Latest

Opening of Qanuna Dam for 20 Days to Support Farmers and Enhance Water Levels

Manahi Al-Qurashi - Al-Qunfudhah

Date of publication: July 23, 2026 23:45 KSA

The office of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate and the General Irrigation Corporation announced today the start of releasing about 7 million cubic meters of water from Wadi Qanuna Dam, by opening the dam gates for 20 days, with the aim of meeting the needs of farmers and raising the groundwater level in wells adjacent to the valley course, in coordination with the Emirate of Makkah Region, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, and relevant authorities to ensure smooth flow and safety of lives and property.

The Director General of the branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Makkah Region, Engineer Walid bin Ibrahim Al Daghis, explained that this operation aims to irrigate agricultural lands along the valley banks and feed the groundwater wells, which are the main source for the sustainability of farms in the region, noting that the continuous water flow over 20 days will ensure a productive and high-quality agricultural season.

Al Daghis added that the valley hosts a number of farms producing major local crops such as sesame, sorghum, vegetables, and tropical fruits like mango, noting that the valley originates from the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains, passing through the villages of Bani Bahir Center in Al-Aradiyat Governorate and Sabt Al-Jara Center in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, until it flows into the Red Sea. The dam also plays a pivotal role in protecting residents of nearby centers and villages from flood risks, and serves developmentally and agriculturally the centers of Khamis Harb, Sabt Al-Jara, Ahad Bani Zaid, and their affiliated villages. The ministry renewed its call for citizens and residents to take caution and stay completely away from the valley course during the entire discharge period, emphasizing to farmers not to establish any barriers or obstacles that could alter the water path, and urging them to prepare their lands to receive irrigation water and comply with safety instructions issued by the Civil Defense and official authorities.