MUSCAT : According to data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), the region also recorded significant progress in water resource management, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen water security and environmental sustainability.

The volume of treated wastewater collected rose by 98.4 percent in 2024, highlighting the GCC’s (Gulf Cooperation Council) expanding use of recycled water and its commitment to circular economy practices aimed at conserving water resources.

Desalinated water production increased by 4.8 percent compared with 2023, underscoring the continued reliance on desalination as a strategic source of freshwater to meet growing demand amid limited natural water resources.

At the same time, the annual rate of groundwater extraction declined by 3 percent over the past nine years, while the share of renewable water resources increased to 25.5 percent in 2024. The figures reflect the region’s shift towards more sustainable water management and reduced dependence on groundwater reserves.

The report also showed that rainfall across GCC countries was 43.8 percent higher in 2024 than the long-term average recorded between 1980 and 2009. The increase presents opportunities to enhance water security through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and greater use of conventional water resources.

GCC-Stat said the latest indicators demonstrate the region’s continued adoption of integrated water management policies focused on diversifying water supply sources, expanding wastewater reuse, advancing desalination technologies and protecting natural resources to support sustainable development and strengthen resilience against water scarcity.

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