In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, water scarcity and security is a pressing and ongoing challenge.
MENA is the most water-scarce region in the world with more than 60 per cent of the population having limited-to-no access to drinkable water.
Furthermore, the region is home to 12 out of 17 of the world’s most water-stressed countries according to the World Resource Institute and 70 per cent of the region’s GDP is exposed to high or very high-water stress.
While water supply has remained constant, rapid population growth and urbanisation has put added pressure on natural freshwater resources and compounded the issue.
Water scarcity is not only a threat to the region’s development but a major trigger of conflict.
In 2017, water played a large role in conflict in at least 45 countries, particularly those in MENA – increasing instability and exacerbating conflict cycles.
The Nile River Basin is a case in point. As climate change threatens to disrupt its flow, it has become an increasing point of contention in recent years with tensions escalating.
As regional water scarcity is set to intensify, what should be done to address water security issues?
Firstly, given the commonality of the challenges, fostering collective efforts is necessary.
Climate-related water security economic losses in the region is estimated to be 6-14 per cent of GDP, according to the World Bank – one of the greatest expected economic losses. These losses and scarcity poses a credible threat to the region’s socioeconomic stability and development.
With around 60 per cent of region’s surface water resources being transboundary and all countries sharing at least one aquifer – the importance of coordinated action and closer engagement cannot be emphasised enough.
What will this look like in practice?
Well, more stakeholder convening is needed to narrow the gap. Existing initiatives such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Water Council, the Arab Ministerial Water Council and the Arab Water Forum may be best placed to address these challenges.
Going forward, 2020 presents a window of opportunity for effective water diplomacy and engagement. This starts will a collaborative approach to effective water management, water governance and transboundary water cooperation. Identifying key entry points through informal and formal platforms could help with the formulation and co-design of policies that could benefit millions across the region.
Second, innovative water and climate financing mechanisms should be explored.
Before that happens, the exact scale of capital needed to ensure the region’s water security has to be known. Once needs have been identified, appropriate funding sources should be explored and matched.
Also, investing in mitigation and adaptation activities should be a priority as water management remains a critical issue – as shown by the frequency of droughts and floods across the region.
To finance these activities there will be no one-size-fits-all approach. Country-driven assessments will be important to the development of a wider regional strategy.
Third, in order to respond to this imperative, promoting environmental stewardship and creating understanding of the issues will help.
Public awareness programmes highlighting the benefits of water conservation efforts will go a long way in raising consciousness among citizens.
To move beyond scarcity, better access to information on water-related issues would encourage citizens to actively participate in water management and conservation efforts.
Governments should also provide support to civil society and nongovernmental organisations as they can play an important role in creating awareness campaigns and sharing good practices.
Given the urgency of the crisis, a move away from reliance on governments alone to solve the crisis to creating an ecosystem that encourages public participation in innovative ways is needed.
Although countries in the region should jointly focus on these priorities to drive progress, acknowledgement of the urgency of the issue and renewed political will should be at the top of the agenda.
The region needs to realise the severe risks involved to any changes in the supply and demand of water. As the effect of climate change worsens, water security can quickly turn into a national security issue.
Recognising the linkages and the shared challenges should encourage advanced cooperation and progress across borders for what could be an opportune time for millions across the region.
Safeguarding water is thus becoming more important than ever and now is the time to address common challenges.
Maram Ahmed is a Senior Fellow at SOAS, University of London
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Awar Qalb
Director: Jamal Salem
Starring: Abdulla Zaid, Joma Ali, Neven Madi and Khadija Sleiman
Two stars
'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
If you go...
Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.
Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.
Brighton 1
Gross (50' pen)
Tottenham 1
Kane (48)
UJDA CHAMAN
Produced: Panorama Studios International
Directed: Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: 3.5 /5 stars
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
More on Quran memorisation:
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Friday's schedule at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 qualifying, 10:15am
Formula 2, practice 11:30am
Formula 1, first practice, 1pm
GP3 qualifying session, 3.10pm
Formula 1 second practice, 5pm
Formula 2 qualifying, 7pm
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULT
Norway 1 Spain 1
Norway: King (90 4')
Spain: Niguez (47')
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books
MATCH INFO
Newcastle United 1 (Carroll 82')
Leicester City 2 (Maddison 55', Tielemans 72')
Man of the match James Maddison (Leicester)
The specs
Price, base: Dh228,000 / Dh232,000 (est)
Engine: 5.7-litre Hemi V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 552Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.5L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sri Lanka's T20I squad
Thisara Perera (captain), Dilshan Munaweera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ashan Priyanjan, Mahela Udawatte, Dasun Shanaka, Sachith Pathirana, Vikum Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Seekkuge Prasanna, Vishwa Fernando, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay and Chathuranga de Silva.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Look north
BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Europa League group stage draw
Group A: Villarreal, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Astana, Slavia Prague.
Group B: Dynamo Kiev, Young Boys, Partizan Belgrade, Skenderbeu.
Group C: Sporting Braga, Ludogorets, Hoffenheim, Istanbul Basaksehir.
Group D: AC Milan, Austria Vienna , Rijeka, AEK Athens.
Group E: Lyon, Everton, Atalanta, Apollon Limassol.
Group F: FC Copenhagen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Sheriff Tiraspol, FC Zlin.
Group G: Vitoria Plzen, Steaua Bucarest, Hapoel Beer-Sheva, FC Lugano.
Group H: Arsenal, BATE Borisov, Cologne, Red Star Belgrade.
Group I: Salzburg, Marseille, Vitoria Guimaraes, Konyaspor.
Group J: Athletic Bilbao, Hertha Berlin, Zorya Luhansk, Ostersund.
Group K: Lazio, Nice, Zulte Waregem, Vitesse Arnhem.
Group L: Zenit St Petersburg, Real Sociedad, Rosenborg, Vardar
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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1.
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United States
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2.
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3
Danilo (16'), Bernardo Silva (34'), Fernandinho (72')
Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Ulloa (20')
More coverage from the Future Forum
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
HOW TO WATCH
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CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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