The UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has introduced a new Geospatial Data Platform for Agriculture and Water Resources.

This initiative aims to boost sustainability in agriculture and enhance water resource management. The platform is expected to reduce groundwater usage in agriculture by 2% and increase the utilization of unconventional water resources by 8-13% by 2027.

The platform also aims to enhance water productivity by promoting more efficient agricultural practices and strengthening food security through improved local produce and innovative farming strategies.

With its user-friendly interface and precise geospatial maps, the platform offers farmers and government entities access to comprehensive agricultural and water-related data. This information can be analyzed to inform decision-making, improve water demand management, and foster the adoption of sustainable solutions and practices.

Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, described the platform as an advanced system that revolutionizes the management of natural resources. He highlighted its ability to provide up-to-date and accurate data on crop production, water use, land use, and water quality, supporting more informed decision-making for sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water management.

Al Hammadi further explained that the platform, aligned with the National Water and Energy Demand Side Management Program, creates an integrated geospatial database that promotes sustainable agriculture and water management. This helps improve water use efficiency, boost local agricultural production, and enhance agricultural planning, risk management, and water resource monitoring.