Cooperation countries enhance the sustainability of water resources by reducing groundwater extraction and increasing reliance on “renewable”

Data issued by the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf showed that the GCC countries recorded a decline in the annual rate of groundwater extraction by 3 percent during the past nine years, coinciding with an increase in the share of renewable water to reach 25.5 percent in 2024 AD, in an indicator that reflects the growing interest in implementing policies for sustainable management of water resources.

The GCC countries continue to implement strategic directions to enhance the sustainability of water resources and achieve water security for future generations, by reducing dependence on groundwater and increasing the share of renewable water within the water resources system.

The center indicated that this transformation comes within the framework of Gulf efforts aimed at confronting the challenges of water scarcity and climate change, and enhancing the efficiency of using water resources, through expanding water desalination projects, reusing treated water, and adopting modern technologies in water management and rationalization of consumption.

The high contribution of renewable water to the mix of water resources reflects the GCC countries’ move towards diversifying water sources and reducing pressure on groundwater reserves, in a way that supports sustainable development plans and enhances water security in the region during the next stage.