Evolution of desalination research and water production in the Middle East: a five-decade perspective

Rapid urbanization and population growth, coupled with depleting groundwater reservoirs, have significantly increased reliance on desalination technologies in the arid Middle East, which accounts for nearly half (46%) of global desalination capacity. This large production volume has raised critical questions on the status of desalination research in this water-stressed region, and on whether it aligns with the pace of industrial production. We conducted a systematic review that collated 2,718 publications produced over five decades (1972-2022). Subsequently, we employed scientometric analyses to assess research parameters such as temporal trends in publication, research themes, authorship trends and technological advancements. This review was then followed by statistical analyses comparing regional scientific output with other economic, demographic and water stress metrics to identify correlations between desalination research and water production. Our findings revealed dramatic growth in desalination research since the early 2000s, with 83% of historic papers published just in the last decade (2013-2022). Over half of publications focused on research themes related to energy efficiency, regulatory concerns and cost-benefit analyses. The technological focus shifted from thermal to membrane technologies over time, mirroring trends in industrial applications. Authors affiliated with regional institutions emerged as primary contributors, which is in stark contrast with other research fields. In terms of economic factors, national GDPs showed a positive correlation with both publication volume and desalination capacity. This review underscores desalinations' critical role in regional water security, highlighting the need for targeted innovation and cross-sector collaboration to address current and future water stress challenges.