Water Conference Addresses Critical Water And Food Security Challenges At Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025

Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), opened the Water Conference during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025. This event gathered global leaders to discuss pressing water and food security challenges in arid regions.

The UAE prioritises sustainable water supply development by expanding membrane-based desalination technologies. They are also increasing renewable energy use in the water sector. Investments are being made in technologies that enhance water usage efficiency, reduce non-revenue water loss, and maximise treated wastewater reuse.

Al Kaabi emphasised the importance of managing resources effectively to ensure sustainability. He stated, "Managing the resource nexus effectively is key to ensuring long-term sustainability and securing the world's water, energy, and food needs in the face of growing demand and climate challenges. The UAE is working toward addressing water-energy-food challenges through integrated resources planning, circular economy approaches, and investing in innovative solutions to ensure equitable access to water, energy, and food for its present and future generations."

Al Kaabi highlighted that UAE's policies focus on sustainable water supply sources. He noted that current strategies involve expanding desalination technologies and using renewable energy. These efforts aim to improve efficiency and reuse treated wastewater.

The UAE's Water Security Strategy ensures readiness across the entire supply chain from production to socioeconomics. Recent statistics show a total installed capacity of 1,855 MIGD for seawater desalination plants. Additionally, 823 MCM of wastewater was treated with over 70 percent being reused.

Access to clean drinking water and sanitation is universal across the UAE. Al Kaabi mentioned that the country achieved an 83 percent score in implementing SDG 6’s Integrated Water Resources Management Index. Efforts continue to align water strategies with energy, environment, and food plans.

The UAE is set to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal. This conference aims to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 by promoting sustainable management of water resources. Such initiatives underscore the UAE’s dedication to fostering dialogue on global water issues.

Al Kaabi added that rising global water demands due to population growth make sustainability crucial internationally. In the UAE, natural water scarcity makes it a national priority issue due to high developmental demand.

The UAE remains committed to addressing these challenges through strategic planning and international collaboration. By hosting significant conferences like the UN Water Conference, they aim to lead efforts in sustainable resource management globally.

With inputs from WAM