Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy (DoE) signed a landmark agreement with Goldman Sachs International, the first of its kind between the emirate and the global bank. The deal emphasizes the importance of Abu Dhabi sustainable water, placing water security at the heart of the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. The signing took place during the DoE delegation’s official visit to the United States. Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the DoE, signed the agreement alongside senior officials and experts from both sides.
The partnership aims to attract foreign investment, boost water security, and modernize infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies. Goldman Sachs will bring its global financial expertise to structure innovative funding models. These models will support desalination powered by renewable energy, reduce water network losses, and enhance system resilience. The deal also supports Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to secure AED 400 billion in private investment in the energy and water sectors by 2050, showing the emirate’s ambition to become a regional hub for sustainable utilities.
The new agreement aims to attract large-scale foreign direct investment (FDI) while strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) across the water sector. Abu Dhabi has already relied on PPPs in renewable energy, such as the world’s largest reverse osmosis desalination facility at Taweelah. The Taweelah plant produces over 900,000 cubic meters of water daily and serves as a benchmark for efficiency.
With Goldman Sachs advising on asset monetisation, Abu Dhabi aims to encourage private capital to participate in upgrading critical infrastructure. The agreement reflects a commitment to expanding the role of the private sector and reducing reliance on purely public funding. It also opens the door for more international investors to join the emirate’s sustainable growth agenda under its water security and PPP frameworks.
As part of the US visit, the DoE presented its AD.WE digital platform, a system that uses artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve resource efficiency. American stakeholders welcomed the tool and expressed interest in joint projects involving energy storage, desalination, and water network optimization. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s urgent need to manage water resources more efficiently. The emirate’s residents consume over 550 liters of water daily, nearly three times the global average, making conservation a top priority.
The agreement also supports pilot projects in artificial intelligence, knowledge-sharing programs, and regulatory innovation. These initiatives help Abu Dhabi adopt proven international best practices while adapting them to local conditions. By working with research institutions, universities, and sovereign funds, Abu Dhabi positions itself as a hub for Abu Dhabi sustainable water technologies and long-term infrastructure solutions. This forward-looking approach highlights the emirate’s determination to combine innovation with global collaboration to secure its future.
Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan stressed that water security lies at the center of Abu Dhabi’s energy transition strategy. The Goldman Sachs agreement shows the emirate’s resolve to combine financial innovation with long-term sustainability. Abu Dhabi also plans to use this partnership to promote global events, including the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Week 2026, which will showcase PPP-driven projects and attract more international partners.
The DoE confirmed that joint task forces and cooperation frameworks are already under way. These include work on AI deployment, water efficiency, and low-carbon desalination. Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Water Resources Management Framework also supports conservation and aims to reduce network losses. By engaging businesses and citizens, the emirate is creating a culture of sustainable consumption.
This agreement is not only a financial milestone. It sets out a blueprint for governments working with private investors to deliver Abu Dhabi sustainable water solutions. Such projects will be environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable, securing resources for generations to come.
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