NYU Abu Dhabi Water Research Centre Selected As UAE’s Sole Team In Global XPRIZE Water Scarcity Competition

The NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Water Research Centre has been recognised as a Qualified Team in the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition. This initiative is one of the largest global efforts to tackle the pressing issue of freshwater scarcity. The team, led by Professor Nidal Hilal, is the only one from the UAE qualified under Track B, which focuses on innovative materials and methods for desalination.

Professor Hilal's team has developed surface-patterned membranes with built-in spacers. These membranes enhance energy efficiency by up to 20%, while also improving durability and scalability. This advancement could significantly lower the energy consumption of desalination processes, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for freshwater production.

The XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition offers a total prize fund of USD 119 million across two tracks. It aims to unite innovators globally to create affordable and sustainable technologies for producing drinking water. As a Qualified Team, NYUAD researchers will proceed to the next phase of this multi-year competition, where their projects will undergo rigorous testing to prove technical maturity and real-world applicability.

Hilal highlighted the importance of their project both locally and globally. It aims to improve desalination systems crucial for water security in arid regions like the UAE while contributing to global efforts for sustainable water access. "Our membrane design has the potential to enhance existing desalination systems and contribute to securing water resources for generations to come," he stated.

Recently, Hilal was named on Clarivate Analytics’ Highly Cited Researchers 2024 list. This list acknowledges the top one percent of researchers worldwide whose work has significant global influence. The NYUAD Water Research Center continues its mission of advancing innovative technologies for sustainable water solutions, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in water research and innovation.

This recognition underscores NYUAD's commitment to addressing critical global challenges through research and innovation. By developing next-generation desalination solutions, they are paving the way for more efficient and sustainable water management practices worldwide.

With inputs from WAM