Photo Credit : WAM
Ahead of World Environment Day, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has announced a strategic partnership with Water.org and its affiliated impact investment manager, WaterEquity, to support greater access to safe water and sanitation in emerging markets.
As part of the collaboration, FAB has invested in the WaterEquity Everspring Fund, an open-ended impact fund dedicated to financing water and sanitation solutions for underserved communities. The initiative establishes a long-term platform for cooperation between the three organisations, aimed at expanding access to essential water services through market-based financial solutions.
The partnership makes FAB the first commercial financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa region to work directly with both Water.org and WaterEquity through an investment vehicle. The bank said any gains generated from its investment will be directed toward advancing Water.org’s mission of improving water and sanitation access worldwide.
FAB highlighted water security as a key strategic priority, noting its importance for climate resilience, public health, economic development, and sustainable growth. Through the WaterEquity Everspring Fund, investments are channelled via local financial institutions, enabling low-income households and small businesses to access affordable financing for water and sanitation improvements.
The initiative also supports the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen global water security, including the objectives of the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the country’s role as host of the UN Water Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026.
Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, said the partnership combines capital and expertise to accelerate scalable solutions that improve water security while delivering long-term social and economic benefits.
Water.org co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White welcomed the investment, stating that private-sector participation is critical to closing the global financing gap for water and sanitation. They noted that more than 88 million people have already gained access to safe water or sanitation through small-scale financing programmes and described FAB’s investment as an example of how market-driven capital can create meaningful social impact while encouraging wider participation from the financial sector.
