Manama:Applications are now open for the second edition of the Innovation in Irrigation Solutions Competition, organized under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture announced that applications will be accepted from November 5, 2026, to February 5, 2027, through the Ministry of Works website.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the competition is designed to encourage innovative ideas and solutions for utilizing surplus treated wastewater, enhancing water-use efficiency in agriculture, promoting resource sustainability, environmental protection, and expanding irrigation networks. These efforts align with the comprehensive development objectives led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the intention that winning proposals will be implemented by relevant authorities.
Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works, praised the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the continuation of the competition. He highlighted the importance of sustaining national initiatives and expanding participation in developing innovative solutions to improve water-use efficiency and support afforestation efforts in Bahrain.
The Minister emphasized that the competition's second edition builds on previous success, creating opportunities to attract innovative ideas from diverse societal and specialized sectors. The competition aims to foster innovation in developing practical, sustainable solutions for challenges in improving irrigation systems and utilizing treated wastewater effectively.
Minister Al Hawaj noted the collaborative effort between the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture in organizing the competition, which enhances community and institutional partnerships. The event provides a platform for individuals, engineering firms, contractors, and academic and research institutions to contribute their expertise in developing irrigation solutions that align with national environmental sustainability priorities.
He further explained that the competition seeks to transform creative ideas into practical initiatives, with successful proposals expected to improve irrigation network efficiency, enhance water distribution, and increase the use of surplus treated wastewater in afforestation and urban landscaping projects.
The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Works to coordinate with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and other relevant authorities to ensure the success of the competition's second edition. These efforts are part of supporting the National Afforestation Plan, which aims to double the number of trees by 2035 and strengthen national environmental sustainability initiatives.