The United Arab Emirates expressed its desire to strengthen collaboration with South Korea regarding water resource management during an event held in Seoul on Thursday.
At the Sustainable Innovation Workshop, co-organized by the UAE Embassy in Seoul, the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, and the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi highlighted how public-private partnerships between the UAE and Korea could help mitigate issues of water scarcity and climate change.
“This collaboration will involve joint projects, technology transfers, and policy discussions, demonstrating our commitment to innovative solutions and shared growth,” said Al Nuaimi.
He urged participants to actively engage in developing sustainable water solutions through ambitious proposals, referencing the UAE’s achievement of producing 42% of its drinking water from over 70 desalination facilities as part of its Water Security Strategy 2036.
The workshop featured the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which unveiled the XPRIZE Water Scarcity in 2023—a global competition with a $150 million prize aimed at fostering the development of sustainable and affordable desalination technologies.
“This initiative was established under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE, with the goal of raising awareness about water scarcity, promoting technological advancement, and enhancing international collaboration,” stated Al Nuaimi.
“The XPRIZE Water Scarcity is the largest prize ever offered for this purpose, with an investment of $150 million and a prize pool of $119 million,” added Ayesha Al Ateeqi, executive director of the initiative.
She noted the competition has drawn interest from nearly 150 companies globally, including four teams from Korea.
“We are keen to see greater participation from Korea, especially given Korea’s significant capabilities in water technology,” she remarked.
“The registration for Track B, which focuses on membrane technologies, remains open until the end of May,” Al Ateeqi mentioned.
Participating virtually from Dubai, Nujoud Abdalla, section manager at DECCA, outlined Dubai’s data-oriented strategies for environmental sustainability, emphasizing biodiversity conservation, coastal management, air quality, and public engagement.
“Our initiatives are backed by data, technology, and a dedicated commitment to achieving a sustainable future for Dubai,” Abdalla explained, highlighting methods for preserving natural reserves, responsibly managing resources, protecting coastal ecosystems, and enhancing air quality while empowering the public for environmental stewardship.
Founded in March 2024 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DECCA’s vision is to establish Dubai as one of the world’s most environmentally resilient cities.
In closing the workshop, Saleh S. Alsharqi, Head of Economic Affairs at the UAE Embassy, underscored the importance of a robust UAE-Korea partnership on water security through initiatives like the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and DECCA, expressing optimism that shared objectives would lead to effective and long-lasting cooperation.
The workshop was attended by Korean academics, business executives, NGOs, and media personnel, all of whom explored potential partnerships in sustainable water management.