Save blue to stay green

The UAE has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in the world. In the last few decades, the UAE has witnessed a massive rise in urbanisation due to steady economic growth. The sharp rise in the population has put pressure on its water resources. As a result, the government is working to reduce demand by educating the population, reduce cost by eliminating subsidies, storing water in aquifers, regulating groundwater extraction, and investing in new energy efficient sea water desalination.

In September 2017, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure unveiled the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which aims to ensure sustainable access to water in line with local regulations, standards of the World Health Organisation, and the UAE's vision to achieve prosperity and sustainability.

The UAE bottled water market is driven by an increasing urban population, increasing tourism sector and, and surge in demand for water. As per International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), the country is the thirstiest country in the region. Al Ain-based Al Ghadeer has won many international certificates for its sustainable practices.

One of the biggest technical challenges to sustainable water supply in arid regions is the energy demand of desalination, which is the process where saltwater is distilled into freshwater. In the UAE, in particular, this energy load can be very significant, given that desalination is responsible for meeting about 40 per cent of the country's freshwater. Xylem is leveraging innovative digital technologies to prevent wastage of water, while creating cost savings for the customers.