Abu Dhabi is about to turn into the global capital of water talk — and no, not just the bottled kind. From September 2–3, 2025, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal will welcome ministers, scientists, policymakers, and youth leaders for the 5th TRENDS Conference on Sustainable Water Security.
A Global Gathering in Abu Dhabi
Themed “Sustainable Water Security: Shaping a Water-Secure Future Through Innovation and Knowledge”, the two-day event will bring together 33 officials, researchers, and international experts, plus youth participants and regional organizations. An interactive exhibition will run alongside the sessions, showcasing pioneering projects and tech solutions designed to keep the taps flowing in the decades ahead.
Why It Matters
“Water security is an existential issue that transcends geography and politics,” said Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, who will chair the conference. With climate change, economic growth, and surging populations putting pressure on global resources, the conference aims to foster cooperation between think tanks, policymakers, and international institutions.
It also aligns with the UAE’s preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role in advancing the global water agenda and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Day One: Big Ideas Flowing
- Book Launch: Arabic edition of The Coming Storm: Why Water Will Write the 21st Century by Sir Liam Fox.
- New Initiatives: Launch of the TRENDS Water Security Research Competition and the TRENDS Youth Council for Water Security.
- Key Sessions:
- Shaping the Future of Water Security
- Transboundary Water Geopolitics — Between Conflict and Cooperation
- Multilateralism and Knowledge in the Global Water Dialogue (with focus on SDG 6)
Day Two: From Policy to Practice
Sessions will dive into:
- The role of finance and investment in transforming water systems
- AI-driven solutions for future water sustainability
- Building resilience in national water systems, with global case studies
Meanwhile, youth-led activities and exhibitions will keep things hands-on.
Exhibition Highlights
Ten government and private sector organizations — including Abu Dhabi Ports Group, UAE University, SEHA, NYU Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi University, and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority — will present innovative water projects. TRENDS will also showcase its latest studies and publications.
Partnerships and Support
The event enjoys heavyweight backing:
- Strategic Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre
- Diamond Sponsors: SEHA, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority
- Media Partners: The National, WAM, Al Ittihad News, UAE Journalists Association, plus digital platforms like Viory Media and Aneco Middle East
Who’s Speaking?
Expect a powerhouse lineup, including:
- Abdullah Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability
- Rt. Hon. Sir Liam Fox, former UK Defence Secretary
- Prof. Ahmed Ali Murad, UAE University
- Ayesha Al-Ateeqi, Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative
- Prof. Ashok Swain, UNESCO Chair, Uppsala University
- Prof. Cecilia Tortajada, University of Glasgow
- Dr. Hazim El-Naser, former Jordanian Water Minister
- Prof. Asit Biswas, Water Management International, Singapore
Plus senior UN advisors, researchers, and global academics.
Shared Responsibility for the Future
As Engineer Marwan Shayeh of SEHA put it: “Water security is deeply linked to public health and community well-being. Together with partners, we believe every drop of water can make a difference — for our health, our environment, and for future generations.”
Abu Dhabi is making it clear: when it comes to sustainable water security, it’s not just about quenching today’s thirst — it’s about ensuring tomorrow’s survival.
