As recently as 40 years ago obtaining fresh water was a day-to-day challenge for many people living in the region.
As recently as 40 years ago obtaining fresh water was a day-to-day challenge for many people living in the region.

How to get water from the sun



As populations grow and the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, the world must face up to a shortage of water. More than one billion people do not have access to safe drinking water, according to recent figures from the International Atomic Energy Agency. More than 25 countries have reached the per capita water-poverty level, as defined by the UN, including the UAE, GCC and the surrounding countries in the Middle East and North African region.

For the UAE and other countries in a similar position, the challenge is as much about energy as it is about water. Among the critical areas of research at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi are how to tackle this water shortage and how to do so in an energy-efficient way. As recently as 40 years ago obtaining fresh water was a day-to-day challenge for many people living in the region. Yet through the introduction of desalination and water management, the UAE gained a viable and cost-effective alternative to the daily chore of securing fresh water. For many years, water was no longer in short supply.

Today, proven desalination technologies are used to help meet the needs and sustain the lives of people in over 120 countries. Worldwide, desalination plants produce more than 59.9 million cubic metres of fresh water per day. The UAE alone produces a massive 14 per cent of this. In simple terms, the popularity of desalination in countries such as the UAE and throughout the Middle East lies in the fact that it is actually cheaper and more secure to desalinate seawater than transport treated water to highly populated areas thousands of kilometres away from natural water resources.

Despite its many obvious benefits, desalination is not without its problems. It can be a very costly process in terms of energy usage and brine deposits, which contribute significantly to each UAE citizen's carbon footprint and add to the environmental concerns of the region. In response, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is committed to finding ways to help the people of Abu Dhabi and the world live more sustainably, tackling the inextricably linked issues of water supply and energy consumption.

As a research priority, desalination is high on the agenda for a number of postgraduate students and their faculty staff, including myself. It is our belief that solar energy is one of the keys to unlocking the water reserves of the world and ensuring supply meets the ever-growing demand, especially in Abu Dhabi. By harnessing the power of the sun, we are researching new processes in desalination which are cost-effective and limit the impact on the environment by reducing carbon-dioxide emissions. Such processes have obvious advantages for the sun-blessed UAE.

The abundance of potential energy through solar radiation in the Emirates provides the opportunity to couple desalination plants with solar-energy systems, supplying water in a more sustainable manner both economically and environmentally. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuel for desalination, hydrocarbons - an increasingly valuable resource - can be used for only the most essential products and as a valuable export, maintaining Abu Dhabi's position as a leading energy producer.

At Masdar Institute, our students are researching solar technologies from around the world and, by taking the best of each, are hoping to improve the efficiency of existing solar desalination plants by up to 50 per cent. Plants to benefit will include the first solar desalination plant in Abu Dhabi, an existing gas-fired plant located on Umm al Nar Island, about 20 kilometres to the east of Abu Dhabi city.

In addition to carbon-dioxide emissions, desalination produces large volumes of brine which can be highly damaging to the local environment. A key challenge is finding a way to use this brine. Part of my work involves supporting students in their research of methods to distil the brine and recover its salts and minerals for use in industry, to lessen the environmental and financial costs of the entire desalination process.

As an island, Abu Dhabi city has access to plenty of seawater, but inland in the emirate and in landlocked countries it is often necessary to rely on underground water reserves. In the UAE, these are often at least twice as salinated as seawater, meaning the desalination process can be almost impossible and highly energy-intensive. By using a combination of cutting-edge solar-energy technologies to maximise heat generation, trials are taking place in Masdar City on new and more economical ways of making hyper-saline water potable. It is critical research which could be replicated in many countries beyond the UAE.

On a smaller, domestic scale, simple solar stills and membrane-distillation techniques will be put on trial, in association with local and international companies, to allow remote households to desalinate their own water. In these ways, demands on the desalination plants in cities can be reduced, citizens can take the issue of water usage into their own hands and even the problems of urban migration, which are prevalent worldwide, may be stemmed.

For Emirati industry, these innovations could deliver huge savings and technology to develop new and diverse revenue streams, ensuring that the staff and students at Masdar Institute are contributing not just to the intellectual world of science but also driving business and industry in the Emirates. As part of my research, a patent has already been disclosed to improve existing desalination technologies and develop a new generation of giant desalination plants, ensuring that Abu Dhabi and cities of the future can continue to provide enough water for their growing populations without increasing the volume of fossil fuel required. Other patents are pending, and as they look for the next challenge beyond solar, several students are looking at ways to exploit even more of the renewable sources of energy in the region, such as geothermal.

The UAE has a vast depth of energy resources beyond oil and gas, and eventually beyond even solar. By bringing together the world's top scientists and the brightest students from the UAE and beyond, the Masdar Institute aims to become the world leader in the long-term fight to deliver clean water to the world through innovative and indigenous desalination technologies using solar energy.
Dr Hassan Fath is a leader of the R&D programme at Masdar Institute. He is an expert in desalination and energy technology.

Tank warfare

Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks. 

“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.

“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021

Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.

Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.

Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.

Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.

Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.

Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.

Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”

Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI. 

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now

Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape

Brief scoreline:

Wolves 3

Neves 28', Doherty 37', Jota 45' 2

Arsenal 1

Papastathopoulos 80'

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
ENGLAND%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EFor%20Euro%202024%20qualifers%20away%20to%20Malta%20on%20June%2016%20and%20at%20home%20to%20North%20Macedonia%20on%20June%2019%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Johnstone%2C%20Pickford%2C%20Ramsdale.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alexander-Arnold%2C%20Dunk%2C%20Guehi%2C%20Maguire%2C%20%20Mings%2C%20Shaw%2C%20Stones%2C%20Trippier%2C%20Walker.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bellingham%2C%20Eze%2C%20Gallagher%2C%20Henderson%2C%20%20Maddison%2C%20Phillips%2C%20Rice.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EForwards%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFoden%2C%20Grealish%2C%20Kane%2C%20Rashford%2C%20Saka%2C%20Wilson.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Power: 165hp

Torque: 240Nm

Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)

On sale: Now

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs

Price, base: Dhs850,000
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 591bhp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.3L / 100km

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months