As part of the United Arab Emirates University’s vision to lead in the water sector, the National Water Centre in the College of Science organized a workshop on ‘Groundwater management in arid zones – methods and applications’, on Monday 14^th of December 2015 in the Crescent building at the university. It follows previous workshops organized by the National Water Center that discussed the basics of aquifer management. In attendance were Dr. Ahmed Murad, Dean of the College of Science; Professor Peter Werner, Director of the National Water Center, and staff from the Department of Water Management in the Infrastructure Department of Al Ain municipality. There were also a number of faculty from the Colleges of Engineering, Science and Food and Agriculture.

Professor Rudoph Liddell and Dr. Falk Handel, the keynote speakers from the TU Dresden International Water Management Institute, presented the latest findings in the field of groundwater management, and gave an explanation of the curricula and methods used for modeling tests conducted in the field when testing water and soil. They also presented mathematical models and scientific equations through computer and electronic devices used in the management and treatment of groundwater reserves.

Professor Peter Werner said that the workshop strengthened the role of the center in the development of water resources. It allowed for a discussion of the latest methods, best approaches, methods and practices by presenting the experiences of several European countries in this respect. These countries included Germany, the United States, Canada and the Sultanate of Oman. This last was to allow a certain familiarity with the Omani and wider Gulf experience regarding the conservation of water and reserves.

Dr. Ahmed Ali Murad mentioned that this three day workshop included field visits to view experiments in order to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise and to work cooperation with government agencies for in groundwater management. The workshop also promotes sustainability and water security in the UAE.