The UAE has been elected to the Water Council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, reaffirming its leadership in global water sustainability.
JEDDAH: The United Arab Emirates has been officially elected as a member of the Water Council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reflecting the country’s growing influence in global water governance. The announcement was made during the fifth session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the UAE delegation was led by Ahmed Mohammed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector. In his address to the conference, Al Kaabi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to the OIC’s vision, particularly in addressing water scarcity and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which ensures access to clean water and sanitation for all.
The UAE OIC Water Council membership positions the nation to actively promote integrated water resource management, enhance policy development, and build international partnerships in the field of water sustainability. Al Kaabi also highlighted national strategies such as the UAE Water Security Strategy and their connection to energy, food, and climate policy.
He further pointed to flagship initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the UAE’s preparations to host the United Nations Water Conference in 2026, demonstrating the country’s global leadership in the water sector.
The OIC Water Council’s mission is to foster inter-governmental and scientific collaboration across member states. It aims to build institutional and financial mechanisms that can drive future joint action, including a collective framework for water security involving governments, research institutions, private sector stakeholders, and civil society.
The UAE OIC Water Council membership marks another step in the nation’s international sustainability efforts, reinforcing its role as a hub for water innovation, cooperation, and long-term resilience planning.
