Construction of the Wadi Al Zahimi Dam in the Wilayat of Liwa, Al Batinah North Governorate, has reached the halfway mark, officials announced, as Oman intensifies efforts to enhance its water infrastructure. The RO 10 million project, which began in April 2025, is progressing on schedule and is expected to be completed by early 2027.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources highlighted the strategic importance of the dam in addressing long-term water security and flood risk in the region. Despite the technical challenges common to large-scale water construction, work has continued steadily.
Nasser bin Ali al Marshoudi, Director-General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Batinah North, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to expanding sustainable water resources throughout the governorate. He noted that the dam’s construction adheres to advanced engineering standards and will extend 950 meters in length and 21 meters in height upon completion.
Once finished, the dam will have the capacity to store approximately six million cubic meters of water. It is designed to capture significant volumes of rainwater and wadi runoff, which would otherwise be lost, thereby enhancing water availability in the area.
The project forms a critical component of the ministry’s water resource management strategy for Al Batinah North, where groundwater is essential for agricultural productivity and local communities' needs. In addition to storing water, the dam will aid in recharging underground aquifers. This process is expected to help raise groundwater levels, thereby supporting the sustainability of wells and traditional aflaj irrigation systems, which are vital for local farming.
Moreover, the dam is intended to provide flood protection by regulating runoff during heavy rains. This function aims to reduce the likelihood of flash floods, protecting residential neighborhoods, public facilities, private properties, and agricultural lands in Liwa from potential damage.
Overall, the Wadi Al Zahimi Dam represents a significant investment in Oman’s water infrastructure, supporting both sustainable agricultural development and community resilience against water-related hazards.
