Towards global water security based on innovation

“We are committed to driving innovation to deliver sustainable solutions that advance the UAE’s vision of harnessing technology to serve humanity and extend support to communities suffering from water scarcity.”

These words by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai – after honouring winners of the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) – embody the essence of the UAE’s vision for sustainable humanitarian work founded on the values of generosity, compassion and innovation in the service of humanity. This is the path continued by the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing humanitarian and development challenges of the modern era. UN reports indicate that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and that approximately 10% of the global population lives in countries with high or critical water stress. In light of this, there is an urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance international collaboration and utilise modern technologies to ensure global water security.

In this context, the UAE plays a leading role in advancing water security, inspired by a leadership that has made humanitarian work and innovation two fundamental pillars of sustainable development. Launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2015 under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Suqia stands as a model of this commitment. It implements high-impact projects that provide clean water to communities in need around the world, in collaboration with local and international partners. Since its establishment, Suqia has helped provide clean water to around 15 million people in 37 countries through sustainable development and humanitarian projects. Suqia also supports research and innovation across various water-related fields, reaffirming the UAE’s role as a global catalyst for knowledge, sustainability and human advancement.

Suqia follows the approach of the wise leadership, who consider helping people everywhere a moral imperative and a civilised mission, placing human dignity above developmental priorities. Its efforts go beyond traditional charitable work to include initiatives that inspire innovators and researchers worldwide to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the global water crisis. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is one of the most notable of these initiatives. It has become a prestigious international platform encouraging companies, institutions and individuals to develop innovative solutions and technologies to desalinate and purify water using renewable energy. The winning projects are practical and easy to deploy in remote areas, ensuring the sustainability of their humanitarian and developmental impact.

The integration of visionary leadership, scientific innovation and humanitarian responsibility is what distinguishes the UAE’s approach to addressing global challenges. Through Suqia, we harness technology to serve humanity, transforming innovation into a tool for environmental justice and human dignity. As the need for innovative solutions to provide potable water grows, our collective responsibility remains to empower communities, protect lives and preserve natural resources for us and for generations to come.