In the heart of the Arab world, a region grappling with water scarcity and climate change, researchers are making strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for all. A recent study published in *Discover Sustainability* (translated from Arabic as “Exploring Sustainability”) sheds light on the progress, challenges, and future directions of water and sanitation research in the Arab region. The study, led by Shaher Zyoud from the Department of Building Engineering and Environment at Palestine Technical University (Kadoorie), offers a comprehensive analysis of research trends, collaborations, and key themes shaping the future of water security in the region.
The study, which analyzed 7,922 documents from the Scopus database, reveals that Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the leading contributors to SDG 6 research in the Arab world, with 2,494 and 2,132 documents, respectively. Notably, the research highlights strong collaborations with non-Arab countries, particularly India, China, and the United States. “This collaboration is crucial for sharing knowledge and resources, especially in a region facing significant water challenges,” Zyoud explains.
The research identifies several key themes that are likely to shape future SDG 6-related work in the Arab world. These include exploring diverse treatment methods to remove contaminants such as nitrate, sulfate, heavy metals, and organic pollutants from water sources. Advanced technologies like nanocomposite materials, adsorption kinetics, and advanced oxidation techniques are at the forefront of these efforts. “The focus on advanced treatment technologies is not just about addressing current water quality issues but also about preparing for future challenges,” Zyoud notes.
The study also underscores the importance of investing in innovative and intelligent technologies, developing resilient water management frameworks, and strengthening community participation. “Holistic strategies that combine water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) with integrated water resources management (IWRM) are essential for sustainable progress,” Zyoud emphasizes.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. Water and energy are intrinsically linked, and advancements in water treatment technologies can lead to more efficient and sustainable energy production. For instance, desalination, a process that removes salt and other minerals from seawater, is energy-intensive. However, the development of advanced treatment technologies can reduce the energy requirements of desalination plants, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Moreover, the study highlights the growing South-South collaborations, particularly with South and Southeast Asia. These collaborations can lead to the exchange of best practices and technologies, fostering innovation and driving progress toward SDG 6. “The Arab world has a lot to learn from other regions facing similar water challenges, and vice versa,” Zyoud says.
The research also points to the need for investments that contribute to filling data gaps, leveraging innovative and intelligent technologies, and developing resilient frameworks for water management. Other areas of equal priority include strengthening community participation, enabling water conservation practices, and integrating social sciences into water projects.
As the Arab world continues to grapple with water scarcity and climate change, the insights from this study offer a roadmap for future developments in the field. By focusing on advanced treatment technologies, strengthening collaborations, and adopting holistic strategies, the region can make significant strides toward achieving SDG 6. The study, published in *Discover Sustainability*, serves as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to work together toward a more water-secure future.