The UAE has launched several strategic projects in the water desalination sector across the country as part of its sixth sustainable development goal, reported Wam.

 

These strategic projects will play a vital role in helping achieve water security by providing water supplies and ensuring their national sustainability, stated the report, citing a senior minister.

 

"The value of investments in new desalination plants in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Umm Al Quwain amounts to AED7.63 billion ($2.08 billion), in line with the directives of the UAE’s leadership to achieve water security," stated Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, while speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing World Utilities Congress 2022.

 

According to Al Mazrouei, the annual growth rate of the water desalination sector stands at 3%.

 

"The UAE, due to the directives of its leadership, has launched several national strategic projects in the water desalination sector, which will help achieve water security by providing water supplies and ensuring their national sustainability," he added.

 

Al Mazrouei stressed that the UAE has prioritised the sixth sustainable development goal to ensure water sustainability and provide access to water amidst natural conditions and emergencies, affirming that water security is a cornerstone of sustainable development.

 

The UAE has carried out several significant projects in the water sector and deployed advanced technologies, he further added.

 

On the models followed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to enhance the resilience of the water and energy sector, Al Mazrouei said that the ministry, in cooperation with its partners in the energy and water sectors, has implemented the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the National Water and Energy Demand Management Programme, which follow approved policies that include the development of the supply and demand sectors.

 

Providing electricity at reasonable prices is among the factors that will ensure the economy’s success and the community’s safety, therefore, the ministry has drafted the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to create an energy combination that includes gas, nuclear power, solar power and wind power, he added.