The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform, a new strategic initiative aimed at supporting development projects, expanding investment opportunities, and promoting innovative solutions in the global water sector.
The platform is designed to mobilise up to US$2 billion (AED7.34 billion) from local and international financing institutions. As part of the initial phase, ADFD will allocate US$1 billion (AED3.67 billion) over a five-year period from 2026 to 2030, with the objective of benefiting approximately 10 million people worldwide.
According to ADFD, the initiative seeks to strengthen water and food security in developing countries, improve access to clean and safe water for communities, and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative approaches to water resource management.
The platform will also focus on fostering strategic partnerships to enhance collaboration and co-financing, support environmental sustainability, and improve quality of life. These efforts contribute to reinforcing the United Arab Emirates’ role in international development.
The initiative aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation and to promote inclusive and resilient development globally.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, stated that the launch reflects the Fund’s commitment to the UAE leadership’s vision in addressing global development challenges.
The platform will also focus on fostering strategic partnerships to enhance collaboration and co-financing, support environmental sustainability, and improve quality of life
"This initiative stands as a key pillar of our 2030 strategy, reinforcing our mandate to deliver sustainable, high-impact solutions. Through this platform, we aim to strengthen our engagement with the international community to secure essential resources for future generations," he said.
Al Suwaidi also highlighted the importance of collaboration, adding: “We encourage local and international partners to collaborate with us in achieving the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Global Water platform through joint financing, strategic partnerships, and knowledge exchange.”
Fatima Ateeq Al Mazrouei, Director of the Support Services Department at ADFD, noted that the launch reflects a forward-looking approach informed by strategic studies and global benchmarking, which identified key challenges facing the water sector.
She emphasised that ensuring the sustainability of water resources requires coordinated efforts at both local and international levels.
Al Mazrouei further explained that ADFD plans to strengthen the platform’s role by signing cooperation agreements to implement high-impact water projects, financing innovative programmes to enhance water security, supporting scientific research and youth-led applied initiatives, and organising awareness-raising seminars on water-related issues.
The Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform will use a range of financing tools, including development financing, support for private sector investment, export financing and guarantees, and equity investments in companies. This approach is intended to provide flexibility in tailoring financial solutions to the needs of individual projects and beneficiary countries.
ADFD stated that the launch of the platform represents an important milestone in its ongoing efforts to expand its global impact in the water sector and reflects its commitment to water security as a strategic development priority.
