The UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment has emphasized that technological innovation, sustainable financing, and effective partnerships are critical strategic tools for ensuring global water security. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak made these remarks on World Water Day, highlighting the nation’s commitment to transforming water sector challenges into opportunities for growth and reducing human suffering through strategic international cooperation.
According to the minister, this approach reflects the UAE’s dedication under the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to lead effective global action for securing water resource sustainability. The statement comes as the country prepares to host a major international water conference later this year.
Global Water Security Challenges Drive UAE Action
The minister pointed to alarming international statistics that underscore the urgency of addressing water access inequality. Recent reports indicate that 2.1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water near their homes, according to Dr. Al Dahak. Additionally, women and girls in many countries spend approximately 250 million hours daily collecting and transporting water, time that could otherwise be invested in education, employment, and community development.
Furthermore, more than one billion women lack access to safe water services, while 380 million women live in regions experiencing severe water stress. The minister described these figures as an urgent call for serious action, emphasizing that technological innovation and sustainable financing are essential to alleviating this burden on the most affected communities and groups.
Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative Leads International Efforts
The UAE has taken a leadership role in addressing water scarcity both domestically and globally through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. This initiative positions the Emirates at the forefront of international efforts to enhance cooperation and develop sustainable water technologies that serve humanity, the minister explained.
The initiative has allocated $150 million to address global water scarcity challenges. This commitment has been translated into concrete action through the launch of the XPRIZE for Water Scarcity Reduction, offering prizes totaling $119 million to develop effective solutions for enhancing seawater desalination efficiency while reducing costs.
UAE Water Security Strategy Demonstrates Local Leadership
On the domestic front, Dr. Al Dahak highlighted that the UAE presents a pioneering model in integrated water resource management through the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. The strategy aims to reduce total demand on water resources by 21 percent and increase the reuse rate of treated water to 95 percent, while focusing on rationalizing water consumption and developing natural sources.
The minister added that the country is adopting the latest environmentally friendly technological solutions to ensure sustainable water supply. This comprehensive approach demonstrates how innovation in water security can be implemented at the national level while serving as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.
International Partnerships Shape Future Collaboration
The minister discussed the UAE’s pivotal role in mobilizing international efforts, recently exemplified by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment launching the Impact Forum for Sustainability during the World Government Summit 2026. The forum, held under the theme “Partnerships for Sustainable Water,” reflects collective commitment and reinforces the UAE’s approach to transforming water challenges into strategic opportunities for cooperation.
However, the minister stressed that collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations is essential for providing equitable, fair, and sustainable solutions in the water sector. This multi-stakeholder approach recognizes that no single entity can address global water security challenges alone.
The UAE will co-host the United Nations Water Conference 2026 with the Republic of Senegal in December, representing a crucial global platform for transitioning from commitments to actual implementation. The conference is expected to accelerate global efforts to ensure universal access to safe water, direct investments toward infrastructure projects, and support major environmental initiatives including ecosystem protection and clean river preservation.
