MUSCAT: Oman Water Week, a prestigious gathering encompassing a diverse range of global water experts, has commenced at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday. With the ambitious goal of tackling water challenges, the event aims to foster local capabilities, exchange knowledge and expertise, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and raise environmental consciousness. By developing a sustainable roadmap for Oman, the week's agenda includes multifaceted discussions, technical workshops, and an influential exhibition, where leading minds and specialists can shape the future of water management.
Held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, the opening ceremony emphasised Oman's trajectory towards a thriving and eco-conscious economy. Seizing the opportunity, Nama Water Services, being an integral player in Oman's sustainable development journey, spearheaded the initiative to host Oman Water Week. Recognising the crucial role of the water sector, the company seeks to enhance sustainability, flexibility, and efficiency through knowledge exchange and collaboration.
With an unwavering focus on operational excellence, service quality, and customer satisfaction, Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, said Nama strives to optimise asset utilisation within regulatory frameworks, delivering pristine, and high-quality water products. The innovative approach extends beyond standard practices, encompassing resource utilisation in food security projects through strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, backed by the Oman Investment Authority. By implementing treated water in agriculture and productive projects, economic costs are minimised, ensuring maximum resource utilisation.
By further emphasising research and development, Nama Group aims to boost operational efficiency through the localisation of advanced technologies. Crucially, the company prioritises the involvement of local enterprises in all ventures, fostering opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in water-related fields. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and progress, Oman Water Week serves as a platform to shape a resilient, forward-thinking water sector that propels Oman towards a carbon-neutral future, aligning with its ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Dr Waleed al Zubari, a distinguished Professor of water resources management at Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain, delivered a keynote presentation on the critical issue of sustainable water management in the GCC countries. In his presentation, Al Zubari highlighted the growing reliance on desalination and treated wastewater, which is primarily attributed to various factors such as population growth, urbanisation, consumption patterns, and the escalating impacts of climate change.
Emphasising the complexity of water management sustainability, Al Zubari stressed the need for an integrated and strategic approach that addresses both the supply and demand sides of the system. Furthermore, he advocated for the highest level of national water governance to ensure the efficient collaboration and alignment of all water-related agencies under a comprehensive and integrated national strategy towards the achievement of long-term water sustainability goals.
Supported by Authority for Public Services Regulation, Oman Water Week was organised by Raya Services, with the participation of over 60 speakers, 30 local and international companies, and 500 water experts from around the world.
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