Water Resources Management 

Program Overview

The Water Resources Management Program (WRM) addresses sustainability and security challenges of the water sector in the GCC countries using an integrated management approach; an approach that considers the physical (quantity, quality) aspects, as well as social, economic, environmental, and governance aspects of the water management system. The program emphasizes the application of modern decision support and technological tools, including simulation modeling, geographic information systems, remote sensing, Database, and Management Information System, in the assessment, development, management and planning of water resources.

Vision

The WRM program aspires to undertake its role as regional graduate programs in contributing to solving development issues faced by the GCC countries through innovation and effectiveness of its education and research programs and aspire to gain an international reputation and status as a center of excellence for water studies in arid regions

Mission

The WRM program aims to be an exemplary regional Gulf program spreading the culture of knowledge and focusing on regional imperatives for the GCC countries in the field of water resources management, and to contribute meaningfully to the efforts of the GCC countries in achieving sustainable and efficient water resources management systems as an input to sustainable development in the region through education, applied research, and training.  

Program’s Objectives

• Advancement of specialists in water resources management and planning.
• Capacity building and enhancement of skills of those interested in the field of sustainable development and conservation of conventional and non-conventional water resources in arid regions through specialized training courses and making its regular courses available to GCC professionals under continuing education.
• Conducting research and collaborating with national, regional, and international institutes and organizations to solve the problems and constraints facing conservation and development of water resources in arid zones

Program’s Outline

Students study a minimum of 28 credit hours in addition to a master thesis equivalent to 8 credit hours. Students can take up to 9 credit hours of specialized courses from other programs to serve his Master's thesis research upon the recommendation of the academic supervisor and approval of the Center’s Council.  Students are expected to earn their degrees within two academic years for the Master's degree. 

Furthermore, the Center offers a post-graduate "United Nations University Diploma in Integrated Water Resources Management." The professional diploma is conducted in a mixed-mode (face-to-face and distance learning) and lasts for one year. Applicants awarded the UNU IWRM Diploma with good standing can enter directly to the MSc. degree.

Research areas include:

• Impact of climate change on the water resources management system in the GCC countries (vulnerability assessment and options for adaptation)
• Management of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in the GCC countries (minimizing trade-offs and enhancing synergies)
• Integrated Planning, Management, and modeling of the Water System in the GCC (coupling of socio-economic models and physical models)
• Groundwater Planning and Management in the GCC countries (renewable and non-renewable groundwater: governance, technical, and institutional aspects)  

Study Plan

Methods of Assessment

Summative and formative assessments evaluate students' learning and skills acquisition and academic achievement during the defined instructional period. 

Admission Criteria

• GCC citizen / Arab residents in GCC countries. 

• BSc degree in natural sciences, engineering and technology, agricultural or environmental sciences or management. 
• Pass the admission interview.