How is the UAE turning water scarcity into a global advantage?

Amid one of the world’s highest water stress levels, the UAE is transforming its water scarcity into a strategic advantage by emerging as a global hub for desalinated water exports, aquatech innovation, and virtual water trade. With over 40% of its potable water sourced through desalination and nearly $2 billion invested in new facilities, the country is leveraging its logistics strength and forward-thinking leadership to lead water-related trade and technology. The UAE is also a major importer and re-exporter of bottled water, while conserving its own desalinated resources for high-value sectors like AI, green energy, and food manufacturing. As global water trade shifts toward importing water-intensive goods like wheat and semiconductors (virtual water), how do you view the UAE’s rising role in shaping the future of global water strategy?

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