Safeguarding urban water security: Abu Dhabi's 2035 vision

Water security has become one of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly in growing urban environments.

As cities expand, the sustainable management of water resources is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity for economic stability and societal wellbeing. Balancing demand with environmental preservation requires proactive planning, innovative technology, and institutional collaboration.

Leading this charge towards integrated water-resource management is Abu Dhabi, which is actively advancing comprehensive strategies to safeguard its future. Recently, the Water Sector Steering Committee held a strategic workshop to review the implementation of vital projects, establish priorities for 2027, and assess long-term sustainability targets through to 2035. This effort brought together representatives from government entities and water-sector companies across the emirate, setting a firm foundation ahead of Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week 2026.

Building a resilient framework for water security

The workshop served as a platform to strengthen institutional coordination among strategic partners, ensuring that infrastructure investments align seamlessly with long-term environmental objectives. Discussions reinforced an integrated approach to planning, focusing heavily on operational preparedness, supply security, and system efficiency.

Highlighting the critical nature of these initiatives, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, opened the proceedings. He noted that proactive planning serves as a fundamental pillar of national security, quality of life, and sustainable development.

He stated: “Water security is fundamental to national security and sustainable economic and social development. In Abu Dhabi, we continue to strengthen an integrated and resilient water system through proactive planning, efficient resource management and infrastructure readiness, ensuring reliable and continuous water supplies while supporting future growth. Our Integrated Water Strategy brings institutions and stakeholders together around three strategic objectives: securing water supplies, safeguarding the sustainability of our resources and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness.”

Key priorities and infrastructure targets for 2035

To reinforce system resilience, authorities have established ambitious priorities designed to deliver measurable environmental outcomes by 2035. Notable goals include achieving groundwater net zero and reaching zero discharge of treated wastewater into the environment, vastly supporting the greater utilisation of available resources.

Expanding on these goals, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan added: “As we move into the next phase, our focus is on accelerating priority projects, improving water efficiency, protecting groundwater resources and strengthening governance and performance monitoring. We are committed to ensuring that our plans and investments deliver measurable outcomes that support Abu Dhabi’s targets through 2035 and reinforce the long-term resilience and sustainability of our water system for future generations.”

Specific strategic measures discussed include:

• Groundwater conservation: Reducing groundwater abstraction by 500 million cubic metres by 2030, with projects covering half of this reduction already identified.

• Supply security: Developing emergency water supply capacity and enhancing response arrangements to maintain reliable services under exceptional circumstances.

• Policy development: Proposing the Abu Dhabi Water Balance Sheet Policy to provide an overview of water sources, consumption patterns, and opportunities to improve efficiency.

Driving efficiency in the agricultural sector

Agriculture remains a focal point for water conservation efforts. The workshop reviewed substantial progress regarding water-efficiency initiatives tailored for this sector. These advancements aim to foster sustainable irrigation practices, improve consumption monitoring, and encourage innovative technologies that support sustainable agricultural production.

Key agricultural milestones include:

• The launch of four major irrigation infrastructure projects.

• The successful completion of a pilot phase that installed 80 agricultural water meters.

• The implementation and monitoring of 18 model farm pilots.

Setting the stage for global collaboration

These planning sessions directly support preparations for Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week 2026, taking place from 8 to 10 December at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event will serve as a premier platform to showcase strategic projects, present energy priorities, and introduce innovative technological solutions.

The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi actively invites stakeholders, technology providers, and investors to participate and visit the Abu Dhabi Pavilion. By fostering collaborative partnerships and advancing investment in sustainable infrastructure, Abu Dhabi reinforces its position as a leading global centre for innovation in the energy and water sectors.