Nama Water Services has entered into a partnership with the private sector to build a new water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam, located in the Wilayat of Quriyat, reports Times of Oman. The project, coordinated with relevant government entities, carries an estimated value exceeding OMR55 million ($142 million).
This strategic initiative supports the government's ongoing efforts to enhance water security and ensure a stable supply of potable water. It aims to provide consistent water availability, particularly during emergencies or adverse weather events. Additionally, the project has a strong agricultural component, as it will supply water to farms in Quriyat in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources—thereby supporting local food security by enabling water-reliant farming and feeding domestic markets.
The plant will be developed under a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) using a Build, Own, Operate (BOO) model. Construction is expected to be completed within 22 months.
Once operational, the facility will have a daily production capacity of 65,000 cubic meters. Of this, 35,000 cubic meters will be integrated into Nama Water Services’ main distribution system for potable water supply, while 30,000 cubic meters will be allocated for agricultural irrigation, delivered through a dedicated network serving local farms in coordination with the Ministry.
To further strengthen water security, the new treatment plant will be connected to an exchange line with other facilities. This setup will allow water sharing during crises, ensuring uninterrupted service and resource sustainability.
Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, said: “Nama Water Services is committed to achieving water security goals, addressing the escalating demand for this critical resource driven by subscriber growth and urban development. To meet these demands, the company is actively pursuing a portfolio of projects. This includes the construction of the water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam in the Wilayat of Quriyat.
To further strengthen water security, the new treatment plant will be connected to an exchange line with other facilities
“The Wadi Dayqah Dam water purification plant project reflects Nama Water Services’ strategic push to leverage diverse water resources. This initiative aims to optimize the dam’s water output to address the regions’ demand effectively. The project adheres to a meticulously planned approach, balancing current necessities with projected future requirements, ultimately contributing to the water security goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040,” he added.
Al Zakwani also highlighted the local impact of the project, which includes the creation of more than 100 indirect job opportunities during the construction and operational phases, along with community contributions in Quriyat. A key focus of the project is nationalisation, with a minimum requirement of 50% Omanisation for direct operational roles.
He added that the Wadi Dayqah Dam Water Purification Plant stands out as an exceptional undertaking, harnessing surface water and purifying it to the highest international technical standards. Compliant with Omani drinking water regulations, the project represents a significant addition to the Sultanate of Oman’s water infrastructure. It is anticipated to bolster water security by providing a pure and sustainable source of drinking water.
Eng. Abdullah Mohammed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Operations and Maintenance at Nama Water Services, emphasized the plant’s role in diversifying water sources to ensure stable supply, especially to Muscat Governorate. He explained it would mitigate the risks posed by potential desalination plant shutdowns or environmental events like cyclones and algal blooms. The facility will also serve as an alternative supply source for the Wilayats of Quriyat and Al Amerat, and feed into the broader main water distribution network.
He noted that the purification process will utilize cutting-edge technologies and systems, with the advantage of treating water with significantly lower salt content than seawater—reducing energy consumption and operational costs in comparison to traditional desalination.
Eng. Al Nuaimi said that the Wadi Dayqah Dam Water Treatment Plant project, among the first of its kind in the region, which encompasses the construction of the treatment plant itself alongside a seven-kilometer water transmission line connecting the dam to the facility and a corresponding pumping station.
A 20,000-cubic-meter collection tank will be constructed to receive water from the pumping station, which will then integrate with the main transmission line extending from Quriyat to other Wilayats in Muscat and the wider water distribution network.
In addition to enhancing potable water access, the project will optimize dam water use for agriculture, supporting seasonal crops and food security. It also contributes to diversifying water production to meet emergency needs, increase reliability, and reduce reliance on desalinated water. This aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which include expanding agricultural land, strengthening the drinking water network, and reducing environmental impact.
Ultimately, the project will help cut carbon emissions by lowering energy consumption through the use of purified dam water, supporting Nama Water Services’ broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
