Gulf states to spend huge on water production

31 January 2012: Global management consultancy firm Booz & Co has estimated that GCC countries are set to spend $100bn (approx Rs. 493,952 Crore) by 2016 to increase water production for a regional population that is growing by more than 2% a year.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE consume 91% and 83%, respectively, more water than the global average and about six times more water than the UK. Desalination plants provide more than two-thirds of potable water in UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, but costs remain higher than tapping other traditional water sources

Source: Ameinfo