Muscat:The Authority for Public Services Regulation has announced that construction work on the Al Ghubrah 3 desalination plant project in Muscat Governorate has reached 93 percent completion. The project involves investments of up to RO 125 million and has an expected production capacity of 300,000 cubic metres of desalinated water per day, meeting the average needs of about 188,000 water accounts, which represents around 54 percent of all water accounts in Muscat Governorate.
According to Oman News Agency, the plant is anticipated to begin operation in early the second quarter of 2027. The project is part of Oman's efforts to develop water sector infrastructure and enhance water security, aiming to keep pace with population and urban growth while raising the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of water supplies.
The project is a strategic addition to the water system, increasing production capacity and supplying additional quantities of desalinated water. This will help meet the growing demand in Muscat Governorate, support service continuity for subscribers, and enhance the system's readiness to accommodate urban expansion and the needs of residential areas along with economic and service activities.
The authority highlighted that the project offers nearly 100 job opportunities for citizens during the implementation and operation phases, with the Omanisation rate during the operation phase expected to reach about 94 percent. These opportunities are aimed at enhancing the participation of Omani talent in technical and operational fields and supporting the acquisition of specialized expertise and skills in desalination and plant management.
The project also supports local added value, with the value of Omani local content reaching about RO 40 million, and the contribution of small and medium enterprises exceeding about RO 1.5 million. This reflects the participation of national companies in implementing projects and the role of water sector investments in stimulating related business and enabling local enterprises to benefit from major development projects.
The authority explained that the Al Ghubrah 3 plant uses reverse osmosis technology for desalination, enhancing energy and resource use efficiency and raising operational efficiency. The use of modern technologies supports production sustainability and strengthens the plant's ability to meet growing water needs.
The project is implemented by Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, in alliance with three international and local companies Spain's GS Inima, Saudi Arabia's Al Jomaih Energy and Water, and Oman's Sugecs. This collaboration reflects a commitment to developing the water sector and attracting specialized expertise to implement efficient and sustainable projects.
The inauguration of the plant will enhance the water system's ability to respond to development requirements and urban expansion in Muscat Governorate by combining increased production with support for national operation and local added value, thereby entrenching the water sector's contribution to national economic development and the sustainability of essential services for the society.