Thursday 30 / April / 2026
First Middle Eastern country to host the global event, reflecting growing international confidence in Oman’s advanced water loss management and innovation-driven strategies.
Qais Al Zakwani: A milestone that positions Oman as a key contributor to shaping the future of global water management.
Brazil – In a milestone reflecting Oman’s rising global standing in water security, the Sultanate of Oman, represented by Nama Water Services, has secured the right to host the IWA Water Loss Conference 2028. The event, organised by the International Water Association (IWA), will mark the first time a country in the Middle East hosts this prestigious global forum.
The achievement underscores growing international confidence in Oman’s advanced position in the water sector, supported by strong institutional maturity, operational capability and a forward-looking approach to sustainable water management.
Held every two years, the conference is one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to water loss management, bringing together policymakers, experts and industry leaders to explore advanced solutions, share best practices and address global challenges in improving network efficiency.
Oman’s selection comes amid a significant transformation in its water sector, driven by integrated strategies that leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins and smart sensing systems. These efforts have enabled a shift from reactive to predictive network management, positioning Oman as a regional hub for innovation in water services.
Commenting on the achievement, Qais bin Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, said: “Hosting the IWA Water Loss Conference 2028 marks a pivotal milestone in the development of Oman’s water sector and reflects growing international confidence in our national expertise, particularly in managing water loss efficiently and sustainably.
We see this event as a strategic platform to strengthen global partnerships, enhance knowledge exchange and showcase the progress achieved by Nama Water Services through advanced digital solutions and smarter operational models.
This milestone also reinforces our commitment to Oman Vision 2040 and our contribution to shaping a more efficient and sustainable water future at both regional and global levels.”
The announcement was made in Brazil during the IWA Water Loss Conference 2026, highlighting Oman’s recognition for its progress in water management and its adoption of advanced, data-driven approaches to reducing water loss.
Al Zakwani added that this progress is driven by the implementation of an integrated water loss management system based on predictive analytics and full digitalisation, enabling real-time monitoring, continuous data analysis and rapid response to potential leaks.
As part of this transformation, Nama Water Services has implemented a comprehensive programme combining infrastructure development, operational enhancement and technology deployment. This includes building advanced control centres, rehabilitating water networks, deploying leak detection equipment and adopting smart systems powered by artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
The company has also focused on developing national capabilities by training Omani professionals and transferring global expertise, ensuring long-term sustainability of technical competencies in water loss management.
In addition, Nama Water Services has adopted performance-based contracts (PBC) in operations and maintenance, linking outcomes directly to measurable performance indicators such as reducing water loss, improving service continuity and enhancing water quality. This model has strengthened efficiency, accountability and execution across operations.
These initiatives have delivered tangible results, with water loss reduced from approximately 48% to below 33% by the end of 2025, with a target of reaching 30% in 2026, reflecting a significant transformation in sector performance over recent years.
The programme has also generated substantial economic value, achieving savings exceeding OMR 35 million, equivalent to developing water infrastructure capable of serving nearly 100,000 people. Operational costs have also been reduced by approximately 26%, highlighting the direct economic impact of adopting advanced operational models.
At the same time, the sector has witnessed significant investment growth, with ongoing projects exceeding OMR 1 billion, alongside an increase in awarded projects, reflecting continuous expansion and development of water infrastructure.
These efforts have also strengthened in-country value, reaching approximately OMR 64 million, contributing to the national economy and supporting sector sustainability.
The hosting of the conference comes at a time of increasing global focus on water sustainability amid climate change, resource pressures and rapid urbanisation. International platforms such as the World Water Forum continue to play a vital role in advancing dialogue and collaborative solutions.
The IWA Water Loss Conference 2028 is expected to serve as a key platform for global cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation, while showcasing Oman’s experience as a leading regional model in water loss management.
The event is also anticipated to leave a lasting legacy by strengthening Oman’s position as a regional knowledge hub and expanding its engagement with international institutions.
This achievement reflects Oman’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability and institutional integration, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in shaping a secure and resilient global water future.
