Nama Water Services, in collaboration with the private sector, has signed an agreement to develop a water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam in the Wilayat of Qurayyat. This initiative, valued at over RO 55 million, is being carried out in coordination with relevant government entities.
The agreement was signed by Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, and Sultan Abdullah Al Jafari, Chairman of Al Tayer Engineering Services Company, which will oversee the project’s implementation. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
This project is part of the Omani government’s broader strategy to enhance water security and ensure a reliable supply of potable water, particularly during extreme weather events and emergencies. Additionally, the plant is expected to support local agricultural development. By supplying treated water to farms in Qurayyat, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, the initiative aims to strengthen food security and expand water-dependent farming activities.
Project Scope and Implementation
The water purification plant will be established through a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) under a Build, Own, Operate (BOO) model. Construction is scheduled for completion within 22 months. Once operational, the facility will have a total production capacity of 65,000 cubic meters per day. Of this, 35,000 cubic meters per day will be integrated into Nama Water Services’ main distribution network for potable water, while the remaining 30,000 cubic meters will be allocated for agricultural irrigation. This supply will be managed in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
To further strengthen water security, the treatment plant will be connected to an exchange line that links multiple facilities, ensuring resource-sharing capabilities in the event of crises or disruptions.
Strategic Importance
Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, emphasized the project’s role in meeting growing water demands driven by population growth and urban expansion. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the company’s efforts to diversify water sources and optimize dam water utilization. “This project is a key step toward achieving Oman’s long-term water security objectives and is a strategic investment in the nation’s infrastructure,” Al Zakwani stated.
Beyond its infrastructural benefits, the project is expected to generate over 100 indirect jobs during construction and operation. Additionally, it will contribute to local economic growth and community development in Qurayyat, with a commitment to maintaining a minimum of 50% Omanization in direct job roles throughout the operational phase.
The plant will utilize cutting-edge purification technology to ensure compliance with Omani drinking water regulations. Its development represents a major advancement in Oman’s water infrastructure, providing a reliable and sustainable drinking water source for the region.
Enhancing Water Security & Sustainability
Eng. Abdullah Mohammed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Operations and Maintenance at Nama Water Services, noted that the Wadi Dayqah Dam treatment plant would play a critical role in diversifying water production sources. It will provide an alternative supply to the Muscat Governorate, reducing reliance on desalination plants and mitigating supply disruptions caused by extreme weather events such as cyclones and algal blooms. Additionally, the facility will serve as a backup water source for Qurayyat, Al Amerat, and the broader distribution network.
The purification process will incorporate advanced technologies that enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Since the dam’s water has a significantly lower salt content compared to seawater, energy consumption and operational costs will be lower than traditional desalination processes.
Eng. Al Nuaimi highlighted the project’s infrastructure scope, which includes a seven-kilometer transmission pipeline connecting the dam to the treatment plant, along with a pumping station and a 20,000-cubic-meter storage tank. These components will be integrated into the main water distribution network, ensuring a steady and secure supply of treated water across key regions.
Sustainability and Economic Benefits
The project is designed to maximize the utilization of dam water for agricultural irrigation, contributing to food security and enabling seasonal farming expansions. By reducing dependency on desalination, the initiative is expected to cut operational costs while improving the resilience of the country’s water network.
Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the initiative supports the country’s goals of strengthening water infrastructure reliability, expanding agricultural lands, and reducing carbon emissions. Nama Water Services is also advancing its sustainability strategy by working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with this project playing a key role in achieving that target through energy-efficient water treatment.
With this landmark initiative, Oman is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable water management, securing essential resources for its growing population while driving long-term economic and environmental benefits.