Oman has awarded a $142.8 million contract for the construction of a water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam to boost its commitment to water security and sustainable resource management.
Nama Water Services signed the agreement under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework with Al Tayer Engineering Services Company, which will develop and operate the plant. The project, valued at over OMR 55 million, is expected to enhance potable water supply and support agricultural irrigation in the Wilayat of Qurayyat.
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. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
The project aligns with Oman’s broader strategy to secure a stable water supply, particularly during extreme weather conditions and emergencies. It also aims to bolster agricultural output by channeling treated water to farms, reducing reliance on desalination and supporting food security efforts in local markets.
Under a 20-year Build, Own, Operate (BOO) model, the plant will have a production capacity of 65,000 cubic meters per day. Nama Water Services will integrate 35,000 cubic meters into its main distribution network for potable water, while the remaining 30,000 cubic meters will be allocated for agricultural use.
To reinforce resilience, the plant will be connected to Oman’s main transmission network, allowing water exchange during disruptions or crises, ensuring service continuity.
Speaking on the agreement, Al Zakwani emphasized that the project is part of Nama Water Services’ strategic push to diversify water sources and enhance supply reliability.
“The Wadi Dayqah Dam purification plant is a critical step in leveraging Oman’s natural water resources to meet growing demand. This project contributes to our water security goals under Oman Vision 2040, balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability,” he said.
The project is expected to generate over 100 indirect jobs during construction and operation, with a mandated 50% Omanization rate for direct employment. The facility will utilize advanced purification technologies, ensuring compliance with international standards and local drinking water regulations.
Eng. Abdullah Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Operations and Maintenance at Nama Water Services, highlighted the plant’s role in reducing reliance on seawater desalination, which is energy-intensive and vulnerable to marine disruptions such as algal blooms and cyclones.
“This facility will serve as a crucial alternative to desalination, providing a stable water source for Qurayyat and Al Amerat, as well as the wider Muscat Governorate,” Al Nuaimi said.
The project includes a seven-kilometer transmission pipeline linking the dam to the plant, a pumping station, and a 20,000-cubic-meter collection tank. It is expected to optimize energy use and reduce operational costs compared to seawater desalination, contributing to Oman’s carbon reduction targets and the government’s net-zero strategy for 2050.
Construction is set for completion within 22 months.
