The UAE needs to make big changes to its water supplies as a matter of national security, with residents urged to cut down their water use by 50%.

Speaking on World Water Day, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the UAE needs to do all it can to preserve water.

The UAE is already reducing its water use, building more efficient desalination plans and using less groundwater. But there’s still a lot more to be done thanks to our hot and dry climate and lack of rainfall.

“No matter who you are and where you are – if you are an individual or company or government, you need to think of sustainability,” Mr Al Mazrouei said.

“Sustainability will make Planet Earth survive longer and will allow us all to live an easier life. We are privileged with the resources we have today. But we need to ensure that the next generation and the generations to come will also have something left.”

The Water Security Strategy 2036 plan plans to reduce water use by 21% and increase the reuse of treated water. They’re also looking at ways that each resident can reduce their water consumption by 50%, so get ready to cut down.

And finally, the UAE is looking to create a huge water storage that will keep the water clean and safe for long periods of time in case of extreme emergencies.