For Immediate Release:
20 January 2016
UAE Regulators and Utility Providers Ramp Up Efforts to
Manage Water Demand
Abu Dhabi Aims to Reduce Daily Domestic Water Consumption
more than 40% by 2030
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Managing consumer demand is crucial to meeting water sustainability targets in the UAE,
experts urged at the International Water Summit (IWS).
Speaking at the IWS keynote panel debate on Tuesday, Mr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting
Director General of the Abu Dhabi-based Regulation and Supervision Bureau, outlined
the strategic initiatives set out by the Bureau to drive efficiency through regulatory reform
in the water and power sectors.
“The purpose of these initiatives is to support Abu Dhabi’s economic and population
growth. Action needs to be taken now to ensure the Emirate’s future water and electricity
needs are met in an economical and efficient manner,” Mr Al Qubaisi said. “This can only
be achieved by developing effective energy efficiency programs, educating consumers to
encourage sustainable use of water and electricity, and building the knowledge base that
is needed to support water and electricity efficiency strategies.”
According to the 2014-2018 Water Resources Management Strategy for the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi, daily domestic water consumption stood at 614 liters per capita in 2010, and
future targets aim to curb this figure to less than 340 liters by 2030, which means reducing
consumption by nearly 45 percent.
Earlier this month, the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company increased water tariffs from AED
9.9 to AED 10.55 per 1000 liters for those who exceed the allocated daily limit of 700 liters
in flats and 5,000 liters in villas, as part of its continuous efforts to promote sustainable
domestic water use.
Enhancing efficiencies throughout the supply-demand value chain while mitigating
environmental risks in the process is crucial to achieving a sustainable water future for
the UAE, according to experts.
Eng. Shaikha Ahmed Al Hosani, Deputy Executive Director for Environment Quality at the
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and a speaker at the IWS conference, said: “The UAE
is witnessing rapid population and industrial growth, and with this comes a surging
demand for water. Here at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, we are committed to
harnessing this resource without compromising the environment through continuous
industry collaboration, research and development, and innovation in technology.”
“By bringing key stakeholders together under one roof to discuss some of the most
pressing challenges and opportunities in the water sector, the International Water Summit
plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable water future not only for the UAE, but also
for the region and worldwide,” she added.
IWS, hosted by Masdar and held in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Water and
Electricity Authority, takes place from 18-21 January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition
Centre and brings together world leaders, field experts, respected academic authorities,
and business innovators to accelerate the development of sustainable strategies and
technologies.
-Ends-
Photo Caption: Image 1 (from left): Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General,
Regulation and Supervision Bureau, and H.E. Eng. Mohammed Bin Jarsh, Managing
Director, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company
About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company advancing the development,
commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The
company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy
of the future. Backed by the Mubadala Development Company PJSC, the strategic
investment company of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the
Emirate’s long-term vision for the future of energy.
For more information about Masdar, please visit: www.masdar.ae, or for media enquiries,
please contact press@masdar.ae. Stay connected: facebook.com/masdar.ae and
twitter.com/masdar.
About International Water Summit
The International Water Summit is a unique global platform for promoting water
sustainability in arid regions by bringing together world leaders, field experts, academia
luminaries, and business innovators to accelerate the development of sustainable
strategies and technologies. Held annually at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre,
IWS is hosted by Masdar. For more information, please visit www.iwsabudhabi.com.
About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is the ground-breaking global forum that unites
thought leaders, policy makers and investors to address the challenges of renewable
energy and sustainable development. With the global population set to reach nine billion
by 2050, ADSW promotes collaborative thinking and development to accelerate the
sustainable solutions needed to support rapid economic and population growth. An Abu
Dhabi government initiative, ADSW is the largest gathering on sustainability in the Middle
East and a significant forum in stimulating the international dialogue and action. For more
information, visit www.abudhabisustainabilityweek.com.