Israel UAE | Business Guide | 2021

B esides groundwater, desalinated seawater is the principal source of water in the UAE; an essential practice in a country dominated by the desert. While groundwater is used for agriculture, drinking water is provided entirely from power-generated desalination plants located across the country. A significant challenge, since the UAE has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in theworld - at 477 cubicmeters per day. With demand for water growing annually, there is an increasing need to invest in even more advanced infrastructure and water efficiency technologies. The water sector is managed by the Government through a number of agencies and agricultural organizations. Heavy investments were made by both the public and private sector on supplying clean water. However, budgets have been cut in recent years, and this has affected existing projects. Water treatment contracts are granted by both Federal and Emirate-level Governments. As the bidding process is long and rigid, companies willing to enter the sector should be familiar with the local business culture and manner of negotiation. Besides the scarcity of groundwater reserves, some significant water management challenges face the UAE. High salinity levels in groundwater and limited treatment of wastewater outside urban areas are some of the reasons for the high cost of producing drinking water. Increased re-use of water could lower tariffs. Furthermore, the Government is working on reducing water demand by eliminating subsidies and regulating groundwater extraction. Storingwater in aquifers is another factor, together with the need for education about water wastage. Some investments were made in new-energy water desalination- here is a gap in the sector that Israeli innovations can fill. A Refreshing Vision The short termneeds are only a part of the picture. Since 2017 , the UAE have laid out a long term plan calledWater Security Strategy 2036 with several targets ●● Reduce total demand for water resources by 21%. ●● Increase the water productivity index to $110 per cubic meter. A Drink To Cooperation Drought and water scarcity are issues that UAE residents have lived with for decades. New Israeli technologies could help - drop by drop | By Noam Eliyah Israel-UAE > Business Guide > 2021 60 > Water > Review: Water-Tech