International experts converge at the Water Reuse Technology Forum organised by Dubai Techno Park and IDA

The two-day event based on the theme, 'Water Reuse in the 21st Century', is being held at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 12-13 March 2005.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Techno Park and Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation said, "Water is the most precious and limited natural resource. In the Gulf region, more than 80 per cent of surface water and ground water from subterranean aquifers is used for agricultural purposes. The resultant salinisation due to excessive use of water in irrigation and other industrial activities and the runoffs are a big concern for countries in the region."

"Dubai Techno Park, formed under the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, has a tertiary focus on Water, Energy and the Environment, and seeks to provide a model to the region by establishing a sustainable environment, where industries and businesses thrive, while limiting the social and environmental costs," he added.

The conference will be an in depth assessment of water reuse technology, and examine why this needs to be a major part of all regional water management and development programs. Membrane users, water agency professionals, engineers and suppliers, involved in water treatment and supply, participating in the forum are expected to benefit by interacting with international experts in the area and will be exposed to the latest technology in water reuse.

The forum features various interactive sessions on water reuse in the Gulf, NeWater program in Singapore, Water Factory 21, Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) and other technical and technological tools for water reuse and its utilisation.

Dubai Techno Park represents the IDA in Dubai and is purpose-designed to attract foreign investment in research of oil and gas, desalination and environment management. The zone is a base for some of the world leaders in the technology sector and enjoys the endorsement of the Government of Dubai as well as many private and semi private organisations based in the region.

The conference is first of the series of international water forums that will be organised jointly with the Techno Park, to provide leadership in water technologies and management.

"By hosting this conference, Dubai Techno Park and the Emirate of Dubai have demonstrated its commitment to the cause of sustainable development, and our desire to provide leadership in adapting cutting edge water technologies and management principles. The conference also paves the way for us to demonstrate the bold initiatives we have undertaken in social and environmental engineering that assures quality of life. Desalination should form an integral part of development plans in the region, to ensure adequate availability of water for future generations, " concluded bin Sulayem.