Masdar and International Water Association collaborate to provide global platform for water solutions --- Inaugural summit to be held alongside World Future Energy Summit 2013

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 18 January, 2012 – The launch of the International Water Summit was announced collaboratively today by the Abu Dhabi government, Masdar and the International Water Association, providing a global platform to discuss and find solutions to the global challenges of water scarcity and security. The inaugural summit will take place alongside the World Future Energy Summit 2013 in Abu Dhabi.

"The launch of the International Water Summit in Abu Dhabi is a bold and clear signal that an economy based on oil is placing water at the topmost of its agenda," said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multifaceted renewable energy company. "This is a call to action: that we – both our nation and the world – need to enhance and increase research, create strategic action plans and find solutions to preserve and protect our water resources for future generations."

The UAE provides a strong example of the interconnection of energy and water in water-scare regions. More than 70 percent of the nation's overall water production and processing costs results from the energy required to desalinate, transport, store, forward and distribute water, demonstrating the pressing need for new approaches to water management.

In 2006, the leadership of Abu Dhabi established Masdar to maintain the UAE's energy leadership, and safeguard the longevity of its natural resources. Since 2008, Masdar has hosted the World Future Energy Summit which brings together world leaders, business executives and experts from around the globe in a collaborative effort to address world challenges, including energy and resource security.

"The success of the World Future Energy summit and continued progress of Masdar underscored the value of creating a global platform dedicated solely to addressing water scarcity," added Al Jaber.

Dr. Glen Daigger, president of the International Water Association (IWA) stated, "This forum provides the opportunity for leading water professionals to share their knowledge and experience with each other, thereby advancing our ability to serve the public and the planet as rapidly as possible."

IWA is the global network of water professionals, working every day to provide water and sanitation services which create healthy living conditions, fuel the economy, protect the environment and enhance living conditions for the citizens of planet earth.

"As a result of the increased pressure on this valuable resource – due to overpopulation, agricultural and economic growth and unsustainable consumption patterns – countries around the world are currently facing real problems with water resources," said the UAE Minister of Environment and Water, Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad. "This summit will be a key addition to the World Future Energy Summit and act as an integral driver in shedding light on these serious issues and finding tangible, global solutions."

About Masdar

Masdar is Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today's fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future - developing the "greenprint" for how we will live and work tomorrow. Backed by the stability and reputation of the Mubadala Development Company, the strategic investment company of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate's long-term vision for the future of energy.

For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit: www.masdar.ae