and prevent over-exploitation. — ONA