UAE offers free-of-charge portable desalination plants to cover arid Cyprus' summer water needs
NICOSIA: Cyprus will receive free-of-charge portable desalination plants from the United Arab Emirates to cover the tourism-reliant island nation's water needs this summer as reservoir deposits are nearly depleted, officials said Thursday.
Agriculture and environment minister Maria Panayiotou told the state broadcaster that the UAE agreed to provide Cyprus, at no cost, an undetermined number of desalination plants that will produce a combined 15,000 cubic meters (530,000 cubic feet) of potable water daily.
Panayiotou didn't disclose exactly when the units will arrive and become operational, but she said UAE authorities are aware the need is immediate as the summer tourism season kicks into high gear and water needs reach their peak.
She said the deal is the result of secret negotiations over the last few months to cover
Cyprus water needs
that became acute when a fire knocked out one of its five static desalination plants, resulting in cuts to agricultural water supply. Each onshore unit produces 235,000 cubic meters (8.3 million cubic feet) of fresh water daily.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around
Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List
Undo
The plant won't be back in operation until August and the portable units from the UAE will cover that lost water capacity, said Panayiotou. Technical staff are still trying to work out exactly where the portable units will be placed to maximize their utility, Panayiotou said. She didn't say when those units will be returned to the UAE.
Apart from its own desalination plants, Cyprus continues to rely on an extensive reservoir network with a total capacity of 330 million cubic meters. Water levels across the 108 reservoirs - the most relative to population than any other European country - are less than a quarter of their capacity following the second-driest winter in a decade. Reservoirs were at 47.2 per cent capacity in 2024, official figures show.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides disclosed the UAE deal during an interview with local TV station ANT1, hailing the agreement as the result of Cyprus' expanded diplomatic outreach and the friendly relations it has developed particularly with the Emirates and other countries in the region.
Panayiotou said irrespective of the UAE assistance, the government's medium- and long-term planning to permanently alleviate the island's water shortages is moving ahead.
The planning includes the procurement of four additional mobile desalination plants expected to begin operating in late autumn, each capable of producing 30,000 cubic meters (1 million cubic feet) of drinkable water daily.
Another two static desalination plants will be built over the long term, each with a 140,000 cubic meter (5 million cubic feet) daily output. Panayiotou unveiled last month a government plan to subsidize construction of private desalination plants at hotels. Tourism accounts for 13.5 per cent of Cyprus' gross domestic product. Tourist arrivals last year exceeded 4 million people, setting a new record.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
11 minutes ago
- Time of India
Volodymyr Zelenskyy surprises Donald Trump with golf club of injured Ukrainian soldier at White House meeting in Washington
Volodymyr Zelenskyy surprises Donald Trump with golf club of injured Ukrainian soldier at White House meeting in Washington (Image Via Google) Volodymyr Zelenskyy surprised Donald Trump with a very special gift during his visit to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The president of Ukraine brought a golf club that once belonged to Ukrainian serviceman Kostiantyn Kartavtsev, who lost his leg during the first months of Russia's full invasion while saving his fellow soldiers. Donald Trump, who is well known for his love of golf, accepted the club and thanked the Ukrainian soldier in a video message. The moment marked a much warmer tone between the two leaders after their last tense meeting. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents symbolic golf club and receives 'keys to the White House' from Donald Trump During the meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally handed the golf club to Donald Trump and explained its story. He also showed a short video of Kostiantyn Kartavtsev speaking from Ukraine. According to the president's office, the club symbolizes bravery and the close connection between the Ukrainian people and the United States. Donald Trump responded by thanking the soldier in a short video message, saying, 'I just watched your swing, and it is great. You are an amazing person. Keep playing golf and doing all the great things for your country.' He then offered Zelenskyy a symbolic 'key' to the White House as a sign of renewed friendship. Trump said he hopes to help Ukraine 'return to health' soon and praised the courage of its troops. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo Also Read: 'I Love It': Emma Raducanu And Carlos Alcaraz Surprise Fans With US Open Mixed Doubles Debut And Stir Romance Rumors Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy try to repair ties after earlier conflict Earlier this year, in February 2025, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump had a heated argument during a televised meeting at the White House, which ended with the Ukrainian president leaving early. Since then, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought to rebuild ties by lauding Donald Trump's attempts to negotiate friendly discussions and encourage peace. To Melania Trump on Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also carried a personal letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska. The letter expressed gratitude to Melania Trump for contacting Vladimir Putin and asking him to safeguard children during the conflict. Foreign leaders have also been bringing special gifts in recent visits. On February 28, 2025, United Kingdom prime minister Keir Starmer presented Donald Trump with an official visit invitation signed by King Charles III Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
11 minutes ago
- Time of India
82-year-old CEO to give away 99% of her $7.8 billion fortune under Bill Gates' Giving Pledge
Judy Faulkner, the 82-year-old CEO of Epic Systems, has built a remarkable $7.8 billion fortune through her 43% stake in the company, yet she has never taken a single share for personal use. Instead, she has committed to giving away nearly all her wealth to philanthropic causes, signing Bill Gates' Giving Pledge in 2015 to donate 99% of her fortune. Beyond finances, Faulkner has created a corporate culture that values creativity, curiosity, and learning. From whimsical themed office buildings to innovative company-wide gatherings, she proves that leadership and generosity can coexist, while setting an example for other business leaders that success can be measured not only in profits but also in positive impact on employees and society. CEO Judy Faulkner gives back through Roots & Wings Faulkner, together with her husband, launched Roots & Wings to provide grants to nonprofits dedicated to improving the health, education, and well-being of children and families. Since its inception, the foundation has grown into a major philanthropic vehicle: in 2020, it granted $15 million to 115 organizations, and by 2024, it projected $67 million in grants to 305 nonprofits nationwide. Faulkner intends to steadily expand giving, aiming to distribute $100 million annually by 2027. To responsibly manage the sale of her non-voting Epic shares without destabilizing the company, she established a trust that governs these transactions. This careful planning ensures that her philanthropic mission can continue without affecting Epic's stability or long-term growth. Unconventional leadership and office creativity by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Online MBA with in-demand specializations SRM Online Learn More Undo Epic Systems' 1,670-acre campus in Wisconsin is far from a conventional office environment. Its 28 buildings feature fantastical themes ranging from Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland to The Wizard of Oz, organized into mini-campuses such as Prairie Campus, Wizards Academy, and Storybook Campus. Inside, employees help source artwork and whimsical installations, including chocolate chip trails leading to a mock chocolate factory, hanging bridges to treehouses, and magical sculptures scattered across the grounds. This imaginative setting reflects Faulkner's philosophy that creativity, play, and aesthetic engagement foster learning and productivity, making the workplace not just a location for tasks but a space for inspiration and collaboration. Monthly 'work church' meetings with grammar lessons Once a month, Epic employees gather in the underground auditorium called Deep Space for a mandatory meeting affectionately nicknamed 'work church.' These gatherings cover essential business news, company updates, and operational targets. Yet Faulkner adds unique elements that transform standard corporate meetings into engaging learning experiences. For instance, she incorporates grammar lessons, teaching employees proper usage of words such as 'who' and 'whom,' and emphasizing communication skills alongside company strategy. By blending education with corporate updates, these meetings reinforce a culture of continuous learning, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail, encouraging employees to grow professionally and personally within the company. Other companies embracing unconventional office setups Epic Systems is part of a broader trend of companies reimagining office culture to enhance employee engagement. Wellstar Health System, for example, offers wellness rooms with massage chairs, calming music, and healthy snacks, resulting in a 10% drop in employee turnover in 2024. Nonprofit Understood designs offices specifically for neurodivergent employees, with adjustable lighting, temperature zones, and assistive listening systems to support diverse needs. Even CEOs like Jeff Bezos favor 'messy meetings' over rehearsed discussions to stimulate open debate and creativity. These examples show that unconventional setups, when thoughtfully implemented, can increase productivity, employee satisfaction, and innovation across industries. A billionaire breaking the mold While many billionaires sign high-profile pledges without fully following through, Faulkner stands apart as a rare example of commitment and action. By giving away nearly all her wealth through philanthropy, cultivating a creative and educational workplace, and fostering employee engagement through unconventional office design and corporate rituals, she sets a benchmark for responsible, visionary leadership. Her approach demonstrates that a CEO can combine financial success, ethical responsibility, and innovation to create a lasting impact—not just on a company's bottom line, but on the lives of employees, communities, and society at large. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bharathiar University directed to regularise services of 227 contract employees
COIMBATORE: The industrial tribunal in Chennai has directed Bharathiar University to regularise the services of 227 contract employees and extend to them all benefits on a par with permanent employees. The Bharathiar University Employees Welfare Union moved the tribunal demanding that its members be made permanent employees. Originally, the dispute covered 318 non-teaching staff members, but 91 withdrew from the case, leaving 227 employees under consideration. In the order, presiding officer of the tribunal, P Murugan observed on Tuesday that many of these employees, including office assistants, gardeners, sweepers and electricians, had been working in the university for more than two decades without permanent status. Despite 478 sanctioned non-teaching posts in the university, only 154 were filled, while 335 posts remained vacant. The tribunal ruled that the petitioners, having completed 240 days of service, were entitled to permanency, back wages, allowances and other service benefits. Evidence presented showed that the university itself previously recommended to the Tamil Nadu govt in 2022 that the services of the temporary staff members be regularised. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, this game will keep you up all night. No Install. Play for free. Combat Siege Play Now Undo However, no decision had been taken. The tribunal held that denial of regularisation amounted to unfair labour practice and violated Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The award directed Bharathiar University to make the 227 employees permanent, fix them in the appropriate pay scales with allowances and disburse arrears within three months. In case of delay, the university would have to pay interest at six percent per annum on the arrears. Welcoming the order, M Rameshkumar, general secretary of the Bharathiar University Employees Welfare Union, said that employees had been working for 12–25 years. 'The 227 employees should be made permanent immediately. We expect the university to implement the order soon without any delay. This is our genuine request,' he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
