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The College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Media and Communications Department at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) organized two events marking World Water Day (March 22^nd) to highlight the importance of water, and educate university administrators, academics and students about the economic and social dimensions of water sustainability.

The first event was an exhibition opened by Dr. Saif Al Mahrouqi, Vice Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Also present was Dr. Khaula Al Kaabi, Head of the Department of Geography and Urban Planning at UAEU. The exhibition consisted of information boards and educational films which focused on the importance of water conservation. Dr. Al Kaabi urged regulation of water consumption and the preservation of our groundwater.

The second event involved a panel discussion featuring Dr. Ahmed Murad, Vice Dean of the College of Sciences, Dr. Mohamed Abdulmohsen, Assistant Dean for Research in the College of Food And Agriculture, Dr. Dalal Al Shamsi, Assistant Professor in the same college and Dr. Tareefa Saad Al Sumaiti, Assistant Professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The discussion addressed the economic and social dimensions and the affect on international relations and an increase in local and regional crises due to water issues.

Dr. Mohamed Abdulmohsen explained that 83% of ground and desalinated water is used by the agricultural sector (according to the World Bank in 2013). In addition, a large proportion of workers in the agricultural sector are not trained to use water in a sustainable manner. Dr. Al Shamsi described methods to conserve water and mentioned the need to inform the individual of the importance of water by inculcating a sense of responsibility for the amount of water we consume every day. Dr. Al Sumaiti focused on the economic issue and provided several examples of water consumption in the UAE.