The strategic collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) and the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC) aims to enhance financing solutions for energy and water efficiency, a pressing focus as preparations ramp up for the 2026 UN Water Conference. This agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding during the 2025 World Utilities Congress, marks a significant step in aligning Abu Dhabi’s energy and water policies with broader global sustainability goals.
Ahmed Al Falasi, Energy Efficiency Sector Executive Director at the DoE, articulated the commitment to fostering partnerships that yield tangible outcomes in energy and water efficiency. He stated, “We look forward to implementing high-impact initiatives… and moving toward building an effective ecosystem that includes government entities, the private sector, and the community at large.” This approach is particularly timely as the UAE prepares to assume a co-hosting role at the upcoming UN conference, underscoring its position as a leader in climate action and resource management.
The GCFC’s CEO, Mercedes Vela Monserrate, echoed this sentiment, noting that the formalisation of their collaboration with the DoE represents a critical advancement in developing innovative financing mechanisms. This encompasses tools like guarantees and green bonds, ensuring a strong foundation for future investments in essential infrastructure projects. The partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi’s Finance Strategy, with a focus on scaling funding for initiatives that contribute to both behavioural changes and environmental improvements.
In a broader context, the UAE is gearing up to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference alongside Senegal, a significant occasion first confirmed by the 79th UN General Assembly. This conference aims to accelerate actions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. With a high score of 83% in implementing the Integrated Water Resources Management Index of SDG 6, the UAE is well-positioned to lead discussions on sustainable water solutions.
The commitment to sustainability is not only evident in the government’s strategies but also through partnerships like the recent agreement with Aldar during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in early 2025. This venture further exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s holistic approach to fostering practices aimed at sustainability and resource preservation throughout various sectors.
As the region prepares for the impending UN Water Conference, the emphasis on innovation in financing solutions for water and energy is critical. The collaboration between the DoE and GCFC exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive forward the sustainability agenda, addressing the pressing challenges of resource management and climate resilience.
In conclusion, the efforts leading up to the 2026 UN Water Conference demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to establishing frameworks that not only enhance its water and energy efficiency but also serve as a model for global cooperation in tackling shared environmental challenges.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1], [4]
- Paragraph 2 – [1], [2]
- Paragraph 3 – [5], [6]
- Paragraph 4 – [3], [6]
- Paragraph 5 – [1], [4]
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/smart-water-magazine/abu-dhabis-department-energy-and-gcfc-join-forces-scale-energy-water – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://unitedarabemirates.un.org/en/280951-strategic-partnership-announced-between-global-climate-finance-centre-and-united-nations-uae – In October 2024, the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC) and the United Nations in the UAE formalised a strategic partnership to scale up climate finance and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration aligns with the ‘Pact for the Future’ adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future, focusing on de-risking investments and fostering cooperation between public and private sectors to drive a just, inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy. The partnership also aims to spotlight challenges and opportunities in climate and water financing ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
- https://www.doe.gov.ae/en/Media-Centre/News/Department-of-Energy-and-Aldar – In January 2025, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) announced its participation as the principal partner of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025. During the event, the DoE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aldar to strengthen collaborative efforts in energy and water efficiency, sustainability, and resource preservation. This partnership aims to promote sustainability practices and contribute to holistic prosperity across all sectors in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development.
- https://www.mofa.gov.ae/mediahub/news/2024/10/31/31-10-2024-uae-cop29 – Ahead of COP29 in Baku, the 79th UN General Assembly adopted a resolution confirming the United Arab Emirates and Senegal as co-hosts of the next UN Water Conference, scheduled for December 2026 in the UAE. The conference aims to accelerate action on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6), focusing on clean water, sanitation, sustainable water management, and building global resilience. This event will be unique as it is co-hosted by two nations from the Global South, highlighting innovations and shared solutions in regions most affected by water scarcity.
- https://www.moei.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/16/1/2025/his-excellency-eng-ahmed-al-kaabi-inaugurates-water-conference-at-abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-2025 – At the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi inaugurated a water conference highlighting the UAE’s commitment to water sustainability. The UAE achieved a high score of 83% in the implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Management Index of SDG 6. The country is preparing to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, aiming to accelerate the achievement of SDG 6 and enhance efforts to ensure the sustainable management of water resources.
- https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/mediahub/news/2024/10/31/31-10-2024-uae-cop29 – Ahead of COP29 in Baku, the 79th UN General Assembly adopted a resolution confirming the United Arab Emirates and Senegal as co-hosts of the next UN Water Conference, scheduled for December 2026 in the UAE. The conference aims to accelerate action on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6), focusing on clean water, sanitation, sustainable water management, and building global resilience. This event will be unique as it is co-hosted by two nations from the Global South, highlighting innovations and shared solutions in regions most affected by water scarcity.
- https://www.worldutilitiescongress.com/ – The World Utilities Congress, taking place from 27 – 29 May 2025 in Abu Dhabi, is the premier global platform driving the transformation of the utilities sector. As the world shifts towards a sustainable energy future, the World Utilities Congress will be pivotal in addressing the challenges and opportunities surrounding energy transition, water security, and digitalisation. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the event offers a unique opportunity to showcase groundbreaking technologies, forge strategic partnerships, and explore investment prospects.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no substantial matches found in recent publications. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 31, 2024, when the UAE announced its co-hosting role at the 2026 UN Water Conference. ([unitedarabemirates.un.org](https://unitedarabemirates.un.org/en/280951-strategic-partnership-announced-between-global-climate-finance-centre-and-united-nations-uae?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([pwc.com](https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/media-centre/2025/abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-pwc-middle-east-and–global-climate-finance-centre-launch-white-paper-on-scaling-uae-climate-tech-deployment.html?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the report references a partnership with Aldar during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in early 2025, indicating recent developments. ([businessnewse.com](https://www.businessnewse.com/2025/01/17/abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-pwc-middle-east-and-global-climate-finance-centre-launch-white-paper-on-scaling-uae-climate-tech-deployment/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from Ahmed Al Falasi and Mercedes Vela Monserrate do not appear in earlier material, suggesting they are original or exclusive to this report. No identical matches were found online, indicating the quotes are likely unique to this publication.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Smart Water Magazine, which is a niche publication focusing on water and environmental issues. While it provides detailed coverage, its reach and reputation are more limited compared to major outlets like the Financial Times or Reuters. Therefore, the source’s reliability is moderate.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and the Global Climate Finance Centre align with known initiatives and recent developments in the UAE’s sustainability efforts. The narrative includes specific details, such as the partnership with Aldar during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in early 2025, which are corroborated by other reputable sources. ([businessnewse.com](https://www.businessnewse.com/2025/01/17/abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-pwc-middle-east-and-global-climate-finance-centre-launch-white-paper-on-scaling-uae-climate-tech-deployment/?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are consistent with official communications from the UAE government and related entities.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The report presents original content with recent updates, including new quotes and details about the partnership with Aldar. While the source’s reliability is moderate, the information aligns with known initiatives and is corroborated by other reputable sources. Therefore, the overall assessment is a PASS with high confidence.
