Sustaining water resources amid climate and demand pressures

MUSCAT: With water sustainability emerging as a critical challenge across the Gulf, Oman Water Week officially opened yesterday at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, spotlighting innovative strategies to manage and protect the region’s scarce water resources. As countries face mounting pressure from climate change, rapid urbanization, and dwindling freshwater reserves, the urgency for smarter, more resilient water systems has never been greater.

Hosted by Nama Group, the week-long event brings together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to accelerate sustainable water solutions at the intersection of science, technology, and policy.

Kicking off with immersive field visits to major infrastructure sites, setting the tone for a week centered on innovation and collaboration. These site visits offered more than just a behind-the-scenes look - they underscore the pivotal role of engineering and technology in addressing water challenges across the Sultanate. From advanced wastewater treatment at the Seeb STP to large-scale desalination at Barka, each facility demonstrated Oman’s practical approach to overcoming water scarcity through long-term planning and smart investments. Witnessing these systems in action brought into focus the urgency of managing water resources sustainably amid climate stress and rising demand.

Oman, like many MENA countries, faces acute water scarcity.

The week’s agenda spans key issues from digital transformation in water utilities and the integration of smart metering systems, to reducing non-revenue water, protecting groundwater reserves, and expanding the reuse of treated wastewater, especially in industrial and agricultural sectors. Panel discussions, technical workshops, and research presentations provide a platform for both local and global perspectives, showcasing success stories and identifying persistent gaps.

Oman, like many MENA countries, faces acute water scarcity. In response, the country is turning to innovation and digitalization. Smart networks, IoT-enabled monitoring, and data-driven decision-making are being tested and scaled, reflecting a shift toward a more adaptive, integrated model of water governance aligned with national sustainability goals.

Events of this kind are taking place around the world, reflecting a growing global recognition that water security is a shared challenge requiring collective action. From regional summits to international water forums, there is a rising momentum toward integrated, cross-border solutions. Oman Water Week contributes to this global movement by fostering collaboration, encouraging knowledge exchange, and aligning local initiatives with international best practices. As water stress intensifies worldwide, such gatherings play a vital role in uniting stakeholders around sustainable, innovative, and equitable water management. With growing water challenges across the region, Water Week offers a timely platform for cooperation and practical solutions. The conversations unfolding here have the potential to shape not just national strategies, but inspire regional collaboration. With science, policy, and technology converging under one roof, the event signals Oman’s ambition to help lead the charge toward a more water-secure future.