Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) is reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to food and water security by delivering sustainable solutions for the agricultural sector.
These initiatives optimise water usage, ease the strain on groundwater reserves, and promote sustainable farming. They align with EtihadWE’s efforts, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, to support key national strategies, including the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Desalinated water has become a viable and cost-effective irrigation alternative, reducing dependence on groundwater. To facilitate this shift, EtihadWE revised its tariff system, introducing three pricing tiers: 1.5 fils per gallon for up to 600,000 gallons per month, 2 fils per gallon for 600,001 to 1.5 million gallons, and 2.5 fils per gallon for higher usage.
Since the tariff revision in January 2022, over 1,300 farmers in the Northern Emirates have benefited, highlighting the agricultural sector’s positive reception.
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, affirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “We invest in advanced technologies to enhance water efficiency, ensure a reliable supply, and promote responsible resource management.” He emphasised that collaboration with key ministries strengthens farmers’ financial sustainability while preserving natural resources.
Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, reiterated the ministry’s support for sustainable water solutions that reduce consumption and encourage alternative sources. He noted that the revised tariffs align with national sustainability strategies.
Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the importance of groundwater conservation. He stressed that increasing access to desalinated water will encourage farmers to adopt sustainable irrigation practices, safeguarding long-term agricultural production.
