In a commentary published by CGTN, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Abdulla Balalaa outlined the strategic role of water diplomacy in international relations, highlighting bilateral collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and China as a model for practical partnership.
Balalaa stated that while the two nations have different geographies, development paths, and water systems, both share aligned interests in water resilience, technical innovation, and efficiency. He pointed out that China provides advanced scientific, industrial, and technological capabilities, while the UAE brings extensive operational experience in water innovation within arid environments.
As a primary example of industrial cooperation, Balalaa cited the completion of the Taweelah Independent Water Plant (IWP) in Abu Dhabi. Built by PowerChina under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, the facility operates as the world's largest reverse-osmosis seawater desalination plant, producing approximately 900,000 cubic meters of potable water daily for residential distribution.
The commentary also referenced scientific collaboration, including a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2025 between the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and China's Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization, an entity under China's Ministry of Natural Resources. The agreement focuses on joint research and training in desalination technologies.
Balalaa noted that these bilateral efforts provide momentum ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in December 2026, where international delegates will convene to address global water security and cross-border cooperation.
Sources
- CGTN · 2026-11-08
