Total
GCC Bottled Water Market Reaches USD 7.55 Billion

Muscat,
5 Aug 2026 (ONA) — The size of the bottled water market in the GCC countries
reached approximately USD 7.55 billion in 2024, continuing its growth at an
annual rate of 11 percent, driven by increased demand for bottled water, rising
health awareness, and expanding investments in this sector.

Data
from the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) indicated that in the field of water
resources management, the volume of collected treated wastewater increased by
98.4 percent in 2024. This indicator reflects the progress made by GCC
countries in water reuse and supporting circular economy applications, thereby
contributing to preserving water resources and enhancing environmental
sustainability.

Desalinated
water production in GCC countries also rose by 4.8 percent compared to 2023,
underscoring the continued reliance on desalination technologies as one of the
most vital strategic sources to meet the growing demand for water, particularly
in light of limited natural water resources.

On
the other hand, the annual rate of groundwater abstraction recorded a decrease
of 3 percent over the past nine years, coinciding with an increase in the share
of renewable water to 25.5 percent in 2024, reflecting a GCC trend toward
sustainable water resources management and reducing pressure on groundwater
reserves.

Regarding
natural resources, rainfall rates in GCC countries increased by 43.8 percent in
2024 compared to the long-term average for the period (1980–2009). This
presents opportunities to enhance water security through expanding rainwater
harvesting projects, recharging groundwater aquifers, and increasing the
utilization of conventional water resources.

Collectively,
these indicators confirm the continued adoption by GCC countries of integrated
water management policies based on diversifying supply sources, enhancing
reuse, developing desalination technologies, and preserving natural resources,
thereby supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and
enhancing the region’s ability to face water scarcity challenges.

—Ends/AG