Suqia UAE Projects in Tanzania Reach Over One Million

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), announced that the foundation’s projects in Tanzania have achieved remarkable success, exceeding their original goals. Supported by a generous grant from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the projects have provided clean drinking water to more than 1,024,000 people across various regions and villages in Tanzania. This milestone highlights the UAE’s continuous commitment to humanitarian service and global development.

The Suqia UAE projects were implemented in cooperation with the Emirates Red Crescent. They involved drilling new artesian wells, restoring existing water facilities, and improving local infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply. The initiative has reached both urban and rural areas, providing safe and sustainable water to schools, hospitals, and communities that previously faced severe water scarcity. The foundation’s efforts have not only improved health conditions but also enhanced the quality of life for thousands of families in Tanzania.

Al Tayer made this announcement while chairing the third Board of Trustees meeting of 2025. The meeting brought together key leaders and representatives from the UAE’s educational, humanitarian, and utility sectors. Among those present were Dr Sultan Rashid Al Ketbi, Deputy Secretary-General for International Aid at the Emirates Red Crescent; Prof Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology; Prof Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor of UAE University; Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation at DEWA; and other senior officials from DEWA and Suqia UAE.

During the meeting, members discussed plans to launch the fifth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, which will take place in the last quarter of 2025. This international award, managed by Suqia UAE, has a total prize pool of US$1 million. It recognizes and promotes innovative solutions that generate, desalinate, or purify water using renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, osmosis, and geothermal power. The award continues to encourage global innovators to create technologies that address water scarcity and improve sustainability.

In his remarks, Al Tayer reaffirmed Suqia’s dedication to strengthening the UAE’s leadership in global humanitarian work. He emphasized that Suqia UAE’s projects go beyond providing water—they contribute to sustainable community development, health improvement, and poverty reduction. The foundation’s humanitarian activities align with the UAE’s broader mission to support people in need and promote environmental responsibility across borders.

Since its establishment in 2015, Suqia UAE has implemented sustainable water projects benefiting around 15 million people across 37 countries. The foundation plays a vital role in addressing the global water crisis, particularly in communities that face severe shortages of clean water. Its international projects are designed to provide long-term access to safe water, reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, and empower communities through better living conditions.

Suqia UAE continues to work with key partners both within the UAE and internationally to expand the reach of its initiatives. Its partnerships with organizations like the Emirates Red Crescent and leading universities ensure that each project combines humanitarian goals with scientific innovation. By fostering cooperation across sectors, Suqia is creating sustainable solutions that not only address immediate needs but also build resilience against future challenges.

One of Suqia UAE’s main missions is to promote innovation in water technologies. Through initiatives such as the Global Water Award, the foundation supports research and encourages inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs to develop environmentally friendly ways to purify and desalinate water. By integrating renewable energy sources, these technologies aim to reduce costs, limit environmental damage, and ensure long-term access to water for vulnerable communities.

The success of Suqia’s Tanzania project demonstrates how effective planning and sustainable practices can transform lives. With over one million people gaining access to clean water, the initiative serves as a model for future humanitarian efforts in Africa and beyond. It shows how the UAE’s leadership vision and humanitarian generosity can create lasting social and economic benefits in developing regions.

Suqia UAE’s efforts in Tanzania reflect the UAE’s commitment to compassion, sustainability, and human development. Guided by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the foundation continues to deliver meaningful impact across the world. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication, Suqia UAE has turned its mission into a reality—bringing hope and clean water to millions who need it most, while reinforcing the UAE’s global reputation as a leader in humanitarian service and sustainable progress.