Image used for representation only.
DOHA: As climate challenges intensify across the Gulf, Qatar is stepping up efforts to secure its water future through cutting-edge technologies that harvest water directly from the air.
The country’s strategic investments in atmospheric water generation (AWG) are gaining momentum, with new projects and partnerships advancing innovation in sustainable, off-grid hydration.
AWG, which captures moisture from the atmosphere and condenses it into clean, mineralised drinking water, is fast emerging as a complementary alternative to desalination. In a region where over 60 percent of potable water is produced by energy-intensive desalination plants, this technology presents a low-impact, decentralised solution with major environmental and economic benefits.
“The atmospheric water technology provides a sustainable, off-grid source of pure drinking water, reducing dependence on traditional water infrastructure,” said Rhana Kurdi, a leading expert in water sustainability and CEO of Skydrops Sustainable Water Technologies. “This ensures water security in arid regions like Qatar and supports environmental sustainability. It benefits residents by delivering a clean, alternative water source, mineralised water in eco-friendly, reusable packaging.”
Qatar currently ranks among the world’s top five most water-stressed countries, according to the World Resources Institute. With per capita water consumption among the highest globally—over 500 liters per person per day—the government has prioritised innovative water technologies in its National Vision 2030 strategy.
Atmospheric water generation is now seen as a key pillar in the push toward circular water economy models and carbon-neutral infrastructure. Kurdi confirmed that the sector is entering a rapid growth phase.
She said, “Several exciting projects are underway that promise to advance atmospheric water technology in Qatar and beyond by reducing energy consumption, minimising the size and weight of each generator, and enhancing the capacity of these AWGs.”
Public-private partnerships have also played a significant role in scaling this technology. To date, more than 60 public and private clients across Qatar are using AWG units, and the technology is deployed in over 250 locations, including government facilities, schools, and healthcare centers.
“So far, we have partnered with over 60 private and public clients. On the government side, we are in the process of finalizing agreements with Qatar Foundation, the Ministry of Environment, and several other key government and security departments,” Kurdi said.
However, scaling AWG across the nation will require policy support. The industry leader emphasised the need for incentives and regulatory frameworks. She said, “To overcome challenges, Qatar must implement supportive regulation and incentives such as subsidies, standards, and carbon credits—to encourage adoption and offset initial capital investment.”
According to a 2024 report by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Water Security Forum, the GCC water technology market is projected to reach $4.3bn by 2030, with Qatar expected to contribute significantly to that growth through innovation and exports.
