UAE: Collaboration essential for GCC water security

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), participated in the 31st Meeting of GCC Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee in Doha.

At the meeting, Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, Sharif Al Olama, highlighted the Committee’s role in enhancing coordination and integration in the energy and water sectors of GCC countries.

He noted that the UAE is committed to driving regional synergies in these sectors to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and meet future needs.

He said, “The integration of the energy and water sectors of GCC countries is a leading example of productive collaboration in the face of common challenges. The UAE continues to adopt innovative, sustainable energy and water solutions and develop world-class infrastructure, as part of its vibrant role as a contributor to the progress and prosperity of GCC people.”

Al Olama added, “In light of growing global energy challenges and to keep pace with recent developments worldwide, it has become imperative that we all join forces and lay down a roadmap for our electricity sectors. We aim to build on our collaboration in the electricity and water sectors to provide electrical energy and water efficiently and effectively at more competitive prices in the country. Our goal is to establish the UAE as an attractive investment destination in both sectors that are key contributors to our national economy.”

He also noted that the collaboration among GCC countries in the water sector enhances water security, which poses significant challenges to these countries that reside in some of the world’s most arid areas.

“The UAE has gone a long way in conserving water resources through pioneering projects, such as water desalination plants and networks. The country mostly relies on wastewater treatment plants to meet its irrigation needs. There are over 140 wastewater treatment plants in addition to those run by the private sector. They have a total capacity of three million cubic meters a day and produce 768 million cubic meters of treated wastewater a year that is used to irrigate landscapes in our cities.” He said.