Sustainable water resources management in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries

While the GCC countries have invested heavily in infrastructure (i.e. desalination plants, treatment facilities, dams and well fields) to increase the provision of water supply, inadequate attention has been given to how efficiently the water is being supplied, used, recycled and reused. To be able to move towards sustainable water use, there is an urgent need to reconsider the existing traditional supply-side management approach in all sectors and to raise awareness in society so as to reduce irrational water use. Furthermore, under the currently prevailing general subsidy system, it is becoming crucial for GCC countries to focus on improving water efficiency to achieve maximum productivity per cubic metre consumed. Some promising actions are being taken on the ground, but the enhancement of water efficiency is yet to become a major priority in the water management policies and agenda of the countries in the region.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Clean Water and Sanitation