UAE Receives Global Recognition for Water Investment Leadership at Africa Water Investment Summit
In a significant affirmation of the UAE’s growing role in global sustainability, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, led the UAE delegation to the Africa Water Investment Summit, held from August 13-15 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event marked a pivotal moment as Sheikh Shakhboot, on behalf of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, accepted a Global Water Changemakers Award, presented by H.E. President Duma Boko (President of Botswana and Chairperson of the Awards), with H.M. King Mswati III of Eswatini in attendance.
As co-chair of the G20 Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, the UAE is mobilizing climate-resilient investment in water and sanitation across Africa, transforming innovative ambition into measurable impact.
This international momentum is mirrored in Dubai’s progressive initiatives, particularly through the DMCC Water Centre. The Centre, in strategic partnership with Aqua-Index, is laying the groundwork for the world’s first water-backed digital asset token—an innovation designed to boost liquidity, transparency, and financing for critical water infrastructure projects. Among the Centre’s ecosystem partners are Fresh Water Norway, tasked with advancing water supply to Dubai; DP World (through the DUBUY by DP World platform); Hawana Water, a DMCC member advancing efficient solar-powered air-to-water technology; and MonViso Italian Natural Mineral Water, active in the UAE market since 2013.
According to Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO at DMCC, “As co-chair of the G20 Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, the UAE is helping mobilise climate-resilient investment in water and sanitation across Africa — turning ambition into measurable impact.”
This multifaceted approach, combining financial innovation, international cooperation, and technological advancement, demonstrates the UAE’s transition from launching isolated initiatives to constructing full investment ecosystems. The DMCC Water Centre stands as a testament to how technology, when paired with long-term vision, can create lasting impact in addressing the global water crisis.
Team V.4-LKDN-UAE
