Water solutions: Lessons from UAE to Israel

Arab countries are facing a water crisis that threatens their ability to meet the needs of their citizens.

The signing of the Abraham Accords agreement on September 15, 2020, has created an extraordinary opportunity for the State of Israel to develop its regional relations — especially with the Gulf States. I can say first-hand that the opportunities that the agreements have opened have led to continued curiosity and excitement among all involved — and especially among Israelis and Emirates.

In the past year, I have come to learn the steps that the United Arab Emirates has taken in the fight against the climate crisis, and its vision for a modern, progressive water-sustainable country. I realised how much one can learn from their effort to save our own extraordinary natural wonder — the Dead Sea.

After five years of documentation, exploration and environmental advocating for the lowest point on Earth, I have reached a point of realism, recognising that the origins of the Dead Sea water crises are linked to regional water politics, demography, and climate change.

In many countries of the Middle East, the water crises in the summer of 2021 are in a dire state of emergency for water sustainability. Arab countries are facing a water crisis that threatens their ability to meet the needs of their citizens.

Since 2014, 13 countries in the Middle East and North Africa have been in a state of water shortage.

The UAE, on the other hand, has an advanced water economy based on advanced technology and is coping very well with its water challenges.

In fact, the Dubai Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure recently formulated a water strategy for 2036, designed to ensure continuous and equal access to water under normal and extreme conditions and at affordable prices, efficiency, and water recycling.

Following the Abraham Accords, I established the Middle East Ecotourism Department of the Dead Sea Revival Project (DSRP), which aims to promote regional environmental tourism between the countries, around the issue of water sustainability. A long-term sustainable solution to the Dead Sea must consider the arid regional environment.

Thanks to companies such as Gulf Red Med, a flagship in regional collaborations, I was given the opportunity to visit the UAE to research and explore their solutions for access to clean and sustainable water.

The ideas that Israel can learn from the UAE for the purpose of saving and preserving the Dead Sea covers various areas:

1. Education

The UAE has one of the largest generations of youth among its population and even boasts an official Youth Ministry. Sustainability and environmental education in the UAE are highly advanced, as I learned first-hand.

During eco-research trips across the UAE, I found that Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City is a global pioneer in sustainable development and a leader in the field of ‘Sustainability Education’ for students from the UAE, Middle East and the world.

In Dubai, I was invited and hosted by Ben Hren, Environmental Education Adviser to the ecological Arbor School, to explore the school’s unique approach to eco-literacy in the curriculum. The school’s innovative facilities were impressive, in particular, the igloo-shaped biometrics. Students spend time outside the classroom learning about the school’s collection of rescue animals and tropical plants, while actively partaking in building a sustainable future for all.

Due to the success of these visits, the DSRP is currently working on a Middle East student leadership programme on water sustainability in Israel. The Dead Sea will be the main case study, a microcosm of water crises in the region.

2. Mangrove Forestation

I explored five Emirates during my visits, and each one was distinctive culturally.

I discovered one issue that was shared throughout the UAE — mangroves. Each Emirate had its own conservation project for its mangrove trees.

These trees absorb up to five times more carbon than traditional rainforests. Mangroves are wonderfully productive ecosystems. They are key contributors to nature-based solutions for water filtration, beach stabilisation, beach protection from storms, building materials and energy sources.

The DSRP is examining a research climate study for planting mangrove forests on the shores of the Dead Sea, and the effect it might have on the sinkhole phenomenon and the formation of precipitation over the Dead Sea area.

Noam Bedein is the founder and director of the Dead Sea Revival Project.