{"id":13705,"date":"2019-07-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/?post_type=perspectives&p=13705"},"modified":"2026-04-24T12:40:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T12:40:26","slug":"troubled-waters-and-the-path-to-success","status":"publish","type":"perspectives","link":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/troubled-waters-and-the-path-to-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Troubled waters and the path to success"},"content":{"rendered":"

How Abdul Latif Jameel is using its expertise to fight one of mankind’s biggest challenges.<\/h4>\n

By Fady M. Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Only a handful of challenges are large enough to unite humanity in a common cause. \u00a0Climate change is one, prompting the development of new methods and technologies designed to provide long-term, sustainable environmental solutions for the generations to come. \u00a0The battle for tolerance and against terrorism is another. \u00a0And now, more than ever, a new and even greater and more potent threat is demanding our world\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

Water stress and water scarcity is now a challenge so great that it can no longer be ignored. \u00a0Water use has increased by approximately 1% each year for the last 30 years[1]<\/a>, with more than two billion people now living in countries experiencing high water stress[2]<\/a>. \u00a0Approximately two-thirds of the world\u2019s population (roughly four billion people) are forced to endure water stress for at least one month each year[3]<\/a>. \u00a0In the Middle East alone, 6% of the world\u2019s population are forced to survive on just 1% of the world\u2019s freshwater.<\/p>\n

Nineteen countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have total renewable water resources (TRWR) of less than 500m3<\/sup> per person per year[4]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The latest research from the United Nations suggest 30% of the world does not have access to safe drinking water[5]<\/a>, and in 2018, water crises<\/a> were named by the World Economic Forum as the fifth greatest global risk[6]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

These statistics could go on and on, highlighting the cruel irony of a world where, despite having vast water resources in our oceans and ice caps, only a tiny fraction is available to us and huge swathes of the planet\u2019s inhabitants do not have enough water to live on.\u00a0 It is clear that smart and swift action is needed to tackle this issue, sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

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Technical prowess, practical solutions<\/h2>\n

Through Almar Water Solutions<\/a>, which was established in early 2017, as a key part of the expansion and diversification strategy executed by Abdul Latif Jameel Energy<\/a>, we are already working hard to tackle the challenges of water scarcity and contamination.<\/p>\n

Almar Water Solutions is a specialist provider of technical capabilities for water infrastructure development, including design, financing and operation.\u00a0 It has proven to be the ideal complement to Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV<\/a>), the renewable energy arm of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy.<\/p>\n

Our impact is already starting to bear fruit in three different MENAT countries: Egypt, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia<\/a>, as well as in Kenya<\/a>.\u00a0 In time, we aim to spread our water expertise around the world, taking knowledge and best practice to new areas and providing water solutions that ensure the ongoing health of the next generation. \u00a0So, while we recognize the scale of the task ahead of us, we are determined to make an impact on this issue \u2013 and a significant one at that.<\/p>\n

Four projects are demonstrating both our intent and capability.<\/p>\n

In Egypt, water infrastructure has grown significantly in recent decades.\u00a0 However, approximately 7.3 million people still do not have access to safe water[7]<\/a>.\u00a0 Where investment has been made, it has largely focused on creating a reliable supply to developed urban populations.\u00a0 Those living in rural areas or urban slums have not benefitted to the same extent and risk being left behind, with 8.4 million people also deprived of access to improved sanitation[8]<\/a>.\u00a0 Those living in Egypt\u2019s rural areas and urban slums are much more likely to encounter disease, and suffer from resulting problems in health and nutrition, is a situation we have been keen to help resolve.<\/p>\n

To start to tackle this issue, we have agreed a joint partnership<\/a> with HA Utilities (HAU<\/a>), part of Hassan Allam Holding (HAH<\/a>).\u00a0 Through this new partnership, Almar Water Solutions will be centrally involved in water and waste-water management across Egypt, as well as the development of build-operate-transfer (BOT) and build-own-operate (BOO) projects. \u00a0My colleague Carlos Cosin, CEO of Almar Water Solutions, believes the joint venture gives us an \u201cexceptional opportunity\u201d <\/em>to contribute to Egypt\u2019s future.\u00a0 He is correct in that assessment.<\/p>\n