Qatar Joins GCC Talks on Water Interconnection

Qatar took part in an extraordinary GCC meeting on water interconnection this week. Kahramaa President Eng Abdullah bin Ali Al Thiyab led the Qatari delegation. The session ran by videoconference among GCC Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee members. Officials discussed progress on a feasibility study for linking water systems. This study would connect water networks across all six GCC states. The meeting followed directives from GCC leaders and the Ministerial Council.

What the proposed study covers

Participants reviewed the full framework behind the planned water study. The study will assess current water infrastructure across every GCC member state. It will also build scenarios for linking national water networks together. Officials plan to set governance and institutional structures for the project. A detailed roadmap will outline priorities, timelines, and follow up steps. The committee also examined international water interconnection models during the meeting. These global examples could shape how the GCC builds its own study.

Qatar's stance on Gulf water cooperation

Eng Al Thiyab stressed Qatar's commitment to deeper Gulf cooperation through Kahramaa. He said GCC integration helps address shared future challenges effectively. Strong cooperation also protects vital resources and services across the region. Al Thiyab called the water study a step toward a clear strategic vision. He said the plan rests on proven international best practices. The study will weigh technical, economic, operational, and governance factors together. This approach ensures future decisions rely on solid scientific grounding.

Next steps for the GCC water project

Committee members outlined the path forward before ending the meeting. A workshop will gather senior officials from across GCC member states. Teams will also finish collecting technical data for the final study. Results will then go to the Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee. The committee will later submit findings to the GCC Ministerial Council. This process marks a key step toward regional water security. Qatar continues to support shared infrastructure projects across the Gulf region.