Abu Dhabi launches $2 billion 'Global Water Platform'

A $2 billion Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform has been launched to support the global water sector by strengthening water and food security in developing countries. 

Designed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the initiative will also enable communities to access clean and safe water, and champion pioneering technologies and innovative solutions for water resource management.

The platform aims to mobilise $2 billion (AED 7.34 billion) from local and international financing institutions, with an initial phase allocation of $1 billion (AED 3.67 billion) over five years, from 2026 to 2030, targeting approximately 10 million beneficiaries worldwide.

The platform aligns with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, which aims to ensure access to clean water across communities and promotes inclusive and resilient development worldwide. 

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, said the launch reflects the facility's "commitment to the visionary directives of the UAE leadership in addressing global development challenges".

He also encouraged local and international partners to collaborate through "joint financing, strategic partnerships, and knowledge exchange" in order to expedite the technologies and solutions "that enhance water security and empower developing nations to overcome future challenges".

Fatima Ateeq Al Mazrouei, Support Services Department Director of ADFD, emphasised that the organisation "aims to further solidify the platform’s role in ensuring access to clean water globally by signing cooperation agreements to implement and develop high-impact water projects".

She added that the platform's actions also include "financing innovative programmes that strengthen water security; supporting scientific research and youth-led applied initiatives; and organising awareness-raising seminars on water-related issues".