UAE Water Aid Foundation Reviews 2025 Initiatives and Future Plans

Board Meeting Highlights 2026 Initiatives

The Board of Trustees of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) convened its first meeting of 2026, chaired by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer. The meeting took place under the auspices of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and included key figures from various sectors, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to enhancing global access to clean water.

Attendees included HE Dr Sultan Rashid Al Ketbi, Vice Chairman and Deputy Secretary General for International Aid at the Emirates Red Crescent; Prof Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor of the UAE University; and several executives from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The board reviewed the foundation’s accomplishments in 2025, focusing on projects in Tanzania that provided clean drinking water to underserved regions.

Impact of 2025 Initiatives in Tanzania

The board discussed the significant impact of Suqia’s initiatives in Tanzania, which have reached over one million beneficiaries. These efforts align with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to enhance the UAE’s role in global humanitarian efforts. In 2025 alone, Suqia implemented 54 projects in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and the UAE Embassy in Tanzania, benefiting more than 524,000 people.

Additionally, the board evaluated the results of Suqia’s Ramadan campaign, which involved partnerships with 19 organizations. DEWA employees participated in distributing water bottles alongside Iftar meals in mosques and Iftar tents, as well as providing food baskets to families in need, demonstrating a commitment to community support and humanitarian outreach.

Future Projects and Global Water Award Updates

During the meeting, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia, provided updates on the fifth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, which features total prizes of USD 1 million. He highlighted the launch of an international marketing and communications campaign aimed at universities and companies, encouraging submissions of innovative solutions to combat water scarcity.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer reiterated the foundation’s commitment to addressing global water challenges, referencing UN reports that indicate 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services. He emphasized Suqia’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, particularly the sixth goal focused on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UAE Water Aid Foundation?

The UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) focuses on providing clean drinking water worldwide, operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

How many projects did Suqia implement in Tanzania in 2025?

Suqia implemented 54 projects in Tanzania in 2025, benefiting over 524,000 people.

What is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award?

The award recognizes innovative solutions to water scarcity, with a total prize pool of USD 1 million.

How does Suqia support communities during Ramadan?

Suqia collaborates with organizations to distribute water and food baskets to families in need during Ramadan.