The United Nations (UN) declared 19 August World Humanitarian Day, with this year’s theme being ‘Not A Target,’ reflecting the world’s interest in protecting and bringing attention to the millions of civilians affected by conflicts and crises every day. The values of giving and humanitarian work have always been at the core of the UAE’s message; extending a hand to all people around the world, alleviating human suffering regardless of race, origin or religion. This is a commitment to worthy values that stem from Islamic principles and authentic Arab traditions.
The launch of UAE Water Aid (Suqia) is an important addition to the country’s humanitarian work as it affirms that the path the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan paved is still ongoing and that our leadership is continuing its efforts in the service of humanity. Suqia’s efforts support World Humanitarian Day by continuing to support people and provide humanitarian aid to the needy communities in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, in continuation of the humanitarian efforts of national and international organisations.
The launch of Suqia and its objectives
In March 2015, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law Number 3 establishing Suqia as a non-profit organisation that enjoys legal personality and capacity. Law Number 3 for 2015 set the objectives for Suqia, which include strengthening the country’s position globally in the pursuit of initiatives and humanitarian aid towards the underprivileged and distressed worldwide. The objectives also achieve sustainable development, support the role of humanitarian organisations in the country, strengthening their capacities to cope with emergency humanitarian developments and international participation efforts to provide safe and clean water and tackling water-related diseases that are potentially fatal.
Suqia also aims to contribute to finding sustainable and innovative global water scarcity and pollution solutions through studies, research, and projects using solar power to provide clean water.
Support of humanitarian national efforts
“Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Their Highnesses the UAE Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, the UAE played a leading role in addressing the challenges facing humanity and its outstanding presence in providing the necessary support and humanitarian aid in helping poor communities, and supporting sustainable development. The UAE was the world’s largest donor of official development aid in 2017, relative to its national income, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
“Suqia is committed to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030, especially the 6th goal which ensures access to water and sanitation for all. It is also committed to implementing one of the key objectives set by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation to combat poverty and diseases by contributing to finding permanent and sustainable solutions to water scarcity around the world. We are also committed to serving areas that lack access to clean water, and providing water to millions of underprivileged people around the world, without any discrimination based on race, colour, religion, or culture. In the words of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: ‘UAE Water Aid will not differentiate between one person and another, so are all of our humanitarian works’,” added Al Tayer.
More than 8 million Suqia project beneficiaries from 25 countries around the world by the end of 2017
By the end of 2017, and in cooperation with a number of leading charitable organisations and institutions, Suqia’s projects helped over 8 million people from 25 countries around the world. Suqia will continue with its charitable projects and expand its volunteer activities around the world during the Year of Zayed 2018.
Suqia’s top humanitarian projects during Year of Zayed 2018
Suqia announced its humanitarian and social programme to support the declaration of Year of Zayed, with six humanitarian and social projects and initiatives in collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. The projects reflect the worthy values and principles of philanthropy and wisdom, instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the hearts of Emirati people.
100 Water Projects
During Year of Zayed, Suqia implemented 100 projects to provide safe drinking water to needy communities around the world, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, and the Emirates Red Crescent Authority. The projects included the drilling of wells, construction of water purification plants, and the establishing of a water wagon network to help carry water from faraway water sources.
100 Volunteers Initiative and Voluntary Field Visits
Through the 100 Volunteers initiative, and in collaboration with DEWA, Suqia aims to attract 100 volunteers from DEWA to work on various CSR initiatives during the year. These include an awareness programme on water conservation for elementary and middle school students in Dubai, and voluntary field trips outside the UAE, organised in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. The aim is to implement sustainable projects that aid the needy, involve target communities in finding appropriate solutions to water problems, raise awareness about the proper use of water, and inform them about Sheikh Zayed’s work and achievements.
100 Water Endowments
Through this initiative, Suqia provides 100 portable water coolers to various parts of the UAE.
100 Letters to Zayed
This is an innovative initiative to collect messages of gratitude addressed to the late Sheikh Zayed from DEWA volunteers and staff members. It enables community members, school students, and beneficiaries in Suqia’s projects to express their gratitude to the late Sheikh Zayed throughout the year. At the end of 2018, these messages will be compiled in a special book titled ‘Letters to Zayed’.
R&D (Research & Development)
Suqia not only aims to provide drinking water to the needy around the world, but also promotes research and development efforts to find innovative and sustainable solutions to water scarcity. It also seeks to explore ways to purify water using solar power to meet the increasing demand, and contribute to sustainable development. To support this, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Award, worth USD 1 million. The award aims to encourage research centres, and individuals and innovators from around the world to find innovative and sustainable solutions to global clean-water scarcity by way of solar power. Suqia oversees the award and will announce the date of submission of applications for its second edition in Q3 2018.