Master’s Degree Awarded to Mr. Saadi Al-Saadi in Integrated Water Resources

Management
Mr. Saadi Menda’i Abdrabboh Diyan Al-Saadi was awarded a Master’s Degree in Integrated Water Resources Management for his thesis titled: Identification of Optimal Rainwater Harvesting Sites for Artificial Groundwater Recharge Using Geographic Information Systems Based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis: Aden Governorate as a Case Study, which was submitted to the Water and Environment Center– Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
# Committee Members Designation Position
1 Prof. Abdullah Abdulqader Ahmed Noman Internal Examiner Chair
2 Assoc. Prof. Marwan Ahmed Al-Baadani Main Supervisor Member
3 Assoc. Prof. Ismail Abdullah Mohammed Al-Sabahi External Examiner Member

The thesis aimed to:
 Identify the most suitable locations and techniques for artificial groundwater recharge in Aden Governorate using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA).
 Enhance groundwater storage and reduce the depletion of water resources.
 Mitigate the risks of seawater intrusion into groundwater aquifers.
 Contribute to strengthening water and food security in the study area.
The study was distinguished by its application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) within a multi-criteria decision analysis framework. The analysis was based on eight key criteria, including four surface and four subsurface factors. Five analytical models were developed under different scenarios, accompanied by sensitivity analysis and assessment of consistency among the generated models
The study represents a significant scientific contribution to internationally applied methodologies for rainwater harvesting and artificial groundwater recharge. Its findings were successfully used to identify the most suitable sites for implementing rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge projects within the study area, particularly in the well fields of the Local Water and Sanitation Corporation in Aden Governorate.
In light of these findings, the researcher recommended the following:‎
 Initiating pilot projects for artificial groundwater recharge in priority areas.
 Protecting groundwater recharge zones from unplanned urban expansion.
 Promoting community-based rainwater harvesting initiatives.
 Establishing continuous monitoring programs for groundwater quantity and quality.
 Strengthening collaboration among water authorities, local governments, and universities.
 Integrating groundwater recharge projects into the broader water security strategy of Aden Governorate.
The defense session was attended by a number of academics, researchers, students, colleagues, and the researcher’s family.