The UAE has initiated several water saving projects, all of which are part of a more comprehensive plan to improve the water network throughout the country. Currently, Dh421 million for these projects is being invested by making provision for the construction of 20 new water works and the upgradation of 3 existing dams in 12 regions, which, according to officials, is the first phase of the Presidential initiative for improving water management systems.
The announcement was made during a Federal National Council (FNC) session on Wednesday where the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, revealed details on the initiatives introduced as an outcome of extremely adverse weather during the previous year, particularly heavy rains in April that caused significant flooding in some parts of the country.
The three specialized consultants were set up to carry out hydrological studies over the basins of the northern and eastern coasts by Al Mazrouei. These studies would assess existing water management systems, pinpoint improvement areas, and suggest innovative solutions to alleviate the damage as a result of high-intensity rain and runoff. These plans are, therefore, expected to align with the UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036, which envisions successful access to water under both normal and emergency situations.
New initiatives comprise the development of sustainable water facilities in the form of such protective structures as dams, canals, water barriers, and lakes serving intended areas subject to extreme weather. These projects adopt the best of global engineering standards and design software for the long-term viability of such water infrastructure.
Member of FNC Naema Al Sharhan expressed her worries on the necessity to increase dam capacity after severe rains in the previous year that inundated the site and caused overflowing. She underscored that the importance of maintaining and upgrading the country’s dams tends to lie in their crucial role in water security while enabling the infrastructure to manage flood waters flow. Al Sharhan insisted that the UAE, having a dry climate, should conserve water recorded during intensive rains especially with water resources becoming more fundamental as caused due to climate change.
At present, there are 104 government supervised dams in the UAE, of which the entire state boasts a total of 150 dams. Nevertheless, a number of these dams were showing the age signs, so Al Sharhan called for the issue to be tackled without any delay to avoid disasters.
Emphasizing the growing concern over climate change impact on the water resources and the need for improved infrastructures to safeguard the country from harm, these projects were launched. UAE Water Security Strategy of 2036 continues to remain the essential framework for ensuring that the country collectively withstands the challenge posed by future water shortages.
