DUBAI- Abu Dhabi's crown prince approved on Monday 5.6 billion dirhams ($1.52 billion) for research and development surrounding water scarcity and food security over the next five years.

"We have directed the Executive Committee to form global partnerships that seek innovative solutions in these vital areas," Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan wrote on Twitter.

($1 = 3.6728 UAE dirham)

(Reporting by Alex Cornwell, Writing by Nafisa Eltahir) ((Nafisa.Eltahir@thomsonreuters.com; +971 55 66 85163;))