Event: British Water – Oman Knowledge Transfer & Innovation Exchange

Date: February 2024

Location: Online

Role: Keynote Speaker / International Knowledge‑Transfer Lead

Type of CPD: International collaboration / sector leadership / innovation and capability development

Duration: Half‑day to full‑day event (keynote + workshops + bilateral discussions)

Summary of the Event

I delivered the keynote address at the British Water Oman Knowledge Transfer Event 2024, a strategic engagement designed to strengthen collaboration between UK innovators and Omani utilities, regulators and government agencies. The event brought together senior representatives from Haya Water, Nama Water Services, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, industrial operators, consultants and technology providers.

The session focused on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation adoption to support Oman’s national priorities around water security, wastewater treatment, desalination performance, digital transformation and environmental protection.

My keynote centred on the role of real‑time biological monitoring, microbial activity sensing, and digital optimisation in improving operational resilience and environmental outcomes across both wastewater and desalination systems.

My Contribution: Keynote Speaker

Keynote Title: Biological Insight and Digital Transformation: Accelerating Water Resilience in the Sultanate of Oman

Key messages delivered:

• Demonstrated how real‑time biological monitoring provides early‑warning capability and supports stable, compliant wastewater treatment.
• Highlighted the value of microbial activity sensing in desalination pre‑treatment, fouling control and operational optimisation.
• Showcased UK leadership in digital water, advanced sensing and environmental monitoring technologies.
• Emphasised the importance of data transparency, predictive analytics and integrated digital platforms.
• Encouraged bilateral collaboration, pilot deployments and long‑term partnerships between UK innovators and Omani utilities.
• Positioned British Water as a strategic partner in supporting Oman’s water‑sector transformation.

Key Themes Covered

International collaboration and capability building Knowledge transfer, training, pilot projects and innovation partnerships.

Wastewater treatment optimisation Biological stability, effluent quality, compliance and resilience under variable loads.

Desalination and water production Membrane fouling, pre‑treatment optimisation, energy efficiency and operational performance.

Digital transformation and smart water systems Data integration, automation, digital twins and predictive analytics.

Advanced monitoring and sensing technologies Biological, chemical and physical sensors for real‑time operational insight.

Water security and climate resilience Long‑term planning, drought management and infrastructure optimisation.