President of the Planning and Statistics Authority: GCC Countries Among the World's Top in Water Desalination

Doha, December 12 (QNA) - HE President of the Planning and Statistics Authority Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed Al Nabit said that GCC countries hold an advanced position in the field of water desalination worldwide. He mentioned that their production capacity has exceeded 97 million cubic meters per day, representing about 40% of the total desalinated water globally.
These remarks were made during his opening speech at the GCC workshop on food and water security for the GCC countries and its role in achieving sustainable development. The workshop was organized today by the Planning and Statistics Authority. The speech was delivered on behalf of HE President of the Planning and Statistics Authority by Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Al Naimi, who is the Assistant to the President of the Planning and Statistics Authority.
He emphasized that this workshop convenes at a time when the world is facing successive crises that threaten its security and stability, noting that these crises intensify the polarization and competition for production inputs and essential commodities. He also said that Geopolitical and economic circumstances, especially over the past five years, have left widespread negative impacts on all countries worldwide, and that these factors-imposed restrictions on production and supply chains. Additionally, wars, especially the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, led to a decline in the export of essential goods and contributed to a surge in prices to record levels.
He also said that, not only these challenges persist, but international reports indicate a potential exacerbation of these challenges in the future due to sustained political tensions, increased demand for goods and water, shifts in consumption patterns, and the amplified impact of climate change, which makes the GCC countries susceptible to supply shocks and price fluctuations in global markets.
Regarding Qatar's National Vision 2030, aiming to transform Qatar into an advanced state capable of achieving sustainable development and ensuring a dignified life for its people for generations to come, he said that this requires sustaining production systems and supply chains, enhancing operational efficiency, and utilizing natural resources more efficiently. He confirmed that Qatar's successive national development strategies since 2011, addressing issues of food and water security, have become more ambitious in recent years. Efforts have not been limited to awareness programs advocating responsible consumption of water and food or reducing wastage. Measures have been taken to halt excessive use of groundwater and enhance the efficiency of water networks. This includes establishing wastewater treatment plants, redirecting treated water for cooling purposes, irrigation, and public park maintenance, in addition to other non-food industrial uses.
He highlighted that Qatar is on the verge of launching its third National Development Strategy, which constitutes the final strategy to achieve the National Vision 2030. Achieving water and food security has taken a prominent place in this strategy, he said. He also said that investments will be directed not only towards completing supportive infrastructure projects but also towards projects that bolster the integration of local production and supply chains. There will also be investment in research, development, and innovation.
He pointed out that despite the classification of Gulf countries as food secure based on the second goal of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which deals with providing food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture, the scarcity of natural resources has led them to rely on imports for agricultural commodities and food, meeting between 80%-90% of the GCC countries' needs. (QNA)