Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to sustainable water management and global water security in a statement made on World Water Day. She emphasized the urgent need for action, noting that water is essential for life and plays a critical role in the health of our planet.

According to MSN, Dr. Al Dahak told that approximately 2.2 billion people, or one in four globally, lack access to safe and clean water. This alarming statistic underscores the necessity for concerted efforts to secure a water-resilient future for all. She pointed out that this year’s World Water Day theme, Glacier Preservation, serves as a reminder that ecosystems, even those as remote as glaciers, are closely tied to local water security.

Dr. Al Dahak discussed the severe impact of climate change, indicating that glaciers have lost over 6,500 billion tonnes, or 5%, of their ice since the beginning of the century. This accelerated glacier melt poses a significant threat to global water resources. She reiterated the UAE’s dedication to addressing these challenges through sustainable water management and its ambitious Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which aims to transition the country to net-zero emissions. Furthermore, the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 seeks to reduce total water demand by 21% while enhancing water-use efficiency across all sectors.

Under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is also tackling global water scarcity through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. This initiative aims to raise awareness, promote innovation, and foster collaboration towards achieving a water-resilient future.

Dr. Al Dahak specifically highlighted the UAE’s focus on decarbonized desalination, particularly through the use of Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology. She noted that Abu Dhabi’s Al Taweelah RO plant, part of the Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex, is poised to become the largest reverse osmosis facility in the world when fully operational. By 2030, it is projected that 90% of Abu Dhabi’s desalinated water will be produced using RO technology, while the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) aims to generate 100% of desalinated water from clean energy and waste heat by 2030.

Additionally, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) is leading agricultural technology projects to strategically reduce water consumption, ensuring a holistic approach to water security.

Dr. Al Dahak concluded her remarks by urging the community to practice responsible water consumption during World Water Day, particularly in the context of Ramadan. She emphasized that every small action contributes to safeguarding vital water resources and that a water crisis is fundamentally linked to a climate crisis. Through collaborative efforts, the UAE aspires to protect essential water resources and secure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.