Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's efforts towards ensuring long-term water security through innovative solutions and global collaborations took centre stage at the IDRA World Congress 2024, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The event being held at ADNEC Centre brings together global leaders, experts and innovators to confront one of the world's most urgent challenges - water scarcity.
In his remarks, Awaidha Murshed Al Mara, Chairman of the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi, outlined Abu Dhabi's commitment to balancing development demands with the protection of natural resources.
By 2035, Abu Dhabi aims to produce 98% (or up to 100%) of its water using sustainable technologies, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), which significantly reduces carbon emissions. The emirate has also set a target to generate 60% of its energy from renewable and clean sources within the same period, according to Al Mara.
He further noted that Abu Dhabi is home to one of the largest RO desalination plants in the world at the Al Taweelah Power and Water Desalination Complex, capable of producing 200 million gallons per day using renewable technologies.
The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative was also spotlighted as a key driver of global innovation in water sustainability.
The XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, a five-year, $119 million prize funded by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative's $150 million investment, aims to inspire groundbreaking solutions for water scarcity.
Al Mara also pointed out that Abu Dhabi has adopted a comprehensive water strategy to ensure sustainability across all water sources, aiming to maximise the social and economic returns of every water drop.
With rising global demand and environmental pressures, water security has become an urgent global priority, he added.
The road towards "daring solutions" for water scarcity challenges requires dialogues, collaborations and contribution to innovation, according to Al Mara.
"This conference is not just an exchange of ideas, but a platform for enlightened minds that work to build bridges, to create solutions, and to turn ambitions into a tangible reality, for the benefit of humanity and the world," he said.
Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General of the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) echoed these sentiments in her remarks, stating that the IDRA World Congress 2024 brings together change-makers from around the world united under the banner of ensuring water for all.
She further commended the UAE's journey towards becoming a global leader in water, energy, innovation and sustainable development.
"Modern technology and science have transformed the landscape of the United Arab Emirates into a pioneer in large-scale desalination projects, reducing the carbon footprint of desalination, and securing water sources to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population and industries," said McCarthy.
"The UAE's pioneering spirit is evident in groundbreaking initiatives that set benchmarks for global best practices," she added.
These include the XPRIZE Water Scarcity, aimed to spur innovation for water security solutions in line with the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to achieve water security for all.
According to McCarthy, the IDRA World Congress 2024 features wide-ranging technical and thematic programmes, which include over 200 peer-reviewed papers and more than 40 panels on water innovation and stewardship, in addition to 35+ CEO talks that will showcase bold leadership in tackling water scarcity.
