Expo 2020 Dubai might go down well in history for a number of good reasons – one of them being the launch pad for AirOwater – air-to-water technology machines that produce clean and pure drinking water from air that is being offered to businesses and households for as low as $1,100 (Dh4,100) – with a up to seven-year life span – that eliminates plastic bottles, cups and, in turn, reduces carbon footprint.

Cost of air-to-water has been brought down by Airowater technology to as low as Dh0.26-0.35 fils per litre in Dubai and customers can achieve return on investment after two years. They can then enjoy cheaper water for the rest of the life of the product.

Consumers in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region will spend $253 (Dh929.29) million in water dispensers by 2028, more than four times they spent in 2021, according to a research report by Data Bridge, if alternative water sources are not deployed.

If installed in all public places, offices and homes, this air-to-water technology will disrupt the traditional ‘mineral water’ and ‘pure drinking water’ business and drastically reduce the use of plastic bottles and reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint in the coming years. It will also remove water supply vehicles from the street that carry up to seven litre water bottles and supplies them to offices and households.

What is the most interesting technology you’ve seen at the Expo?