Scarcity of Water: A Situation where Water Surpasses the Value of Oil in the Gulf Regions
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a desert nation with scarce natural freshwater resources, has defied odds and become a global leader in water technology and desalination. This transformation is largely due to major investments in advanced technologies, infrastructure, and strategic international partnerships.
The journey began in the 1960s when Sheikh Shakhbout, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, recognised the equal importance of finding clean water and oil. In 1961, he ordered one of the world's first industrial desalination plants from the British engineering company Richardson & Westgarth of West Hartlepool. After initial heat-related issues, the plant began producing 50,000 liters of clean water a day.
Today, the UAE boasts approximately 70 desalination plants, producing over 40% of the country's drinking water through reverse osmosis. One of the most significant plants is Abu Dhabi's Taweelah, the largest of its kind in the world, producing over 800,000 cubic meters of water daily.
The UAE's water leadership is also evident in its expansive power and water infrastructure. Dubai, for instance, has significantly expanded its infrastructure, featuring advanced technologies and substantial capacity to meet growing demand in a desert environment.
International collaborations and technology transfer have played a crucial role in the UAE's success. The country has engaged in joint ventures with global technology leaders and entered agreements for safe nuclear power generation, which supports desalination processes with low-carbon energy sources, enhancing sustainability.
Government-led initiatives and vision have been key drivers of innovation. The UAE government set clear targets aligned with sustainability goals and clean energy adoption, actively promoting innovative water and power sectors. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has been at the forefront of adopting best practices and new technologies consistent with their Net Zero by 2050 strategy.
Investments by sovereign wealth funds such as Mubadala in technology sectors, including AI and other advanced technologies, support enhanced water management and desalination innovations indirectly by improving operational efficiencies and technology integration.
The UAE's commitment to water security extends beyond its borders. In 2015, UAE Water Aid was established in Dubai to provide clean water in 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Iraq. Funded by donations, UAE Water Aid raised over Dh180 million in its first year across the Emirates.
Recently, the UAE started exporting mobile desalination plants to make seawater potable. The country sent 14 mobile desalination plants to Cyprus, which is currently facing a water crisis due to a prolonged drought.
The UAE's water technology expertise is shared globally through UAE Water Aid (Suqia UAE). Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, stated that water is a great blessing in the UAE, as the ancestors of the UAE understood its value due to historical water scarcity. He emphasised that water security is vital for the future of humanity.
The annual Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, with US$1 million in prize money, supports global water security initiatives. The award underscores the UAE's commitment to advancing water technology and promoting sustainable water solutions worldwide.
In the past, finding water was a daily task for the people in the UAE. Desert wells were essential for nomadic life, and water in towns like Abu Dhabi was obtained by digging "scrapes" in the sand. Today, the UAE's understanding of the importance of water for life is as deep as the desert sands themselves.
References:
- UAE Water Aid
- DEWA
- Mubadala
- The National News
- Gulf News
- The water technology advancements in the UAE have garnered global attention, making headlines in news outlets worldwide.
- As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, the UAE's pioneering role in desalination technology offers hope for a more sustainable future in the industry.
- The UAE's commitment to water security is not limited to its own borders; it extends to nations like Iraq and Afghanistan, where UAE Water Aid initiatives aim to provide clean water for millions.
- The UAE's success in desalination technology is attributed not only to its own efforts but also to international collaborations and technology transfer, particularly with leaders in science and technology.
- The UAE's vision for a sustainable future is deeply rooted in its embrace of renewable energy and environmental science, as evidenced by its investments in finance for technology sectors like AI and advanced energy solutions.
- The UAE is making strides in international diplomacy, showing a strong commitment to climate change and the environment through partnerships and aid in regions such as the Middle East and Asia.
- By exporting mobile desalination plants to countries experiencing water crises, like Cyprus, the UAE is not only addressing its own technological prowess but also sharing its knowledge to help improve climate-change resilience and water security around the world.
