Abu Dhabi launches $2bn water push to tackle global shortages

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has launched a US$2 billion (AED7.34 billion) global initiative aimed at strengthening water security, expanding access to clean water and supporting innovation across the water sector.

Announced on 8 January, the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform is designed to accelerate high-impact development projects, unlock new investment opportunities and support innovative solutions to address growing global water challenges.

The initiative will seek to mobilise funding from local and international financing institutions, with ADFD committing an initial US$1 billion (AED3.67 billion) over a five-year period from 2026 to 2030. The first phase is expected to benefit around 10 million people worldwide.

According to ADFD, the platform will focus on improving access to clean and safe water in developing countries, strengthening water and food security, and promoting advanced technologies for more efficient water resource management. The initiative will also support environmental sustainability and aim to improve quality of life through long-term, resilient water solutions.

The launch was reported by the Emirates News Agency, which said the platform is intended to foster strategic partnerships and encourage collaboration and co-financing with international stakeholders. ADFD said these partnerships will play a central role in scaling up projects and delivering measurable outcomes.

Platform targets clean water access worldwide

The Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation. ADFD said the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in sectors critical to long-term global stability.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said the initiative reflects the fund’s mandate to address global development challenges in line with the vision of the UAE leadership. “This initiative stands as a key pillar of our 2030 strategy, reinforcing our mandate to deliver sustainable, high-impact solutions,” he said. “Through this platform, we aim to strengthen our engagement with the international community to secure essential resources for future generations.”

He also encouraged local and international partners to collaborate through joint financing, strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange to support the platform’s objectives.

Fatima Ateeq Al Mazrouei, Director of the Support Services Department at ADFD, said the initiative was shaped by strategic studies and global benchmarking that highlighted mounting pressures on water resources. She stressed that ensuring the sustainability of water supplies requires coordinated efforts at both local and international levels.

ADFD said the platform will use a range of financing tools, including development finance, private sector investment support, export financing and guarantees, and equity investments. This flexible approach is intended to allow financial solutions to be tailored to the needs of individual projects and beneficiary countries.

The fund described the launch as a significant milestone, underlining water security as a strategic development priority and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role in supporting sustainable solutions for communities worldwide.