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India.com
05-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
No rivers, no lakes, yet this place supplies water to millions, 42% of its requirement is fulfilled through…, place is...
With a GDP of $504 billion and a population of just 9.52 million, the United Arab Emirates has secured the top position in the list of the Most Economically Stable Countries. It is economically stable due to its financial infrastructure, high per capita income, and low unemployment. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the arid desert of the Arabian Peninsula, has very low rainfall and high evaporation over the year, making climate conditions extremely harsh. Because of these harsh conditions, the UAE does not have any flowing, permanent rivers that would naturally occur. Instead of rivers, the UAE has wadis, which are dry channels that only exist to carry water temporarily during rainy weather or flash floods. Though wadis are seasonal, they are vital for local biodiversity, and recently they have become popular for eco-tourism. Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah, a case in point, is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The State of Energy Report 2015 states that the UAE currently fulfills 42% of its water requirements from desalination with nearly 70 desalination plants in the UAE. These plants account for 14% of the total global desalination output, making the UAE one of the leading producers of desalinated water in the world. According to the Times of India report, the UAE has been using three desalination technologies: Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multiple-Effect Distillation (MED), and Multi-Stage Flash (MSF). The UAE's last water demand growth was an increase of 35.8% from 2008 to 2012, so sustainable water solutions in the UAE are extremely important. The UAE is now investing in desalination technologies with renewable energy to forge its water future.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Unbelievable! UAE has no rivers or lakes, yet supplies water to millions — Here's how
A panoramic view of the UAE's arid landscape, where innovation overcomes natural water scarcity/ Image: Shutterstock Is it true that UAE has no rivers? The answer is yes, 100% true. Located in the arid desert region of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE experiences extremely low rainfall and high evaporation rates year-round. Because of these harsh natural conditions, the country has no naturally flowing, permanent rivers. Instead, the UAE relies on seasonal water flows through wadis, dry riverbeds that temporarily fill during rain or flash floods. These seasonal streams support local biodiversity and eco-tourism, with Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah being a popular example. How Does the UAE Get Its Water? 1. Desalination: Turning Seawater Into Supply According to the State of Energy Report 2015, 42% of the UAE's water requirement is fulfilled through desalination, with nearly 70 major plants in operation. These facilities contribute to 14% of the world's total desalinated water output, making the UAE one of the world's top producers. Desalination methods used include: Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multiple-Effect Distillation (MED) and Multiple-Stage Flash (MSF). Between 2008 and 2012, water demand surged by 35.8%, intensifying the need for sustainable desalination. Today, the UAE is actively exploring renewable energy-powered desalination technologies to meet long-term needs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 2. Groundwater: An Ancient but Limited Resource In some regions, ancient aquifers (underground water reserves) are still tapped. However, these are rapidly depleting due to over-extraction and are not viable as a permanent solution. 3. Treated Wastewater: Recycling for a Sustainable Future The UAE has made significant strides in reusing wastewater. Treated water is redirected for irrigation, landscaping, and industrial applications helping to conserve valuable freshwater. The national goal is to safely reuse 95% of all treated wastewater. 4. Water Storage and Importation The UAE has invested heavily in large-scale reservoirs and emergency storage tanks to ensure water availability even during crises. Though not widely publicized, officials have acknowledged exploring water importation from neighboring regions to boost supply resilience. What About the Wadis? Another smart move While the UAE has no permanent rivers, it is home to wadis, seasonal valleys or dry riverbeds that temporarily fill with water during rare rainfall or flash floods. These wadis contribute to local biodiversity and eco-tourism. A notable example is Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah, popular for its natural beauty and hiking trails. Planning for the Future: UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 To ensure long-term sustainability, the UAE launched the Water Security Strategy 2036, developed with input from all key stakeholders involved in national water management. The strategy outlines bold targets: 21% reduction in total water demand Increase the water productivity index to USD 110 per cubic metre Reduce the water scarcity index by three degrees 95% reuse of treated wastewater Expand national water storage capacity Ensure universal, affordable access to safe drinking water This strategy aligns with the National Water and Energy Demand Management Programme, which targets 40% efficiency improvements across the transport, industry, and construction sectors. Innovation Amid Scarcity The UAE's success in managing water despite natural scarcity highlights its forward-thinking governance and engineering prowess. With climate change and population growth threatening water supplies globally, the UAE's model offers valuable lessons for other arid nations. Although it may seem paradoxical, a nation without natural rivers has emerged as a leader in water security and urban sustainability. The UAE's story is not just about thriving in the desert, it's about how innovation and vision can transform scarcity into strength.
