Dubai, UAE — January 2026 — The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has launched the “Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform,” a major strategic initiative aimed at mobilizing substantial funding and innovation for the global water sector.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the platform targets a total mobilization of $2 billion from international and local financiers to accelerate development projects, unlock investments, and support cutting-edge solutions.
In its initial phase from 2026 to 2030, ADFD will commit $1 billion, aiming to benefit approximately 10 million people worldwide. The core objectives are to strengthen water and food security in developing nations, ensure access to clean water, and champion pioneering technologies for sustainable water resource management.
أطلق #صندوق_أبوظبي_للتنمية #منصة_أبوظبي_العالمية_للمياه كمبادرة استراتيجية رائدة تدعم توحيد الجهود الدولية نحو مواجهة التحديات المتسارعة في قطاع المياه.
وتعكس هذه المنصة رؤية دولة #الإمارات في تمكين المجتمعات من الوصول إلى مياه آمنة ومستدامة، وتحفيز الابتكار والتقنيات المتقدمة،… pic.twitter.com/6BqbSj82Jh— صندوق أبوظبي للتنمية (@ABUDHABI_FUND) January 8, 2026
The initiative aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. It seeks to foster strategic co-financing partnerships, support environmental sustainability, and improve quality of life, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in global development efforts.
ADFD Director-General Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi stated that the launch reflects the Fund’s commitment to the UAE leadership’s directives in addressing global challenges.
“This initiative stands as a key pillar of our 2030 strategy, reinforcing our mandate to deliver sustainable, high-impact solutions,” he said. Al Suwaidi encouraged local and international partners to collaborate through joint financing, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.
Fatima Ateeq Al Mazrouei, ADFD Support Services Department Director, emphasized that the platform is based on strategic studies identifying pressing water sector challenges.
She noted that ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource requires integrated global efforts. Future plans include signing cooperation agreements, financing innovative water security programs, supporting scientific research, and organizing awareness seminars.
The platform will utilize a diverse mix of innovative financing tools, including development financing, private sector investment support, export financing, and equity investments. This flexible approach is designed to tailor financial solutions to specific project needs and beneficiary country priorities.
Marking a significant milestone for ADFD, the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform underscores the Fund’s dedication to positioning water security as a strategic development priority, ensuring sustainable resources and a better future for communities across the globe.
