As part of the vision of the United Arab Emirates University the National Water Center in the College of Science recently organized the first meeting of the Water Sciences and Technology Association (WSTA). It was held in the Ayla Hotel in Al Ain as part of the center’s role as a partner of the WSTA 12^th Gulf Water Conference in Bahrain in early 2017.

Dr. Ahmed Ali Murad, Acting Dean of the College of Science and a member of WSTA, said that the college was participating in this important international conference as groundwater, surface water and energy resources are important priorities in UAEU’s innovation strategy. The UAE’s leadership has designated 2015 as the Year of Innovation in order to try to achieve sustainable development.

Professor Peter Werner, Director of the National Water Center, stressed that the center, which was established in 2014, is working on development strategies, new systems and new approaches to the management of groundwater and surface water resources in the UAE. They are also involved with the studies, databases and research into the management of irrigation, water consumption and the recycling and reuse of water and energy. They seek to make recommendations that can support decision-making processes concerning water resources.

Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Mahmoud, President of WSTA, explained that this first meeting was to discuss water issues in the Gulf region; to prepare for the conference in Bahrain in 2017, and to discuss the role of the National Water Center at UAEU as a partner in the conference. The meeting and conference are supported by the Gulf Cooperation Council, other Arab governments and international organizations affiliated to the United Nations. These events are also held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council and a number of other international and regional organizations.

The meeting addressed strategic themes. There were many technical and logistical papers. The role of the National Water Center was discussed, as were the seminars, lectures, workshops and speakers planned for the conference. The conference seeks to enhance water security for Gulf States, develop regulations and policies in order to face challenges and sustain water resources for future generations. It is a strategic priority the Gulf to preserve water resources.

Dr. Ahmed Murad explained that the conference will provide a forum for open discussion and the exchange of views between researchers and decision makers about the planning, and preparation of medium to long-term national strategies for ensuring water security in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This will also raise awareness of the importance of water and energy while reviewing future challenges and opportunities. The conference will also seek to create a water inventory for the region, to maintain quality control of water usage and help to preserve public health and the environment, while developing national programs and plans to optimize water resources and support water projects. Such environmental management systems can contribute to the sustainable management of water resources by linking research and developing the local capacity for the planning and management of water resources.

The Water Sciences and Technology Association (WSTA) was established in 1987 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was the first such association in water science and technology in the Gulf region. The board of directors consists of members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is a non-governmental organization which brings together experts and professionals in the water resources sector such as national and international centers, organizations related to water management, educational institutions, consultants and companies. It aims to promote and disseminate interest in water science, strengthen the relationship between its members and encourage scientific research, training and development programs for promoting the correct treatment of water resources.