Sustainable Water in Abu Dhabi - Spring

Abu Dhabi faces a critical water crisis where demand is projected to exceed supply by 2012. This report, prepared for the Urban Planning Council (UPC), identifies a culture of over-consumption driven by four systemic failures: a fragmented management approach, unreliable data, a lack of public awareness, and the absence of a market price for water.

To ensure long-term economic prosperity, the report proposes a strategy built on four "cornerstones":

1. Institutional Integration: Establishing an Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Council with regulatory authority to unify water policy.
2. Data Management: Developing a coordinated system to provide actionable data on supply and consumption.
3. Monitoring & Metering: Implementing household-level metering to identify leaks and provide residents with real-time consumption feedback.
4. Valuation & Pricing: Shifting social and economic perspectives on water through strategic pricing and conservation campaigns.

These strategies target four key sectors—residential, public spaces, agriculture, and tourism—with a mix of immediate (12–24 months) and long-term (5+ years) actions. By addressing the demand side rather than just increasing supply, Abu Dhabi can transition toward a truly sustainable water management model.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.