The Sultanate of Oman has disclosed a comprehensive infrastructure investment programme totaling $28.8 billion, designed to enhance water supply and sanitation systems through 2050, reflecting the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, demographic expansion, and economic transformation.
Nama Water Services (NWS), the primary provider of water and sanitation services throughout most of Oman, announced the initiative, which supports the strategic goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
Population Growth and Oman Water Security Investment
The Integrated Master Plan underpins the investment framework, accommodating a population expected to double to 9.2 million residents over the next quarter-century.
Currently serving more than 90 percent of Oman’s population, NWS plans to extend service coverage to nearly universal levels while substantially increasing wastewater processing capabilities. Authorities highlighted that the investment magnitude demonstrates water’s critical importance in enabling urban development, economic stability, and fair resource distribution.
Initial Phase Investment: 2025–2027
For the immediate term, NWS has designated RO (Water Filtration Process) 666 million for initiatives spanning 2025 through 2027, providing initial insight into implementation focus areas.
This opening phase encompasses more than 225 initiatives, distributed nearly equally between water supply and wastewater management programmes.
Oman Water Security Infrastructure and Network Growth
The initial investment window will produce tangible infrastructure improvements nationwide. Water-focused initiatives will establish over 8,000 kilometres of new distribution infrastructure, build 202 storage facilities with aggregate capacity surpassing 1.8 million cubic metres, and deploy 90 pumping facilities. These enhancements are anticipated to provide service to more than 162,000 additional water customers.
Regarding sanitation infrastructure, the programme incorporates 28 new treatment facilities and over 1,500 kilometres of additional sewage networks, expanding service access to more than 42,000 new customers.
Environmental Goals of the Oman Water Security Plan
The master plan establishes specific milestones for service expansion. Water distribution coverage is projected to advance from the current 72.5 percent to 96 percent by 2040, while sanitation coverage is expected to increase from 29.2 percent to 75 percent during the same timeframe.
A key environmental objective involves expanded utilization of reclaimed water, with usage rates projected to rise from 50 percent to 71 percent, alleviating demand on traditional water sources. The programme also anticipates increased capacity from Independent Water Producers and aggregate storage capacity reaching 6.6 million cubic metres by 2050.
Establishing Water Resilience for the Coming Decades
Officials characterized the investment as a multi-generational undertaking to ensure the long-term viability of Oman’s water infrastructure.
Through integration of extensive infrastructure development with efficiency measures, water reuse practices, and strategic planning, the initiative positions Oman to address increasing demand while promoting sustainable water stewardship throughout the Gulf region.
