Executive Council Resolution No. 182 of 2022 Concerning the General Policy for the Management, Regulation and Protection of Groundwater in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

This General Policy for the Management, Regulation, and Protection of Groundwater serves as a comprehensive document in which the Emirate of Abu Dhabi assesses the current state of groundwater. The overall goal is to ensure the sustainability of groundwater reserves that are suitable for use in the future to secure water supplies and promote sustainability in water uses. Subsequently, it implements essential measures to promote the integrated and efficient utilization of diverse water resources. This involves sustainable management, along with the regulation, supervision, and monitoring of groundwater resources. The strategic objectives of the document are (i) ensure the optimal use of groundwater and limit its wastage; (ii) ensure that a comprehensive knowledge of groundwater resources is achieved; (iii) promote the use of good irrigation techniques, methods, and practices that reduce groundwater consumption.
The fundamental principles pertaining to groundwater issues and utilization encompass: (i) Promoting the adoption of alternative water sources, such as recycled water, to reduce reliance on groundwater by consumers; (ii) Ensuring that both current and prospective users optimize and rationalize their groundwater usage with maximum efficiency; (iii) Allocating lands for agricultural purposes exclusively in non-restricted areas characterized by sustainable, long-term water resources; (iv) Educating consumers about the economic value of groundwater, emphasizing the significance of conservation, and advocating for judicious use; (v) Focusing on research and development as a foundation for anticipating future challenges and advancing innovative technical solutions that optimize the use and preservation of groundwater; (vi) Utilizing groundwater as an emergency water source in situations where it serves as a viable alternative.
On economic and social fronts, adopting alternative water sources is expected to sustain agricultural activities in regions facing declining groundwater quantity and quality. The shift towards cultivating higher-value crops with efficient water consumption is projected to gradually enhance agricultural products' overall value. The implementation of tailored programs and services for the agricultural sector aims to align more effectively with the needs of farmers in the context of water utilization. On the environmental side, the Policy will yield positive environmental impacts, including (i) a projected reduction of 650 million cubic meters in groundwater extraction by the year 2030; (ii) enhancement of the groundwater quality index at both local and federal levels; (iii) a targeted decrease in the ratio of water extraction to recharge from 24 to 16 times by 2030; (iv) the utilization of recycled water is anticipated to augment aquifer recharge in irrigated areas, both in terms of quality and quantity.