Khalifa University and Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC have taken bold steps to address the global water crisis through breakthrough innovations that are both efficient and scalable.
Researchers at Khalifa University have engineered a solar-powered thermal distillation device capable of transforming seawater into fresh drinking water without creating harmful brine byproducts. This eco-friendly system harnesses sunlight to produce steam directly from the water’s surface and condenses it efficiently, minimizing energy loss.
Extensive testing with both real and synthetic seawater in Abu Dhabi confirmed the device’s ability to generate 2.2 liters of fresh water per square metre each day. The innovation has attracted attention from key stakeholders including ADNOC and is now registered under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in the United States.
Simultaneously, Dubai-based Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC, operating from the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, has developed a holistic solution to convert organic waste and wastewater into valuable outputs such as clean water, renewable power, and bio-fertilizers.
Their solar-powered mobile system integrates anaerobic digestion, advanced filtration, power generation, and intelligent monitoring using AI and blockchain. Already operational in countries like Egypt and Botswana, the solution provides up to 100,000 liters of potable water per day and has supported over 20,000 individuals in isolated regions. Its portable and modular setup makes it especially suitable for refugee camps and low-resource areas.
Both organisations were recognised for their contributions at the fourth edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, hosted by the UAE Water Aid Foundation as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
Khalifa University secured first place in the “Innovative Research and Development – National Institutions” category, while Green Waste Solutions won the award for “Innovative Projects – Large Projects.” The awards celebrated 12 winners representing eight nations in total.
About Khalifa University
The internationally top-ranked Khalifa University of Science and Technology is the one university in the UAE with the research and academic programs that address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing the UAE’s knowledge economy transformation and our rapidly evolving world.
Its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world. The university brings together the best in science, engineering and medicine in the UAE, to offer specialized degrees that can take promising high school graduates all the way to top-rated doctorate degree holders.
