UAE search on for innovative solutions to global water crisis: Dh8 - million Al Miyah Challenge explained
24 Apr 2025 00:57
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)The search is on for innovative solutions that can help address one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges, water scarcity. Through the recently launched Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of technologies that can tackle the global crisis.
In a statement to Aletihad , Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, elaborated on the challenge that offers a significant prize pool of Dh8 million. Launched by The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, the competition targets cutting-edge advancements in sustainable irrigation, water-efficient farming practices, and climate-adapted agricultural technologies suitable for arid regions like the UAE. The country, Al Ateeqi said, is well positioned as a test bed for what could be groundbreaking technologies for water security. 'Water scarcity is not a new challenge for the UAE. For centuries, our ancestors have relied on innovation and cooperation to not just survive, but to thrive, in one of the world's most difficult climates,' said Al Ateeqi. 'With the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, we aim to reiterate the UAE's commitment to addressing global water scarcity by supporting the development and application of breakthrough technologies.' Practical, Scalable Solutions Technology innovation is pivotal to challenge, Al Ateeqi said. 'We are seeking practical, scalable, and deployable solutions that not only meet the UAE's unique climate needs but can also benefit other water-scarce countries facing similar challenges.' The competition is open to both local and international participants, and entries can be submitted for a number of categories: • Alternative water sources for agriculture • Technologies for reducing water use in open-field and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) • Low-cost, energy-efficient water treatment methods • Soil and crop technologies that reduce water uptake • Circular solutions integrating multiple components Winners will not only receive financial support – Dh3.7 million for the top team – but also the opportunity to pilot their innovations within the UAE, providing a vital real-world testing ground. Registrations for the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture are now open, and teams are invited to submit their applications online before 30th June 2025 at https://www.mohamedbinzayedwi.ae/al-miyah-challenge-for-agriculture. Start of a Larger Initiative The programme is being rolled out in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), ASPIRE – the innovation arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council – and Silal Food and Technology. 'In the spirit of collaboration, we're working with leading institutions across sectors to unlock practical and scalable water solutions,' said Al Ateeqi. 'The scalability of the technologies is a key pillar of the Challenge. We are not just looking for great ideas – we are looking for implementable solutions that can go global.' The Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture marks the beginning of a larger initiative. Future challenges will continue to focus on water-related innovations that offer benefits across other sectors impacted by climate change. 'Accelerating innovation in water – leveraging the UAE's infrastructure, expertise and resources – remains at the forefront of our national agenda,' Al Ateeqi said. 'It's essential to our vision of a world in which water is accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all.' With water scarcity high on the global agenda, this UAE-led initiative shines a spotlight on the power of technology, collaboration, and visionary leadership to build a water-secure future.
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