UAEU Hosts “UAE Water Academic Carnival “ in Preparation for the UN Water Conference 2026

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) hosted the UAE Water Academic Carnival under the theme “Showcasing Challenges and Solutions,” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Aid Agency as part of the UAE’s preparations for the UN Water Conference 2026. The event brought together leading universities, academic institutions, and research organizations from across the UAE.

H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, opened the event with an address highlighting the importance of scientific research and academic collaboration in supporting the UAE’s efforts to address water challenges and enhance the sustainability of its water resources.

H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh said: “Here in the Emirates, water sustainability is at the heart of our national strategies, international partnerships, and humanitarian efforts. Across generations, caring for water has meant caring for the household, cultivating the land, and safeguarding the wellbeing of the community. That experience remains part of our culture, even as science and industrial technology have greatly expanded what is possible.”

He added: “At the United Arab Emirates University, we are pleased to contribute through research and education in desalination, water treatment and reuse, groundwater management, and climate adaptation. We approach this responsibility with great commitment and value the efforts of our partners. Academic exchange has a special role to play in developing innovative solutions to these challenges.”

H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a keynote address at the carnival, highlighting the continuation of tireless work in laboratories, libraries, and various fields of research, led by distinguished scientists from eight national universities and research centers. She emphasized the importance of positive partnerships, fruitful collaboration, and complementary projects. She also noted that the meetings had continued in the same spirit of enthusiasm and national cooperation, providing an opportunity to showcase the progress achieved and key milestones reached through these ongoing efforts.

H.H. added, “We gather today at UAEU, our final stop before the UN Water Conference, where we are presenting an overview of the outcomes and recommendations of these high-quality research initiatives and innovations. This represents a genuine national contribution to the journey of our country’s development.”

The carnival featured a series of research presentations by participating universities and academic institutions, addressing a wide range of issues and solutions related to the future of water. The United Arab Emirates University presented a research project on improving rainfall forecasting using deep learning models under different climate change scenarios. The project highlighted the role of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in developing scientific tools that support a deeper understanding of climate variables and water resources.

Other presentations explored a range of research topics, including water recycling through decentralized treatment systems and industrial applications; innovative approaches to the reuse of treated water; the development of sustainable and biodegradable membranes for highly efficient water reuse; and advanced solutions and technologies for water treatment, pollutant removal, and improved water management efficiency.

Researchers and academics from the United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, and Rabdan Academy participated in the event. Their contributions reflected the strength and diversity of the UAE’s national academic and research ecosystem and underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing water challenges and advancing the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The event concluded with the recognition of the participating institutions, followed by a tour of the Water Innovation Exhibition. The exhibition showcased a range of research projects, technologies, and innovative solutions, providing participants with an opportunity to engage with researchers and academic institutions and explore new avenues for collaboration in water, sustainability, and related fields.

The UAE Water Academic Carnival highlighted the vital role of scientific research, innovation, and academic partnerships in developing sustainable solutions to water challenges. It also reinforced the contribution of the UAE’s academic and research community to the country’s preparations for the UN Water Conference 2026, while supporting efforts to translate scientific knowledge and research into practical solutions that advance water security and contribute to a more sustainable future.