His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch of a $1 million global award and the establishment of the UAE Water Research Agency, to find sustainable solutions to water scarcity across the world.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the UAE Water Aid campaign (Suqia), which has so far raised Dh180 million that will provide clean drinking water to seven million people across the world.
Shaikh Mohammad made the announcement as he received senior donors and individuals who donated to the campaign, as well as sponsors, including government organisations and departments, and the members of the Higher Organising Committee of the campaign, at Zabeel Palace yesterday.
The campaign was launched to help underprivileged people in areas in areas that are in desperate need for water.
“As we launched the UAE Suqia to help millions of people across the world, we thank all those who contributed and supported the campaign, and also thank work teams that have already embarked on digging wells to provide fresh water to millions of people around the globe,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
He also thanked the UAE people for their positive interaction with this generous initiative.
Shaikh Mohammad said that, “We will work in the next phase to search for sustainable and radical solutions to the problem of water scarcity by the use of solar power in water purification and desalination.
He invited all research centres and institutions from all around the world to participate in the $1 million award and compete to find sustainable and innovative solutions to water problems.
Shaikh Mohammad the water research agency will channel all its resources in conducting studies and researches to help provide clean drinking water to hundreds of millions of needy people worldwide.
The campaign received an overwhelming response by members of the UAE society, government bodies, society organisations, businessmen and individuals.
Dubai Duty Free donated Dh3 million, which will help provide clean drinking water to 120,000 people in developing countries, while Emirati businessman Eisa Nasser Al Sarkal and Al Rustamani Group donated Dh1 million each, which will provide fresh water to 80,000 people.
The Dubai Ladies Club donated Dh500,000 that will provide clean drinking water to 20,000 people, while Al Ahli Sports Club donated Dh half a million that will also provide fresh water to 20,000 people.
The campaign will continue to receive donations until Wednesday. It received wide –world welcome and gained great attention from leading newspapers which praised Shaikh Mohammad’s initiative and his influential role in charitable and humanitarian domain on the global stage.
