The UAE is investing AED421 million in water-saving projects, including the development of 20 new water facilities and the expansion of three existing dams across 12 areas in the country. These projects are part of the first phase of a Presidential initiative aimed at enhancing water-saving infrastructure in the eastern and northern coastal regions.
The announcement was made during a session of the Federal National Council (FNC) on January 8th, 2025.
Last year in April, the country saw widespread destruction after the unexpected rainfall. In a letter to the FNC ahead of the session, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that the increase in rainfall rates is leading to proactive steps to adapt to these changes. “Three specialized consultants have been appointed to study all the basins along the northern and eastern coasts of the country,” he added, reports Khaleej Times.
More so, the UAE government is conducting comprehensive hydrological studies to assess the current status of water basins and develop innovative solutions to reduce damage caused by rain and runoff. These efforts aim to align with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, focusing on the sustainable development of water resources.
The studies, which utilize the latest global engineering standards and modern design software, will help build resilient water infrastructure, including dams, barriers, canals, and lakes, to protect areas from exceptional rainfall events.
The initiative follows a question raised by FNC member Naema Al Sharhan, who pointed out the severe flooding and dam overflow caused by last year’s unprecedented rainfall. She asked why the capacity of the country’s water dams couldn’t be increased to better manage such events.
Al Sharhan emphasized the importance of saving water, given the region remains dry most of the time in the year. “UAE dams play a pivotal role in water security and combating climate changes,” she added.
Key initiatives include constructing 20 new water facilities, expanding 3 existing dams, and building 9 new dams across the country. These projects will span 12 regions, significantly enhancing the nation’s capacity to store up to 8 million cubic meters of water.
Additionally, 9 new water canals, totaling over 9 kilometers, will be built to manage water flow and minimize flooding risks in residential areas. With a tight 19-month completion timeline, these developments are set to transform water management across the Emirates, from Sharjah to Ras Al Khaimah.
