Muscat : The Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Centre data indicate that GCC countries recorded a 3% annual decline in groundwater extraction over the past nine years, alongside an increase in the share of renewable water reaching 25.5% in 2024, in an indicator reflecting growing attention to the implementation of sustainable water resource management policies.
The Centre said GCC member states continue to implement strategic directions to enhance the sustainability of water resources and achieve water security for future generations, by reducing reliance on groundwater and increasing the share of renewable water within the overall water resources system.
It noted that this shift comes as part of Gulf efforts to address challenges related to water scarcity and climate change, and to improve the efficiency of water resource use, through the expansion of seawater desalination projects, the reuse of treated wastewater, and the adoption of modern technologies in water management and consumption rationalisation.
The growing share of renewable water in the water resources mix reflects the GCC states’ approach to diversifying water sources and reducing pressure on groundwater reserves, supporting sustainable development plans and strengthening water security in the coming phase.
