Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Federal Electricity & Water Authority (FEWA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strategic water interconnections between the two parties and the exchange of potable water in case of emergencies, or other purposes. The MoU was signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and HE Mohammed Mohammed Saleh, Director General of FEWA, in the presence of a number of senior officials from both entities. This is part of both entities’ efforts to ensure sustainable water security and maintain the UAE’s strategic water reserves.
The MoU sets a practical framework for strengthening cooperation between the two entities to achieve common goals. It also includes joint efforts to develop, operate, and maintain strategic water interconnections. The two water systems will be directly linked in specific locations to allow for water transfer in case of emergencies.
“This agreement supports our joint efforts to promote water security in the UAE and achieve the objectives of UAE Vision 2021 to ensure a sustainable environment and preserve water resources in the UAE. We also seek to achieve our strategy to enhance the efficiency of our water network as part of the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. We are pleased to sign this MoU with FEWA, as they are the main authority for the supply and development of the electricity and water infrastructure, in addition to the implementation of strategic projects to meet the growing needs of the Northern Emirates,” said Al Tayer.
“This agreement comes within the framework of DEWA’s efforts to continue the implementation of water interconnection projects with various relevant entities. Similarly, DEWA signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) in August 2017 to implement strategic water interconnections between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, improving the reliability of water network in both Emirates.”
“The MoU comes in line with our joint efforts in the field of water connections to water networks within the UAE, and in light of the directives of our wise leadership to implement the recommendations of the water security strategy, respond to emergencies, ensure the comfort and happiness of all citizens and residents, and provide high-quality services. FEWA has completed many interconnection points with the utilities operating in the UAE, through Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company’s (Transco) water connections since 2003, covering all areas of the Northern Emirates being supervised by FEWA. We also implemented and supervised several interconnecting projects between the Emirates, including the interconnections projects between Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah and Umm al Quwain, and between Ras Al Khaimah and the Central and Eastern Region. FEWA plans to implement large-scale projects through high-capacity transmission lines that ensure interconnection between the Emirates under its supervision to meet the growing needs until 2036. This comes in conjunction with the seawater desalination plants that FEWA plans to establish in the next two years,” said HE Mohammed Mohammed Saleh.
This cooperation will help prevent water shortages or crises, strengthening the efforts of both entities to secure the various needs of their ambitious development plans by increasing the efficiency and operational capacity of their water networks. This in turn, will contribute to the sustainable development of the UAE