The United Arab Emirates hoped for a deeper partnership with South Korea in water resource management in Seoul on Thursday.

Speaking at the Sustainable Innovation Workshop co-hosted by the UAE Embassy in Seoul, the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi stressed how UAE-Korea public-private partnerships could address water scarcity and climate change.

“This (UAE-Korea) partnership would encompass joint initiatives, technology exchange and policy dialogue, reflecting a commitment to innovative solutions and mutual development,” according to Al Nuaimi.

He encouraged stakeholders to get involved vigorously in sustainable water solutions with ambitious ideas, noting the UAE’s production of 42 percent drinking water from over 70 desalination plants under its Water Security Strategy 2036.

The workshop presented the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which in 2023 launched the XPRIZE Water Scarcity, a $150 million global competition aimed at developing affordable, sustainable desalination technologies.

“The initiative was established under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, to enhance awareness of water scarcity, accelerate technological innovation and expand international cooperation,” said Al Nuaimi.

“Our first is XPRIZE Water Scarcity, which is humanity's largest-ever prize. It is an investment of $150 million made by the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, with a prize purse of $119 million,” added Ayesha Al Ateeqi, executive director of the initiative.

She noted that the competition has attracted nearly 150 companies worldwide, with four teams registered from Korea.

“We really would like to see much more representation from Korea, especially when we understand there are tremendous capabilities in Korea when it comes to water technologies,” she said.

“Registration for Track B, which is focused on membrane technologies, is also still open until the end of May,” Al Ateeqi added.

Joining the workshop virtually from Dubai, Nujoud Abdalla, section manager at the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), described Dubai’s data-driven approach to environmental sustainability, focusing on Dubai’s biodiversity conservation, coastal management, air quality and public awareness.

“Our efforts are strengthened by data, technology and a smart commitment to creating a sustainable future for Dubai,” Abdalla said, sharing know-how about the protection of natural reserves, natural resources responsibly, safeguarding coastal environments and promoting air quality, while also empowering residents for environmental stewardship.

Established in March 2024 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DECCA aims to make Dubai one of the most environmentally resilient cities in the world.

Concluding the workshop, Saleh S. Alsharqi, Head of Economic Affairs at the UAE Embassy, emphasized the need for a strong UAE-Korea partnership on water security through initiatives like the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and DECCA, expressing hope that shared visions would translate into actionable, long-term collaboration.

The event was attended by Korean academics, business leaders, NGOs, and media representatives, all exploring collaborative opportunities in sustainable water management.