The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced the launch of the “National Guideline for Assessing the Economic Value of Groundwater in the UAE.” This guideline is a key outcome of the national study focusing on the social, economic, and environmental aspects related to groundwater.
This initiative represents a strategic move aimed at establishing a comprehensive federal framework for managing this vital resource while promoting sustainable water use grounded in knowledge and innovation.
The guideline reflects the nation’s commitment to developing long-term policies that preserve essential natural assets and enhance the national system’s capacity to address environmental and climatic challenges in the coming years. This aligns with national water security targets and the 2036 National Water Security Strategy.
The document provides a scientific and operational framework for assessing groundwater based on precise criteria that consider extraction levels, water quality, operational costs, soil quality, availability of irrigation alternatives, and the impact of depletion on the groundwater stock. Additionally, it offers a flexible implementation mechanism tailored to the specific needs of each emirate while fostering a unified national framework to support competitiveness in the agricultural sector.
Moreover, the guideline includes practical recommendations for improving legislation and procedures related to groundwater usage, enhancing monitoring and tracking efficiency, minimizing waste, and updating national databases concerning groundwater reserves in collaboration with relevant federal and local entities.
To empower the agricultural sector, the guideline advocates for the adoption of sustainable irrigation methods and the use of alternative resources such as treated wastewater and desalinated water. This approach aims to increase agricultural productivity while reducing reliance on groundwater and establishing a water system that allows for agricultural expansion without harming natural resources.
His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stated that the release of this guideline marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance its water security, establishing a national model founded on the responsible management of natural resources based on clear scientific and legislative principles while balancing sustainable development requirements in line with the priorities of our leadership.
He added that the nation places strategic importance on water as a fundamental pillar of national security and a crucial foundation for economic and social development. The launch of this guideline is a response to the increasing climatic and environmental challenges, striving to build an integrated system capable of protecting groundwater reserves and preparing the nation for various future scenarios.
His Excellency emphasized that the national guideline will contribute to the development of more accurate and equitable assessment tools while encouraging a transition to sustainable irrigation techniques and effective alternatives, thus supporting the UAE’s vision of adopting innovative solutions that enhance water consumption efficiency and reduce depletion, particularly in one of the most water-intensive sectors.