Abu Dhabi Ramps Up Efforts for Global Water Security
The United Arab Emirates, through its capital Abu Dhabi, is significantly escalating its water diplomacy, finance, and governance initiatives as it prepares to co-host the pivotal 2026 UN Water Conference. This intensified focus underscores the nation's commitment to addressing global water challenges and accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
The 2026 UN Water Conference: A Collaborative Global Effort
The 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, is scheduled to take place from December 2-4, 2026, in the UAE. This high-level event seeks to build upon the discussions of the 2023 UN Water Conference, which was the first of its kind in nearly half a century. The conference's primary objectives include accelerating SDG 6 achievement, enhancing global water governance, and elevating water-related issues on the international agenda.
Preparatory processes for the conference are already underway, including an organizational session in March 2025 in New York, co-chaired by the Permanent Representatives of Senegal and the UAE, to discuss themes for six interactive dialogues. A subsequent meeting on July 9, 2025, convened by the President of the General Assembly, will finalize these themes. Regional and global preparatory meetings are also being held to identify challenges, best practices, and opportunities.
Abu Dhabi's Strategic Initiatives in Water Finance and Governance
In a major move to bolster global water security, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) launched the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform on January 8, 2026. This strategic initiative aims to mobilize $2 billion (AED 7.34 billion) from local and international financing institutions, with ADFD committing an initial $1 billion (AED 3.67 billion) over five years, from 2026 to 2030. The platform is designed to accelerate high-impact development projects, unlock new investment opportunities, and support innovative solutions in the global water sector, targeting approximately 10 million beneficiaries worldwide.
The platform's focus areas include strengthening water and food security in developing countries, improving access to clean and safe water, and championing pioneering technologies for water resource management. It will leverage diverse financing tools, such as development financing, private sector investment support, and equity investments. These efforts align with the UAE's broader commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in sectors critical to long-term global stability.
Furthermore, the UAE advanced its global water diplomacy during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026. High-level engagements led by His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, spotlighted investment, youth leadership, and agrifood resilience as crucial elements for addressing global water issues. Discussions during ADSW focused on strategies to unlock capital and scale technology to enhance global water resilience, with outcomes informing the upcoming High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Dakar.
UAE's Comprehensive Approach to Water Security
Beyond the immediate preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, the UAE has a robust national framework for water management. The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 aims to ensure sustainable access to water under both normal and emergency conditions. Key targets of this strategy include reducing total water demand by 21%, increasing the water productivity index to $110 per cubic meter, and boosting the reuse of treated water to 95% by 2036.
The nation also actively supports international efforts through initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZWI), launched in 2024, which partnered with XPRIZE with a $150 million investment for the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition. This competition aims to accelerate innovations in water scarcity solutions and promote transformative desalination technologies. The UAE's proactive stance, including its 'Ripple Effect Water Scarcity' discussion paper, highlights its dedication to fostering a coordinated global response to water scarcity.
5 Comments
eliphas
$2 billion is a drop in the ocean for such a massive global problem.
paracelsus
$2 billion for water initiatives? That's incredible and desperately needed.
eliphas
'Water diplomacy' sounds like PR for their image, not genuine change.
paracelsus
Accelerating SDG 6 is a noble goal, and the conference is a good step; however, previous UN conferences haven't always translated into swift, widespread action on the ground.
Muchacho
Finally, a strong commitment to global water security! The UAE is leading the way.