Gulf countries discuss cooperation in the water sector — The National

In New York, United States, the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council are discussing the creation of a mechanism for cooperation in the water sector. Abdullah Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, stated this on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, The National reports.

Cooperation model

According to Balalaa, the bloc's countries are holding talks on an initiative to share water resources. They are discussing the possibility of applying to the water sector the model of existing cooperation among Gulf states in the electricity sector. The official called this model an example of cooperation.

Balalaa said that water scarcity is a global challenge and that no country is immune to its consequences. In his view, the problem cannot be solved through the efforts of one or several states, which is why cooperation is needed.

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UN conference in Abu Dhabi

The statement was made ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE and Senegal will jointly host in December in Abu Dhabi. It will be the third such conference in 50 years and the first to be hosted by countries of the Global South.

The UAE is promoting water security and water conservation as part of its foreign policy work during the UN General Assembly high-level week. Balalaa noted that the country has 100% coverage with safe water and sanitation, but also faces water scarcity and obtains most of its water through desalination.

The official also called for greater private-sector involvement and for creating appropriate regulatory conditions for lenders and financiers to ensure access to capital for addressing global water challenges. He invited technology owners, entrepreneurs and innovators to present their developments in Abu Dhabi.