Abu Dhabi, UAE, April 16, 2015 - Representatives from the United Arab Emirates' delegation to the 7th World Water Forum in the Republic of Korea briefed international media on the vital water challenges the UAE faces and how the country is addressing the issue through a mix of policy, innovation and technology solutions.

The panel, headed by HE Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate of Energy and Climate Change, drew media from the Republic of Korea, India, the Middle East, and Europe and included representatives from the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, the National Centre of Meteorology & Seismology, and Masdar. Dr. Al Zeyoudi set the scene for the discussion by outlining the UAE's approach to water security and emphasising its importance to the nation.

To commence the discussion, Dr. Al Zeyoudi commented, "As a country in an arid climate with a rapidly growing population, our leadership has set an ambitious target to reduce our water consumption by 30 per cent, by 2030. As you will hear today, this is a goal we are committed to achieve through a mix of conservation practices, innovative technology solutions, policies, and partnerships with the global community."

Dr. Mohamed Al Madfaei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector and Dr. Mohamed Dawoud Director of Water Resources Management, both from EAD shared the UAE's commitment to advance and adopt innovative technological solutions to enhance the availability of potable water, such as renewable energy powered desalination and advanced hydroponics techniques.

Omar Al Hashimi, Projects division director at Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company highlighted STEP, Abu Dhabi's Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme, which when completed in 2016, will be one of the largest gravity-driven hydraulic wastewater network tunnels in the world.

Masdar' Mohammad El Ramahi shared the company's innovative solution to decrease costs and the environmental impact of desalination, Masdar's renewable energy powered desalination pilot programme. The pilot project, launched in January 2013 and currently under construction in Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, will aim to identify industrial-scale and commercially viable desalination technologies to address sustainable access to water.

Ms Alya Al Mazroui of the National Centre of Meteorology & Seismology presented the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science. The initiative is a first of its kind grant programme that promotes research and development to enhance rainfall yields and in turn, freshwater supplies.

Managed by the World Water Council, the World Water Forum brings together government leaders, decision makers, scientific experts spanning public and private sectors, academia and industry to drive international discussions on global water challenges.

The UAE delegation to the 7th World Water Forum was organised by Masdar. The delegation includes representatives from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment and Water, Federal Electricity and Water Authority, Executive Affairs Authority, National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Regulation and Supervision Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and the United Arab Emirates University.

About the UAE Delegation and the 7th World Water Forum
The World Water Forum, the largest water related conference in the world, has been held triennially since 1997 in cooperation with the public, private sectors, academia, and industries. The forum was first launched in an effort to facilitate international discussions on global water challenges. In 2015, the World Water Forum will take place in Daegu & Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea.

The UAE delegation to the 7th World Water Forum is coordinated  by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, and comprised of representatives from 15 companies and government entities operating in the water sector including delegates from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment & Water, Federal Electricity & Water Authority,  Executive Affairs Authority, National Centre of Meteorology & Seismology, , Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company,  Regulation and Supervision Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and the United Arab Emirates University.

The UAE delegation will share the nation's pioneering approach to achieving water security and showcase leading innovative technology set to combat water scarcity.

For more information: eng.worldwaterforum7.org/main/

About the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water
The formation of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) came in the context of a national vision to strengthen the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to the environment and sustainable development, as a response to many of the developments that have occurred on the national and global levels in the previous years. The UAE has made the environmental issue as one of the leading concerns for it is considered as a key input for achieving sustainable development. MOEW was established in February 2006, replacing the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, taking charge and responsibility of all its powers and functions. The Federal Environment Agency and the General Secretariat of Municipalities, had their functions and authorities transferred to be accommodated within the ministry's mandate.

According to the organizational structure adopted by the ministry, five main sectors are included: Environmental Affairs Sector, Agricultural & Animal Affairs Sector, Water Resources & Nature Conservation Sector, Support Services Sector and Regions Sector. Besides the Minister Sector, which drives a range of operational departments, such as Strategic Planning and Performance Department, Governmental Communications Department, International Cooperation Department, the Coordination of Municipal Affairs Office, the Internal Audit Office, External Audit Sector, UAE Green Development Strategy Follow-up Office, and National Committee for Biodiversity Office. The Undersecretary Sector oversees the operation and functions of the sectors and The Knowledge and Awareness Department.

Media contacts:
Masdar
E-mail: press@masdar.ae
Tel enquiries in Arabic: +971 2 653 3333
Tel enquiries in English: +971 2 653 6014

© Press Release 2015