Doha: The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has participated in the 31st Meeting of the GCC Committee of Electricity and Water Cooperation held in Doha, Qatar. The high-level discussion desired to encourage greater coordination in the electricity and water sectors, underscored the region’s commitment to shared sustainable growth goals.
During the GCC Committee, Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, underlined the importance of partnership among GCC countries to improve energy and water sector integration. Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s efforts in operating innovative and sustainable solutions to meet future needs in these essential sectors.
Al Olama stated that, “The integration of energy and water sectors across the GCC stands as a supreme model of productive collaboration in the face of common challenges. The UAE is committed to adopting world-class infrastructure and sustainable practices, donating to the collective progress and prosperity of the GCC.”
Al Olama further stressed the urgency of regional cooperation in growing global energy challenges. He added that, “We must join forces to map out a roadmap for our electricity sectors, providing the provision of energy and water efficiently and at competitive prices. This will also support the UAE’s efforts to position itself as an attractive investment destination in these key sectors.”
Al Olama also addressed water security challenges faced by GCC countries, noting that the UAE has made important strides in water conservation through projects such as water desalination and wastewater treatment. He pointed out that the UAE has over 140 wastewater treatment plants, with a united capacity of 3 million cubic meters daily, producing 768 million cubic meters of treated wastewater annually for irrigation.
The meeting concluded with a continued commitment to enhance coordination and collaboration, focusing on sustainable energy and water solutions to meet future challenges while extending the region’s development and prosperity.