Dhofar: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources continues to implement a fog harvesting project in the mountains of Dhofar Governorate, aiming to study the possibility of utilizing fog accompanying the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season as a non-conventional water source.

According to Oman News Agency, the project also aims to enhance scientific knowledge regarding water quantities that can be harvested from this natural phenomenon, and identify the most suitable locations for future application of the technology. Eng. Khalid Salim Al Hooti, Director of the Cloud Seeding Center at the Ministry, stated that the project is part of the Ministry's initiative to explore non-conventional water sources and integrate modern technologies to enhance water resource sustainability in Oman.

Al Hooti explained that fog harvesting technology, which captures water droplets in fog and converts them into usable water, is a promising avenue due to its low energy requirements. This technology is particularly relevant in the mountains of Dhofar during the Khareef season. The project includes the establishment of a network to monitor and observe fog, with 12 fog trapping stations installed across 9 locations to collect data on fog condensation rates and water quantities.

These stations not only gather water but also monitor climatic and topographic data, allowing for a comprehensive study of the factors influencing fog water potential. The project aims to build a reliable scientific database to assess the feasibility of fog harvesting technology and identify optimal sites for future water harvesting stations.

Al Hooti highlighted that spatial modeling and statistical analysis are used to develop a predictive model for identifying high-potential fog water harvesting locations. This approach aims to improve the efficiency of future projects and maximize the benefits of collected water.

The fog harvesting initiative is part of the Ministry's broader efforts to explore non-conventional water sources and employ innovation in water resource management, aligning with Oman's goals to enhance water use efficiency, sustain resources, and diversify sources.