Abu Dhabi's environment agency seeks to tackle water scarcity

The Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi on Tuesday held a workshop to identify innovative water technologies from around the world that address Abu Dhabi's specific needs in the efficient management and conservation of groundwater resources.

Five technologies were presented at the workshop, with a particular focus on servicing the agricultural, industrial and residential sectors.

Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Acting Executive Director, Integrated Environment Policy and Planning at the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi explained, "Groundwater in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is a limited, but vital, resource that supports a variety of societal and commercial uses and benefits.

She added that despite efforts to more effectively manage groundwater resources, Abu Dhabi is confronted with increasing water scarcity. It is therefore essential for the Agency and its partners, to manage the supply and demand of groundwater in the emirate through a number of public policies that enable behavioural, structural and technological change to save water."

The UAE government declared 2015 as the 'Year of Innovation' calling for collective action to cultivate innovation as a cornerstone of the country's long-term economic strength, she noted Al Mazrouei further added, "To contribute to this effort, the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi has been leading efforts to identify the most promising water technologies with the globally renowned Water Technology Approval Group (TAG) forum to implement pioneering solutions to protect this vital resource of ours." .