On World Water Day, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to sustainable water management and global water security.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stated that, “On this World Water Day, let us reflect on the profound significance of water – the very essence of life and the lifeblood of our planet. We urgently reaffirm our commitment to sustainable water management and work to secure a water-resilient future for all.”
The minister highlighted this year’s theme “Glacier Preservation”, which underscores the key role of glaciers in water security, climate regulation, and in supporting life on Earth.
Due to the rising global temperatures and rapid change in climate, glaciers have lost more than 6,500 billion tons or 5 percent of their ice since the turn of the century. This alarming rate of glacier melt poses a significant threat to our planet’s future.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dhahak UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment
“We embrace our shared responsibility through sustainable water management. Our ambitious Net Zero 2050 Strategy is spearheading the transition to net-zero emissions, while the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 is guiding our efforts to implement integrated water resources management, aiming to reduce total demand for water resources by 21 percent and substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.”
In line with the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is addressing global water scarcity through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. The initiative aims to increase awareness, boost innovation, and foster collaboration for a water-resilient future.
Dr. Al Dahak also stressed the country’s commitment to decarbonized desalination, prioritizing Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology. The minister stated that Abu Dhabi’s Al Taweelah RO plant, part of the Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex, is set to emerge as the world’s largest reverse osmosis facility when fully operational.
By 2030, the goal is to produce 90 percent of Abu Dhabi’s desalinated water through RO technology. Additionally, DEWA aims to produce 100 percent of desalinated water using clean energy and waste heat by 2030.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) is also spearheading agri-tech projects to strategically reduce water consumption, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water security.
“As we observe World Water Day during the blessed month of Ramadan, let us renew our dedication to responsible water consumption in our community and amplify our contributions to global initiatives aimed at safeguarding our invaluable water resources. Every small step counts, and together, these steps can significantly contribute to our planet’s water security,” added Dr. Al Dahak.
The minister concluded by highlighting that a water crisis is inherently a climate crisis, and through collaborative efforts, the UAE strives to protect vital water resources and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
