The UAE’s approach to water goes beyond financing dams and water networks

In a world marked by increasing environmental pressures, few challenges are as urgent as ensuring access to clean, reliable water sources for all. As climate change accelerates, populations grow, and demand intensifies, the issue of water security has evolved from a local concern into a global imperative.

Achieving lasting solutions requires more than regional action – it necessitates a unified approach across all sectors of society, from governments and businesses to individuals.

At Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, we have long recognised that water plays a key role in both survival and progress. Our commitment to sustainable development has driven us to support numerous initiatives that address water access and the management of water resources, especially in the face of growing scarcity.

According to the World Bank, more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and the situation is even more critical in the Middle East and North Africa. Home to 15 of the world’s most water-scarce countries, nearly 60 per cent of the region’s population lives in areas facing severe water stress. Furthermore, climate-induced water scarcity could reduce the region’s gross domestic product by up to 14 per cent in the coming decades, underscoring the urgent need for action.

We have been keenly aware of this situation and consistently prioritised water security as a cornerstone of our mission to help developing countries achieve sustainable economic growth. Since its inception, the Fund has allocated more than Dh 7.5 billion (about $2 billion) to water and irrigation projects across 30 countries. These initiatives align with the sixth Sustainable Development Goal, which seeks to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

One of the key drivers of water security in the 21st century will be innovation. From desalination technologies that turn seawater into freshwater to digital tools that help optimise water use in agriculture, technological advancements will play a central role in overcoming water scarcity.

Therefore, our approach goes beyond financing dams and water networks; we integrate innovative technologies, smarter water management practices, and a commitment to responsible consumption. We believe that solutions such as water recycling, efficient irrigation and desalination hold great potential, but must be supported by solid policies that encourage sustainability, co-operation and conservation at every level.

Water security is not an isolated issue; it is interconnected with energy, food security and climate change. To build a sustainable future, the world must treat water security as a shared responsibility. By working together, we can overcome the challenges of today and ensure a tomorrow where clean, accessible water is available to all, no matter where they live.

The Fund’s impact is evident in projects such as Bahrain’s Al Dour water transmission network, which expanded capacity to 50 million gallons a day, and Jordan’s Kufranja Dam, which bolstered water storage in one of the world’s most water-scarce nations. In Argentina, the Fund financed an Dh294 million water network project that brought clean water to more than 300,000 people in the Santa Fe province.

Similarly, the Samandini Dam in Burkina Faso, rural water projects in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and irrigation-focused dams in Tunisia and Bangladesh exemplify the Fund’s commitment to supporting water security for communities worldwide.

Addressing water security is not just about technical solutions; it requires lasting partnerships across governments, businesses and communities. The UAE, with its decades of experience managing scarce water resources in one of the world’s most arid climates, serves as a model for international collaboration on water security.

These efforts align with the UAE’s broader leadership in advancing global water initiatives. At Cop28, the country announced a $150 million commitment to water innovation, complemented by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which promotes technological advancements and collaboration. The UAE’s proactive stance was also showcased at last year’s Sixth Arab Water Forum in Abu Dhabi, a platform for addressing regional water challenges. Our country has demonstrated that through innovation, thoughtful governance and global partnerships, even the most water-scarce regions can thrive.

As the UAE prepares to co-host the UN Water Conference with Senegal in December next year, reaffirming its dedication to advancing “SDG 6” on a global scale. The availability of water impacts all aspects of life, from health and agriculture to energy and economic stability. In line with the UAE’s vision and goals, the Fund aims to create lasting solutions that ensure resilience and prosperity for communities worldwide.

At ADFD, we remain committed to investing in projects that increase access to clean water, enhance water infrastructure and build resilience against climate-related challenges.

From advancing desalination technologies to supporting sustainable water solutions in developing countries, we are dedicated to both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Through decisive action, innovation and shared responsibility, we can create a sustainable future and ensure that water remains a resource for generations to come.

The time to act is now – together, we can secure a sustainable future, one drop at a time.