Water Quality Forum 2025 Kicks Off In Abu Dhabi To Innovate For Resilience In Water Management

The Water Quality Forum 2025 commenced in Abu Dhabi, focusing on "Innovating for Resilience: Water Quality in a Changing World." Organised by M42 Environmental Sciences with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the event aims to enhance water resilience, quality, and safety in the region. The forum is held at Erth Hotel.

Albarah El-Khani, COO of M42 Integrated Healthcare Solutions, highlighted the UAE's approach to water management. He stated that wastewater serves as a data source and early warning system for health. Advanced labs and AI detect pathogens early, shifting focus from reactive to preventive measures. This builds public trust through reliable systems.

El-Khani emphasised innovation's role in tackling challenges. Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics predict pollution and risks while monitoring systems in real-time. Wastewater data and genomics are used to protect communities. He noted that standards and governance are crucial for effective water management systems.

The forum aims to unite utilities, regulators, municipalities, academia, and the private sector. Their goal is to develop early warning systems, establish credible scientific regulations, and strengthen capacities for knowledge continuity across generations.

Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy discussed the UAE's water management strategy. It focuses on ensuring sustainability for future generations by prioritising environmental protection and resource preservation. These commitments are reflected in the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.

This initiative promotes innovation, investment, and collaboration to find global solutions for water security. It also raises awareness among governments, scientific communities, and consumers about water security issues.

Water-Energy Nexus

Al Rumaithi highlighted the link between water and energy systems. He stressed leveraging this connection daily to boost sustainability and efficiency in managing essential resources. Abu Dhabi hosts the world's largest reverse osmosis desalination plant, producing over 90,000 cubic metres of water daily.

The shift from thermal desalination to reverse osmosis increased by 740 percent between 2020 and 2023. The Department's recycled water use policy launched in 2019 raised utilisation rates to 73 percent by 2023.

Strategic Water Management Plans

Abu Dhabi plans to address emergencies with a strategic underground water reservoir for reliable supply during crises. The Department's water and electricity efficiency strategy introduced in 2019 undergoes annual reviews. By 2025, it achieved nearly one-third of its 2030 targets due to collaboration among various sectors.

This cooperation saved over 306 million cubic metres of water from the network alone. Such efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices that support economic growth while preserving natural resources.

With inputs from WAM