Explore Opportunities in the UAE for Water \;Resources &\; Equipment
\n\nThe UAE has grown very wealthy on its oil but knows an "\;oil-only"\; economy will be over in the not-to-distant future. Oil is a finite resource\, and the economic costs will become more acute as countries make policy changes to other forms of energy.
\n\nAdditionally\, the World Bank recently launched its "\;Thirsty Energy"\; initiative to explore how governments can enhance integrated waste-energy planning. \; The world'\;s energy &\; water systems are linked - huge amounts of water are needed in almost all energy-generating processes\; and the water sector needs energy to extract\, treat\, and transport water. \;
\n\nThe UAE currently has one of the highest levels of per capita electricity use in the world\, and 98% of the country'\;s water must go through the desalination process (which uses a lot of oil). \; In addition to using 32 million gallons of desalinated water a day\, it also loses about 30% of that water due to outdated systems and faulty infrastructure. \; Other environmental factors include desertification &\; beach pollution from oil spills.
\n\nCurrent initiatives underway include new building codes incorporating sustainable construction requirements in water &\; energy consumption\; and a goal to increase renewable energy production to 5% by 2030.
\n\nAbout Our Speaker:
\n\n
\;George Messiha
\n \;Commercial Specialist
\n \;U.S. Commercial Service&mdash\;Abu Dhabi
\n \;U.S. Department of Commerce
George Messiha \;is a Commercial Specialist for the U.S. Commercial Service office in Abu Dhabi\, UAE. \; Among his numerous industry portfolios\, George manages the "\;water resources equipment &\; services"\; industry sector and works to help U.S. companies compete &\; win in the United Arab Emirates. \;
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