8:22 am - February 14, 2026
**UAE**: In response to global sustainability goals, start-up climate tech firms are emerging in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on innovative solutions for water management and scarcity. Companies like Cox lead the way, integrating renewable energy into desalination processes to enhance water supply and reduce carbon emissions.
In the context of a global push towards sustainability, a number of start-up climate tech businesses are emerging in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by a commitment to environmental responsibility and the urgent need for innovative solutions to water scarcity. Recognising the critical importance of water as a resource, these companies are looking to improve both the management and supply of water, particularly in regions most affected by shortages, such as North Africa and the Middle East.
The United Nations has highlighted this pressing issue in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Goal Six specifically targeting the provision of clean water and sanitation for all. This initiative reflects the understanding that an innovative spirit is essential within the water sector; businesses are encouraged to promote real solutions for water conservation, treatment, reuse, and the enhancement of supply infrastructure.
Among the notable players in this field is Cox, which has established a significant presence in the desalination industry. With over 55 years of experience in managing water assets and infrastructure, Cox is a recognised leader in the field, overseeing 10% of the world’s installed desalination capacity. The company operates the Taweelah desalination plant in Abu Dhabi, the largest facility of its kind, which employs reverse osmosis to produce an impressive 900,000 cubic metres of potable water daily. This plant notably utilises energy from a photovoltaic solar plant that exceeds 70 MWp, allowing it to reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 million tonnes per year while delivering high-quality drinking water for less than USD 0.50 per cubic metre. Such developments affirm Cox’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency in water production, a sentiment echoed by the company’s strategic approach termed “Energy follows Water.”
The interplay between energy and water usage, often referred to as the water-energy nexus, underscores the interconnectedness of these vital resources. Every power plant requires water to operate, while water treatment and supply systems rely on energy to function. As a result, businesses in the UAE are increasingly focusing on renewable energy solutions to promote sustainable practices in water desalination and management.
Cox’s operations exemplify this synergy, aiming to optimise the cost and efficiency of producing desalinated water while maintaining environmental integrity. By integrating renewable energy into its desalination processes, Cox not only addresses water scarcity but also contributes to the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.
With numerous start-ups looking to make their mark in the climate tech sector in the UAE, the commitment to deliver sustainable solutions for water and energy is more relevant than ever. As these businesses continue to evolve, the emphasis remains on leveraging technology, experience, and innovation to ensure that water remains an accessible and high-quality resource for all.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/ – This URL supports the claim about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal Six, which targets the provision of clean water and sanitation for all.
- https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ – This URL provides information on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/entrepreneurs/startup-spotlight-uae-based-manhats-sustainable-water/483481 – This article highlights UAE-based start-ups like Manhat, which are innovating in sustainable water solutions, addressing water scarcity and environmental concerns.
- https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/scaling-climate-tech-deployment-in-the-uae-with-abu-dhabi-sustainability-week.html – This publication discusses initiatives and challenges in scaling climate tech solutions in the UAE, including water management and sustainability efforts.
- https://www.adwea.ae/en/our-operations/water-desalination/taweelah-desalination-plant – This URL provides details about the Taweelah desalination plant in Abu Dhabi, operated by ADWEA, which is a significant facility in the region.
- https://www.iea.org/topics/water-energy-nexus/ – This URL explains the water-energy nexus, highlighting the interdependence of water and energy resources in various sectors.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/water-energy-nexus – This resource further explores the concept of the water-energy nexus, emphasizing its importance in sustainable development.
- https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-media/press-releases/2022/adnoc-announces-new-solar-powered-desalination-plant – This press release discusses solar-powered desalination initiatives in the UAE, aligning with the trend of integrating renewable energy into water production.
- https://www.mubadala.com/en/what-we-do/energy-and-industrials – This URL highlights Mubadala’s investments in energy and industrials, which include initiatives supporting sustainable practices in the UAE.
- https://www.masdar.ae/en/what-we-do/innovation – This URL showcases Masdar’s innovation initiatives, including its focus on renewable energy and sustainable technologies that support water management.
- https://smartwatermagazine.com/blogs/pablo-infante/energy-follows-water-model – Please view link – unable to able to access data
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 does not contain specific dates or outdated references. However, it discusses ongoing trends and initiatives, which suggests it is relatively current. The lack of specific recent events or updates slightly reduces the score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative, so there is no risk of unoriginal or misattributed quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Smart Water Magazine, which may not be as widely recognized as major publications like the Financial Times or BBC. However, it appears to provide well-researched content related to water management.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about water scarcity, desalination, and renewable energy integration are plausible and align with current global sustainability efforts. The specific details about Cox’s operations and the water-energy nexus are consistent with known practices in the industry.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and well-researched, with plausible claims about water management and sustainability. The absence of direct quotes and the moderate reliability of the source are noted, but overall, the content seems accurate and relevant.
