UAE spending $1.57bn on power and water projects in Northern Emirates
The UAE is said to have built 105 dams since 1982 at a cost of $435n
The UAE has announced that it is allocating $1.57 billion for several water and power projects in the northern emirates. The announcement was made by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
In addition, Sheikh Mohammed approved a $654 million project to build dams and a federal water network that will connect water resources in the northern emirates to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He approved plans to build a $326 million solar power station in Umm Al Quwain and a water desalination station with a capacity of 150 million gallons per day. The projects are scheduled for competition in the next two years.
“Constant development efforts and mega projects are a characteristic of the UAE. As we embark on a new development journey, we are constantly exerting efforts to achieve the highest standards in every sector. Water, electricity and roads projects are key to the national economy, and we are currently investing in them to ensure the continued growth of our economy,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Recently, Sheikh Mohammed visited the $8.4 million 541,000cu/m Kalba Dam in Sharjah, which was delivered in 2017. During his visit, he was briefed on dam projects in the country and the role they play in collecting water. Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed a 150m gallon water desalination station project in Umm Al Quwain that is expected to come online in 2021.
“My field trips reflect a style of administration that I have inherited from Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, and I will continue with them,” he explained.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future; Suhail Mohammad Faraj Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy and Industry and Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development.
The UAE’s national strategic water security plan (2019-2036), which aims to diversify non-conventional water sources, and improve the water scarcity index by 2036, was discussed with Sheikh Mohammed. The plan outlines the construction of storage tanks, pipelines and networks managed by the federal water and electricity authority, at a total investment of $654m. These projects are expected to be completed within two years.
Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed about future projects that form part of the national strategic water security plan aimed at saving $20.5bn. As much as $2.45bn is also expected to be saved through various water desalination projects.
