Middle East Commits USD120 billion for Water Projects

Middle East governments are committed to increasing investment in water and waste water treatment projects by 59% between 2005 and 2015 as they plan to invest US$120.1 billion.

The average increase in demand for water in Arab countries is 6% per annum compared to the global average of 3%

At present around 70% of the UAE's water comes from desalination plants

The Saudi Arabian water industry needs US$200bn over the next 20 years

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest producers of desalinated water, with 30% of the global production

GCC countries will adopt Public-Private Partnerships to keep a pace with the demand for water over the next 20 years

A sustainable water supply is seen as one of the Middle East's biggest economic, social and environmental challenges

Water conservation is a top priority across the region