Transnational water management in the Arab region

•The Arab region is dealing with an intensifying threat of water scarcity which is being exacerbated by climate change and a growing population.•Water projects are severely underfunded, complicating efforts to implement more sustainable water management policies.•Water management responsibilities are decentralized and face difficulties in coordination.•Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), a holistic ecosystem based management policy is recommended for adoption in the region.