UAE Invests Dh421 Million in Water Conservation Projects Amid Climate Concerns
The ambitious initiative focuses on constructing new facilities and expanding existing infrastructure to safeguard water resources in light of increased rainfall.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making significant strides to bolster its water infrastructure with an investment of Dh421 million in water conservation projects.
These efforts, unveiled during the Federal National Council (FNC) session, include the construction of 20 new water facilities and the expansion of three existing dams across 12 strategic locations throughout the country.
This initiative marks the first phase of projects financed under a Presidential initiative aimed at enhancing water-saving infrastructure in the UAE’s eastern and northern coastal regions.
The urgency of these projects was underscored by the heavy rainstorms experienced in April of the previous year.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, outlined the plan in a letter to the FNC, emphasizing the need for robust adaptation to changing rainfall patterns.
He highlighted the engagement of three expert consultants tasked with conducting comprehensive hydrological assessments of basins along the northern and eastern coasts.
“By leveraging the latest global engineering standards and modern design software, these studies seek to develop sustainable water resources,” Al Mazrouei stated.
The objective is to mitigate damage from rain and runoff, aligning with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which aims for sustainable water access under all conditions.
FNC member Naema Al Sharhan raised critical questions concerning the country’s water management strategies, particularly in light of the unprecedented heavy rainfall that resulted in dam overflows.
Al Sharhan stressed the importance of increasing dam capacity, considering the potential future conflicts over water resources.
“UAE dams are crucial for water security and combating climate change,” Al Sharhan added, describing them as protective ‘forts’ for residents and infrastructure.
She noted the country's existing 104 dams under ministry oversight, and a total of 150 nationwide, some of which require urgent maintenance to prevent crises from dam failures.
The UAE's proactive approach is imperative, given the reality of climate change manifesting as fluctuating weather patterns and extreme events.
Al Sharhan's insistence on the importance of these infrastructure developments reflects a broader concern over water security's critical role in the region’s resilience strategy.
The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 focuses on ensuring water availability for its population amidst these changes.
The country's rapid infrastructural upgrades signal its commitment to this mission, as it continues to anticipate and address the challenges posed by an evolving climate.
Haneen Dajani, a special correspondent with extensive experience, reported the details of these developments comprehensively, providing valuable insight into the UAE's ongoing adaptive measures.
These efforts, unveiled during the Federal National Council (FNC) session, include the construction of 20 new water facilities and the expansion of three existing dams across 12 strategic locations throughout the country.
This initiative marks the first phase of projects financed under a Presidential initiative aimed at enhancing water-saving infrastructure in the UAE’s eastern and northern coastal regions.
The urgency of these projects was underscored by the heavy rainstorms experienced in April of the previous year.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, outlined the plan in a letter to the FNC, emphasizing the need for robust adaptation to changing rainfall patterns.
He highlighted the engagement of three expert consultants tasked with conducting comprehensive hydrological assessments of basins along the northern and eastern coasts.
“By leveraging the latest global engineering standards and modern design software, these studies seek to develop sustainable water resources,” Al Mazrouei stated.
The objective is to mitigate damage from rain and runoff, aligning with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which aims for sustainable water access under all conditions.
FNC member Naema Al Sharhan raised critical questions concerning the country’s water management strategies, particularly in light of the unprecedented heavy rainfall that resulted in dam overflows.
Al Sharhan stressed the importance of increasing dam capacity, considering the potential future conflicts over water resources.
“UAE dams are crucial for water security and combating climate change,” Al Sharhan added, describing them as protective ‘forts’ for residents and infrastructure.
She noted the country's existing 104 dams under ministry oversight, and a total of 150 nationwide, some of which require urgent maintenance to prevent crises from dam failures.
The UAE's proactive approach is imperative, given the reality of climate change manifesting as fluctuating weather patterns and extreme events.
Al Sharhan's insistence on the importance of these infrastructure developments reflects a broader concern over water security's critical role in the region’s resilience strategy.
The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 focuses on ensuring water availability for its population amidst these changes.
The country's rapid infrastructural upgrades signal its commitment to this mission, as it continues to anticipate and address the challenges posed by an evolving climate.
Haneen Dajani, a special correspondent with extensive experience, reported the details of these developments comprehensively, providing valuable insight into the UAE's ongoing adaptive measures.
Translation:
Translated by AI