Abu Dhabi, UAE – On Sunday, the UAE celebrates World Water Day, which falls on March 22 of each year.
It affirms its firm commitment to enhancing global water security and providing innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of water resources.
global initiatives
The UAE continues to lead global water security efforts through pioneering initiatives such as the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Emirates Water Foundation.
As it prepares to welcome the world to the United Nations Water Conference next December, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal.
The conference is of exceptional importance in light of the worsening global water crisis.
2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and another 2.4 billion live in areas suffering from water scarcity.
This makes the conference an opportunity to establish water as a hub for peace, development and economic growth.
Financial pledges and humanitarian initiatives
The UAE’s commitment to global water security is highlighted through its financial pledges and humanitarian initiatives.
Including a $150 million pledge for water scarcity solutions announced at COP28. The Clean Rivers Program, which has allocated up to $60 million to address waste and water challenges in Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil.
The Gentleman Knight 3
Under the umbrella of the “Gentleman Knight 3” initiative, the UAE continues its efforts to address the thirst crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Which included carrying out well drilling work, maintaining pumps and generators, and restarting those that had broken down. Passing through the opening of six desalination plants, all the way to the launch of the “Lifeline” project, with a length of 7 kilometers and 500 meters, and a productivity of about 2 million gallons per day, serving more than a million people.
In the same context, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation announced the completion of vital humanitarian projects. In cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to support Sudanese refugees in the Republic of Chad.
Which included drilling 10 wells with an average capacity of 975 cubic meters per day of potable water, benefiting 65,000 people.
In addition, last May, the UAE sent a ship loaded with 14 seawater desalination plants to the port of Limassol.
With a production capacity of up to 15,000 cubic metres (3.3 million gallons per day) per day, it enhances Cyprus’ ability to meet water challenges.
Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform
In turn, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development announced last January the launch of the “Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform”.
Which aims to finance qualitative development projects, new investment opportunities, and innovative initiatives that contribute to the development of the water sector around the world.
The Fund contributed to financing the project to supply the city of Kiffa and a number of neighboring areas in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania with potable water.
Upon completion, it will provide drinking water to an initial population of more than 180,000, with a gradual expansion to serve 500,000 beneficiaries by 2050.
Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative
The Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative also continues its efforts to enhance cooperation and work with international partners to explore new and sustainable solutions and innovations to address the challenges of water shortages around the world.
In April 2025, the initiative launched the “Water Challenge” program, which aims to accelerate the development and implementation of innovative solutions to enhance water use efficiency.
It announced the first challenge in a series of challenges affiliated with the program, entitled “Water for Agriculture Challenge,” to drive innovation in developing effective and practical technologies and solutions that contribute to reducing water consumption in the agricultural sector. Maintain and improve crop productivity.
Saqia Emirates Foundation
Since its establishment, the Emirates Water Foundation has contributed to providing clean water to approximately 15 million people in 37 countries around the world through sustainable development and humanitarian projects.
Under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, it continues to motivate innovators and researchers around the world to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the water scarcity crisis.
