Nama Water Services has received an award at the Asian Water Awards 2026 for the first package of its Al Mudhaibi Water Distribution Network Project, recognising a major infrastructure development completed ahead of schedule and without exceeding its original contract value.
Valued at approximately RO65 million ($169 million), the project delivered 820 kilometres of water distribution networks and around 11,400 household connections, extending water service coverage to more than 80% of Al Mudhaibi in North al Sharqiyah Governorate and benefiting over 130,000 people.
The project also addressed a distinctive engineering challenge: constructing modern water infrastructure across areas intersected by traditional Omani aflaj irrigation channels, some running underground at varying elevations. Engineering teams carefully planned pipeline routes and assessed crossings to protect these historic water systems while completing construction ahead of the contractual deadline.
Eng. Abdullah bin Salim al Rasbi, Chief Executive of the Development Projects Unit at Nama Water Services, said the recognition reflects the company’s growing capabilities in delivering major infrastructure investments.
"This award demonstrates that the value of infrastructure investment extends beyond its financial scale. It lies in delivering reliable services, strengthening operational readiness and creating lasting benefits for communities and the wider economy," Al Rasbi said.
"Completing the project ahead of schedule and within its approved contract value reflects effective integration of planning, financing and execution, supported by disciplined management of project timelines and costs," he added.
A key feature of the development is its Design, Build and Finance (DBF) contractual model. Under the arrangement, the contractor financed construction during implementation, while Nama Water Services will repay the contract value over five years following project handover.
The structure provides flexibility in managing capital expenditure and supports infrastructure delivery through a defined long-term payment arrangement.
Eng. Ghalib bin Amer Al Musalmi, Project Manager of the Al Mudhaibi Water Distribution Networks Project, said the construction teams worked to balance technical requirements with heritage protection.
"The varying elevations and intersections of the aflaj systems presented complex engineering challenges. Detailed site assessments, careful planning and continuous field coordination enabled us to develop appropriate solutions while safeguarding these traditional water channels," Al Musalmi said.
He added that collaboration between engineering disciplines, local professionals and supporting companies helped strengthen in-country value and build practical expertise in infrastructure delivery.
Nama Water Services is also progressing with the project's second package, valued at approximately RO15 million (US$39 million).
The ongoing works will extend water distribution infrastructure to 11 additional villages not covered by the first package and have reached 45% completion.
The first package covers Al Rawdah, Al Akhdar, Samad Al Shan, Khadra Bani Difa and central Al Mudhaibi. Designed to accommodate a population exceeding 154,000 by 2040, the network supports future demand while contributing to improved distribution efficiency and reduced water losses.
The Asian Water Awards recognise notable achievements and initiatives across the water sector, including developments in infrastructure, operational efficiency and sustainable water management.
The recognition highlights an Omani infrastructure project that combines large-scale network expansion, disciplined investment management and engineering approaches designed to respect the region's traditional water heritage.
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