Water Supplies versus Demand in Countries of Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

Rapid economic development in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula has resulted in a substantial imbalance between the available water resources and demand. Demand has increased from 5.95 billion to 22.6 billion m 3 in the ten year period 1980–1990. Ambitious agricultural programs and the absence of conservation measures have lead to significant overdraft of the existing water resources. If current practices continue, water demand may reach 35.4 billion m 3 by the year 2010. Considerable volumes will have to be mined from nonrenewable ground-water reserves. In this paper, water supply and demand problems for each country of the Arabian Peninsula are examined. Projections for water supply and future demands are made. Suggestions for comprehensive water planning are made that emphasize conservation measures and optimum allocation both within and between countries.