Lack of water is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today and affects different areas and systems. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai, a high population density and an arid climate increase the demand for fresh water. Additionally, the influx of tourists further exacerbates water consumption, placing additional strain on existing water resources. This research seeks to analyze how the plans developed to improve access to fresh water have led to Dubai’s current water scarcity situation in the last decade. Focusing on Dubai, this paper aims to review its strategic plan for access to fresh water, scrutinize how it has contributed to water shortage, and suggest how to obtain future sustainable access to fresh water in Dubai. The literature review was undertaken in this study, and the findings formed the basis of the research to be conducted. For data collection, the research used policy documents, current freshwater facilities, and the statistical organization of Dubai to assess water consumption in several sectors. Descriptive analysis was conducted using Meta-Chart, while spatial analysis was conducted using quantum geographic information system (QGIS), and the plan of freshwater access in Dubai was mapped, especially in constructing desalination plants and dams as strategic endeavors. The research highlighted high water consumption in the residential segment and the increased demand driven by the tourism sector, emphasizing the need for optimal water management strategies. The recommendations presented in this article urge the government of Dubai to establish more assertive and high-profile policy measures to overcome water scarcity problems and support the growth of new technologies and innovations in the sphere of water technologies research.

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Highlighting Water Scarcity Issue in Dubai City for Freshwater Access Plans: Insights from the Last Decade

  • Alyaa K. H. Alharmi,
  • Fatmaelzahraa Hussein

摘要

Lack of water is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today and affects different areas and systems. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai, a high population density and an arid climate increase the demand for fresh water. Additionally, the influx of tourists further exacerbates water consumption, placing additional strain on existing water resources. This research seeks to analyze how the plans developed to improve access to fresh water have led to Dubai’s current water scarcity situation in the last decade. Focusing on Dubai, this paper aims to review its strategic plan for access to fresh water, scrutinize how it has contributed to water shortage, and suggest how to obtain future sustainable access to fresh water in Dubai. The literature review was undertaken in this study, and the findings formed the basis of the research to be conducted. For data collection, the research used policy documents, current freshwater facilities, and the statistical organization of Dubai to assess water consumption in several sectors. Descriptive analysis was conducted using Meta-Chart, while spatial analysis was conducted using quantum geographic information system (QGIS), and the plan of freshwater access in Dubai was mapped, especially in constructing desalination plants and dams as strategic endeavors. The research highlighted high water consumption in the residential segment and the increased demand driven by the tourism sector, emphasizing the need for optimal water management strategies. The recommendations presented in this article urge the government of Dubai to establish more assertive and high-profile policy measures to overcome water scarcity problems and support the growth of new technologies and innovations in the sphere of water technologies research.