Abu Dhabi’s Water Strategy Takes Shape Through Coordinated Sector Partnership

The Department of Energy convenes key stakeholders to advance integrated water management, establish 2027 priorities and prepare for Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week

The Water Sector Steering Committee at the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi has brought together government entities and water-sector companies in a strategic workshop designed to crystallise the emirate’s approach to one of its most pressing challenges: securing reliable water supplies whilst maintaining the delicate balance of its natural resources.

The gathering reviewed progress on the Integrated Water Strategy’s implementation, examined key projects and initiatives, and charted priorities for 2027 and beyond, through to 2035. At its heart lies a commitment to strengthening institutional coordination and aligning investments with Abu Dhabi’s long-term objectives. The workshop reinforced an integrated approach to water-resource planning and management, emphasising efficiency, operational preparedness and supply security.

Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, characterised water security as fundamental to national security and sustainable economic and social development. “Water security is fundamental to national security and sustainable economic and social development,” he said. “In Abu Dhabi, we continue to strengthen an integrated and resilient water system through proactive planning, efficient resource management and infrastructure readiness, ensuring reliable and continuous water supplies whilst supporting future growth.”

The Integrated Water Strategy itself rests on three strategic objectives: securing water supplies, safeguarding resource sustainability and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness. The Department has directed preparation of a proposal for an Abu Dhabi Water Balance Sheet Policy, a framework that would offer a comprehensive overview of available water resources, their sources and consumption patterns, whilst identifying efficiency improvements and resource protection measures.

The workshop gave particular attention to groundwater protection, reviewing initiatives aimed at reducing groundwater abstraction by 500 million cubic metres by 2030. Projects and measures covering half of this target have already been identified, supporting integrated resource management and the long-term sustainability of the emirate’s strategic groundwater reserves.

In the agricultural sector, participants reviewed progress on water-efficiency initiatives that included the launch of four irrigation infrastructure projects, completion of the first pilot phase involving 80 agricultural water meters, and implementation of 18 model farm pilots. These measures support improved consumption monitoring and sustainable irrigation practices.

The workshop also established priorities extending through 2035, including achieving groundwater net zero, accelerating water-efficiency programmes, reducing agricultural water demand, strengthening system preparedness and resilience, and improving governance and performance measurement. Another priority identified achieving zero discharge of treated wastewater into the environment, supporting greater utilisation of available water resources and a more efficient, sustainable water system.

The workshop contributed significantly to preparations for Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week 2026, taking place from 8th to 10th December at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event will provide a platform to present energy and water priorities, showcase strategic projects and innovative solutions, and strengthen partnerships among government entities, the private sector, research institutions and technology providers.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi faces one of the Middle East’s most significant water challenges, with groundwater reserves under considerable pressure from population growth, economic expansion and agricultural demand. This coordinated approach signals the emirate’s determination to address these pressures through integrated planning and cross-sector collaboration. By aligning institutional priorities and establishing measurable targets through 2035, the Department of Energy is laying the groundwork for sustainable water management that can support the emirate’s continued development whilst safeguarding resources for future generations.

The emphasis on groundwater net zero and zero wastewater discharge represents a fundamental shift in how Abu Dhabi views its relationship with water resources. These ambitious objectives, coupled with investments in agricultural efficiency and technological innovation, position the emirate as a leader in water sustainability within the region. For residents and businesses alike, this means a commitment to reliable water supplies underpinned by responsible stewardship and long-term resilience planning.

Source: WAM