Dubai, UAE – Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fresh Water Norway, aiming to explore expanding the water supply chain and bolster water security in the region.
The collaboration, which stands to support Fresh Water Norway’s UAE foothold and expand its water supply chain through the region, could see a staggering one billion litres of natural drinking water flow through Dubai every year, over a period of 50 years, DMCC said in a press statement.
The latest announcement is timed to coincide with DMCC’s plans to launch its own water centre – a move triggered in part by concerns about global water insecurity and volatility of supply.
The MoU is viewed as a core strategic collaboration for both parties.
Fresh Water Norway will be able to avail of DMCC’s services, global connections and network across supply chains and its ability to drive trade flows through Dubai.
“DMCC is very proud to partner with Fresh Water Norway. This is a critical time for our planet and more needs to be done urgently to deal with major environmental and social challenges such as global water insecurity and high water stress facing countries as well as the plastic crisis in our oceans,” Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said. “Fresh Water’s unique access to 1 billion litres of pure natural drinking water a year, combined with DMCC’s unrivalled trade infrastructure and connectivity, provides a significant opportunity to address the imminent global challenge in the long-term.”
Alf Andersen, Chairman, Fresh Water Norway, said that they were ready to export natural Norwegian drinking water to the region in collaboration with DMCC.
“Whether exported in bulk for emergency water supply and storage, or ready-made for market consumption in fully recyclable packaging, we are confident Fresh Water Norway’s presence in Dubai and the region will enhance access to pure natural drinking water, and significantly reduce use of plastics,“ he said.