Hosting of water summit a testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment

 Never has water been a more critical resource for the UAE than it is today, as the country's population and growth swell further.

The announcement last week that Abu Dhabi would host an annual International Water Summit further testifies to this fact. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, even said recently that "water is more important than oil in the United Arab Emirates".

The UAE is among the world's most water-scarce nations, while being among the highest per capita water consumers in the world. Abu Dhabi's consumption of water resources is 24 times greater than its natural recharge capacity. To bridge the gap, the UAE has long relied on desalination - for about 90 per cent of its water, according to estimates. But this comes with a very high energy cost, which is tricky when the UAE is trying to cut carbon emissions.

It's time for the UAE to reduce the environmental footprint of its water treatment sector, which we hope to do in part through the establishment of a new Centre of Excellence for Water Technologies, being launched by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. Work on the facility begins next month. More

 

Abu Dhabi to host water summit from next year

 ABU DHABI - In a move to promote water security in arid regions, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Wednesday, announced the International Water Summit (IWS) to begin next year alongside the World Future Energy Summit in January 2013.

Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water; Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar; and Dr Glen Daigger, President of the International Water Association (IWA); were also present at a Press conference at the ongoing World Future Energy Summit (WFES) to announce the details of the summit.

The International Water Association (IWA) is a global network of water professionals, working everyday to provide water and sanitation services which create healthy living conditions, fuel the economy, protect the environment and enhance the living conditions.

During the Press briefing, the minister said as a result of the increased pressure on this valuable resource due to various factors including growing population, agricultural demands and economic growth and the unsustainable consumption patterns, various countries around the world are currently facing real problems with water resources.

Dr Fahad emphasised that the climate change has increased the pressure on the resources as well. Therefore, this launch — as a result of our visionary leadership’s drive towards achieving water security — helmed by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will shed a real light on the subject.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said that the launch of the International Water Summit reflects the important role the UAE is playing in supporting the international efforts in answering the pressing challenges facing the world today.

Quoting General Shaikh Mohammed, Dr Al Jaber said that water is more important than oil in the UAE. This is a bold and clear signal that an economy based on oil is placing water at the topmost of its agenda. He also made a clear call to action that we need to enhance and increase the studies and research, create strategic action plans, and find solutions to preserving this invaluable resource for future generations. More