GCC Bottled Water Market Reaches $7.55 Billion in 2024

Muscat: The bottled water market in the GCC countries reached approximately USD 7.55 billion in 2024, continuing to grow at an annual rate of 11 percent, driven by rising demand for bottled water, increased health awareness and growing investments in the sector.

Data issued by the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) showed significant developments in water resources management across the GCC countries, including a 98.4 percent increase in the volume of collected treated wastewater in 2024.

The increase reflects progress in wastewater reuse and the adoption of circular economy applications, contributing to the conservation of water resources and supporting environmental sustainability.

Desalinated water production in the GCC countries also increased by 4.8 percent compared to 2023, highlighting the continued importance of desalination technologies in meeting growing water demand amid limited natural water resources.

Meanwhile, annual groundwater abstraction declined by 3 percent over the past nine years, while the share of renewable water reached 25.5 percent in 2024. The figures reflect growing efforts to manage water resources sustainably and reduce pressure on groundwater reserves.

Rainfall in the GCC countries also increased by 43.8 percent in 2024 compared to the long-term average for the period from 1980 to 2009.

The increase provides opportunities to strengthen water security through expanded rainwater harvesting projects, groundwater aquifer recharge and greater utilisation of conventional water resources.

The indicators highlight the GCC countries’ continued efforts to adopt integrated water management policies based on diversifying water supplies, increasing water reuse, advancing desalination technologies and protecting natural resources.

These efforts contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening the region’s capacity to address water scarcity and ensure long-term water security.