UAE Water Aid Foundation trustees hold 6th meeting at DEWA headquarters

DUBAI, 6th June, 2016 (WAM) -- The Board of Trustees of the UAE Water Aid Foundation, Suqia, one of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has held its 6th meeting at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA's headquarters.

The meeting was chaired by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and was attended by Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent for International Aid and Vice Chairman of the board at Suqia, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Baili, Deputy Vice Chairman for Academic Affairs and Provost of United Arab Emirates University, Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of Khalifa University, Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at DEWA, Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia, and Fahad Abdullah bin Afira Al Falasi, Acting Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Suqia.

During the meeting, the board reviewed and approved the report from the previous meeting, and addressed the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Water Award, while highlighting the projects for 2016, including the implementation of 14 new projects for artesian wells and water stations in 11 different countries, in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. The board also discussed the campaign to distribute water to people breaking their fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and promoting the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Water Award locally and internationally. The board also approved a list of international consultants with a range of skills in the water sector, Research and Development, R & D, solar energy strategies, policies, and local and international initiatives relating to water, to achieve Suqia's objectives.

At the beginning of the meeting, the board of trustees welcomed the members, affirming the importance of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and Suqia's commitment to improving R & D in cooperation with DEWA, UAE University, Khalifa University, other universities in the UAE, and different government and private companies, to enrich Suqia's ongoing activities and research and develop its skills and experiences.

"Suqia strives to implement the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the UAE's position in humanitarian development aid and find sustainable solutions to the issue of water scarcity, using solar energy to purify and desalinate water. The foundation's growing list of awards and accomplishments include winning the UAE Innovation Award for Humanitarian Aid, during its participation in the 13th Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition, DIHAD," said Al Tayer.

"The UAE Water Aid Foundation will continue its efforts to promote the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The award is worth US$1 million and aims to fulfill the country's vision to build a knowledge-based economy, with a focus on technology, research, development, and innovation," said Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia.

In cooperation with DEWA, Suqia recently promoted the award in The Netherlands, India, Frankfurt, London, Milan, and China. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award was also promoted at international events such as COP21 in Paris, the Solar Decathlon in California, the USA, and at the Carbon Ambassador Programme in Dubai. Suqia also organised a host of activities and meetings to coincide with the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in the USA. The award was also promoted locally at UAE universities.

The award's evaluation looks at the technology, design, environmental alignment, creativity, innovation, health and safety, and sustainability of entrants. The categories of the award include Innovative Projects for Companies, Innovative Studies and Research, and Young Innovators.