New Delhi: Rivers have historically been the lifelines of civilizations. All the great civilizations of the world were born on the banks of rivers. Rivers provide water for all the needs of life. Water is essential for life, but you’d be surprised to know that there are countries that don’t even have a single natural river. These countries depend on alternative sources of water. For your information, currently, 20 countries and 22 territories lack a permanent natural river. However, there are some seasonal water sources such as streams or ponds. The Arabian Peninsula is the only place in the world where there are no permanent natural rivers. Currently we are talking about eight such countries…
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest countries in the world without a single river. Despite its vast desert, Saudi Arabia has developed advanced water management strategies. The country relies heavily on desalination (making sea or brackish water potable). About 70 percent of drinking water is produced this way. Additionally, Saudi Arabia exploits groundwater resources and has invested significantly in wastewater systems and recycled water systems.
Qatar
Qatar, a small but prosperous country on the Arabian Peninsula, also lacks rivers. The country’s water supply comes almost entirely from desalination plants, which provide more than 99% of drinking water. Qatar has the highest per capita water consumption rate in the world. Public awareness campaigns are underway to encourage significant investment in water conservation technologies and efficient water use.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), known for its prosperous cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is another landlocked country in Arabia. The UAE relies primarily on desalination for its water needs. It produces about 80% of its drinking water through this method. The country also uses treated wastewater for irrigation and industrial purposes, which helps conserve freshwater resources.
Kuwait
Located on the northern edge of the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait has no rivers and faces the same water challenges as its neighbors. The country relies on desalination plants, which provide most of its fresh water. Kuwait has also implemented strict water conservation measures and uses treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation.
Bahrain
An island country in the Persian Gulf, it lacks natural rivers, but has many springs and underground water resources. But these are insufficient to meet the needs of the country. As a result, Bahrain is largely dependent on desalination, which supplies more than 60% of its fresh water. The country also promotes water-saving technologies and efficient use practices.
Maldives
Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. There are no rivers here due to its geography surrounded by sea on all sides. The country is facing water challenges of its own. Its freshwater sources are particularly threatened by rising sea levels. Maldives relies on rainwater harvesting, desalination and imported bottled water to meet its needs. Water conservation and sustainable water management practices are vital for its survival.
oman
Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has no permanent rivers but several valleys. Dry rivers that fill with water during rains. Oman uses them for groundwater recharge. The country also relies on desalination and has implemented advanced irrigation technologies to efficiently manage its water resources.
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