UAE Water Security Emphasised By Minister On Global Dialogue Platforms

The UAE is placing water security at the centre of its climate agenda, according to Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. Dr. Al Dahak said water security is now a core subject in global discussions, as it underpins national development, economic stability, and long-term sustainability for many countries worldwide.

She explained that international agreements on sustainability and environmental protection increasingly highlight water security as a key priority. This reflects concern over pressures on water resources from climate change, population growth, and pollution. Dr. Al Dahak emphasised that the UAE treats water security as a strategic issue, tightly linked with food systems, energy planning, and environmental protection efforts.

Within this wider framework, Dr. Al Dahak stated that the UAE is building its water security approach on several main pillars. These include developing innovative technologies, backing scientific research, and encouraging practical, solution-driven projects. She noted that authorities are seeking scalable models that can work across different sectors, including agriculture, industry, and urban communities.

A major element of this strategy is the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, launched at the beginning of 2024. The initiative aims to support sustainable and innovative solutions to water challenges across multiple fields. One of its flagship programmes is the Water Challenge for Agriculture, which targets water stress in farming. Dr. Al Dahak said the UAE is currently awaiting the announcement of the finalists and winners.

{TABLE_1}

Dr. Al Dahak spoke to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the Sustainability Impact Forum, held at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai as part of the World Governments Summit agenda. The forum carries the theme "Partnerships for Sustainable Water" and brings together decision-makers, experts, and international partners to explore joint responses to water-related risks.

According to Dr. Al Dahak, the forum has evolved, under the UAE’s leadership, into a global space for examining shared challenges and designing practical responses. She said the event is not limited to discussion, as it also aims to generate solutions that can be applied within the UAE and adapted internationally. This includes creating economic opportunities connected with climate, water, and environmental projects.

Global partnerships, pollution control and UAE water security

Participation at the Sustainability Impact Forum includes representatives from several countries, notably African states and island nations. Dr. Al Dahak underlined that many of these countries are among the most exposed to climate impacts and economic disruption. They also face linked pressures on energy systems, water availability, and food security, which require integrated planning and finance.

She stressed that the forum’s dialogues would help shape a shared agenda with attending partners. The aim is to convert discussions into actionable projects that deliver measurable improvements. Dr. Al Dahak said this work would also feed into preparations for the United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE will host at the end of this year, while confirming the UAE’s focus on advancing solutions in Africa.

Alongside long-term planning, Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE’s efforts to address direct pollution in rivers and seas. She referred to the work of clean rivers institutions operating in countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia. These organisations develop systems to capture and manage waste in rivers, preventing pollution from reaching oceans and harming marine ecosystems.

Dr. Al Dahak said the UAE plans to cooperate with these institutions to tackle pollution at its source. She warned that waste entering water bodies damages fish stocks and marine habitats. This, in turn, threatens food security and income for communities in coastal cities, and undermines wider marine biodiversity, which many economies depend on for stability and growth.

Beyond technical projects, Dr. Al Dahak underlined the UAE’s interest in creating global platforms that support solution-building and environmental awareness. She said the country is working to engage communities and young people in environmental priorities, particularly around water conservation, resource efficiency, and sustainable lifestyles. These efforts are seen as essential to making policies effective on the ground.

Dr. Al Dahak noted that 4th February marks National Environment Day in the UAE, with each year’s theme aligned to the national theme. She said this year’s focus is the Year of Family, highlighting families’ influence in guiding everyday behaviour. The campaign stresses early awareness, responsible consumption, and support for water security, so that future generations in the UAE can benefit from lasting environmental sustainability.

With inputs from WAM