The Arab Region is facing one of the severest water scarcity crises in the world. Most of the Arab region lies in the arid and semi-arid zones. Rainfall is low, variable and unpredictable in most of the area. Several Arab countries are suffering from water deficiency and others are heading that way, with an annual population growth of about 3%. Above all, rising levels of water consumption due to socio-economic development have created a challenge of the first magnitude. Moreover, depletion of the non-renewable groundwater is extensive and the remaining water resources are polluted. Salt-water intrusion in many of the coastal aquifers is common. Conflicts in the region on shared international waters are higher than anywhere else in the world. Evidently, the world water crises of the future are already here in the Arab countries.

Today, in those countries, the question is whether a water crisis can be averted or whether water can be made more productive. The answer to this question relies on the way we are using and managing water resources in all water use sectors and the irrigation one in particular. Improved water resources management and access to safe water and sanitation for all is hence essential for eradicating poverty, building peaceful and prosperous societies, and ensuring that “no one is left behind” on the path towards sustainable development.

The State of the Water reports aim at providing an update of the country-level water resources and management
assessment of the Arab region, and these Reports are regularly presented to the Arab Water Council (AWC) General Assembly every three years, pursuant to the AWC Constitution and By-Laws. It is truly considered a valuable piece of work to be consulted while outlining national water policies and projects.