The Water Research Center at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) hosted a regional workshop titled “Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Energy Production in Arab Countries,” under the patronage of Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of KISR’s Board of Trustees. The workshop aimed to establish a platform for cooperation and collaboration, facilitating the exchange of expertise among researchers and specialists in wastewater and industrial water management. It also sought to enhance scientific research that is vital for Kuwait’s plans to advance sustainable development.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the minister, Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan, acting Director General of KISR, stated that Kuwait benefits from safe management and comprehensive coverage of drinking water and wastewater services. He highlighted that Kuwait ranks first among Arab countries and sixth globally for the quality of drinking water and treated wastewater, with 100% environmentally safe wastewater reuse, according to the joint monitoring program by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Dr. Al-Humaidan further mentioned that the Sulaibiya Water Treatment and Desalination Plant is the largest facility globally to use reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration methods for wastewater treatment, solidifying Kuwait’s position as a leader in the field of wastewater treatment using advanced international technologies. He emphasized that the Kuwaiti government has long prioritized industrial wastewater treatment. “Over a decade ago, the government introduced regulations to manage the transfer of industrial wastewater and to establish a system for safe disposal of industrial liquid waste to protect public health. Additionally, a database was created to monitor the quality, quantity, and sources of industrial liquid waste,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prof. Abdul Majeed Benamara, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Scientific Research Councils, underscored the importance of water and energy as essential pillars for achieving sustainable development, particularly in light of regional water scarcity and increasing energy resource pressures.