Doha: The State of Qatar participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee, held via video conference on Monday to review progress on a feasibility study for water interconnection projects among GCC member states.
The meeting focused on the latest developments in the study, which is being prepared in line with the directives of the GCC leaders and the relevant decisions of the Ministerial Council. The initiative aims to assess the potential for a regional water interconnection network that enhances long-term water security and resilience across the Gulf.
Qatar’s delegation was headed by HE President of the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), Engineer Abdulla bin Ali Al Theyab.
Participants reviewed the study’s overall framework, objectives, and proposed implementation phases. These include assessing existing water infrastructure across GCC countries, developing technical and operational scenarios for water interconnection, establishing institutional and governance frameworks, and preparing a comprehensive implementation roadmap outlining priorities, timelines, and follow-up mechanisms. The committee also examined international models of water interconnection to help shape the GCC initiative.
The meeting further discussed the next steps for completing the study, including organizing a workshop for senior officials from member states and finalizing the collection of technical data and supporting studies. The completed report, along with its recommendations, will be presented to the Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee before being submitted to the GCC Ministerial Council for consideration.
During the meeting, HE Engineer Al Theyab reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment, through Kahramaa, to strengthening joint Gulf cooperation and supporting initiatives that enhance the security and sustainability of the electricity and water sectors.
He said the preparation of a comprehensive, specialized study on water interconnection marks a strategic step toward developing an integrated regional vision based on international best practices while addressing technical, economic, operational, and governance considerations.
He added that the study will support evidence-based decision-making, improve the efficiency and reliability of regional water infrastructure, and contribute to the sustainable management of vital resources across the GCC.
