Water issues occupy pride of place among the interests and concerns of Arab countries as they directly and greatly affect the life and development of the peoples. Water is so vital for life as every living thing is made out of water. It is the key element in all aspects of development and the guarantee for better life.

The Arab region suffers from water scarcity. Moreover, other countries have control over water resources. The lack of rain in some countries threatens developments and even life continuity.

Water scarcity and the need to provide water resources for the coming generations pushed the Arab Water Ministerial Council to adopt the Arab water security strategy to face the future challenges and requirements of sustainable development.

In GCC, water has a strategic dimension due to the challenges face member countries. Water scarcity is accompanied by high per capita consumption average which is one of the highest in world. GCC water interconnection is a must now more than ever before to overcome the water security threats.

Today, Qatar along with Arab countries, celebrates Arab Water Day (AWD) observed on 3rd March. It reflects the key role water sector plays in development and progress.

 
Following the instructions of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani the Emir of Qatar, the State of Qatar supports all Arab efforts to address water challenges to ensure the sustainability of resources for the coming generations. At the same time, Qatar endeavors to promote the role of water sector within the fast track development and noticeably economic progress which is one of the world fastest growing economies.

The Ministry of Energy & Industry represented in Qatar General Electricity &Water Corporation “KAHRAMAA” has set the required plans for the development of water sector utilities amid the increasing demand for water which is one of world highest rates due to the increasing number of projects implemented in Qatar. KAHRAMAA managed to increase water sector productivity, achieve efficiency management, update infrastructure, construct new stations, upgrade the existing, and increase the strategic storage.

KAHRAMAA works as per the predesigned plans and programs to secure sustainable water resources in order to achieve QNV 2030 objectives and efficiently provide Qatar needs of water. KAHRAMAA has implements projects to achieve water security as it managed to increase the strategic water storage by 126% trough the five water stations project commissioned recently by H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior at a total capacity of 561 MIG.

In line with government efforts to reserve water resources and decrease consumption rates, I urges all society members and sectors to change their daily consumption habits in order to keep the sustainable development rates and keep the resources for the coming generations. Water conservation aligns with the theme of AWD “water is our life, and the future of our generations, let’s think sustainability”.