Governments in the Gulf region have been urged to keep water at the top of the political agenda by a regional water authority.

Dr Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, president of the Arab Water Council, said that with the Middle East being one of the driest zones in the world, the issue of water must be taken seriously to help meet the challenges of water security.

“Governments need to address the priority needs to ensure there is sufficient water for their populations. They can start by preparing water plans for the short, medium and long term. They can also assess the available fresh water resources and develop them, and consider the non-conventional water resources including wastewater, salt water, wadi water and non-renewable groundwater,” said Dr Abu-Zeid.

He also urged the application of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) concept to ensure water sustainability.

“IWRM takes a coordinated approach to the development and management of water, land and associated sources and it has now been accepted internationally as the sustainable way forward. This concept involves liaising with the different stakeholders in planning, implementing and managing water resources,” said Dr Abu-Zeid.

Dr Abu-Zeid is one of the many regional and international water experts who will present at the International Water Summit to be held from January 20 to 22 next year, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The event will also have other water solutions experts address key topics including intergrated water resource management, water governance and strategy, water security and future water sustainability.

Ara Fernezian, managing director, Middle East for Reed Exhibitions, said: “The IWS 2014 exhibition will offer unlimited business opportunities to network and share case studies, best-practice and new technologies for long-term water solutions.”

IWS 2014 is a global platform that hosts world leaders, government organisations, policymakers, public and private sector investors, business leaders, consultants and water experts to interact, negotiate and finalise plans to develop diverse and sustainable water portfolios in the GCC and other regions. - TradeArabia News Service