Ecolab Watermark™ 2025: UAE’s Confidence in Water Security Surges as AI Redefines Sustainability

Ecolab has unveiled the UAE findings of its third annual Watermark™ Study, revealing a striking shift in public sentiment: growing confidence in the nation’s water security and strong belief in technology—particularly AI—as a catalyst for sustainable progress.

The study, which assesses global public attitudes toward water and climate challenges, positions the UAE as a leader in merging innovation with environmental stewardship.

AI’s Expanding Role: Opportunity and Challenge for Water Sustainability

Artificial intelligence is becoming a foundation of the UAE’s economic and innovation agenda, expected to contribute up to 14% of national GDP by 2030. But as AI scales, it brings new pressure points—especially water consumption from data centers used for cooling high-performance computing.

This year’s study highlights a rapidly evolving public perception of technology’s environmental footprint:

• 76% of UAE consumers want businesses to use AI to manage natural resources responsibly.

• 60% understand water’s role in AI infrastructure, compared with 76% who grasp its energy needs—underscoring a knowledge gap in AI’s water footprint.

• 74% believe AI will ultimately benefit society, reflecting strong trust in the UAE’s tech-first vision.

“AI brings extraordinary opportunity, but its growth must align with responsible water use,” said Stefan Umiastowski, Senior Vice President and CEO for India, Middle East & Africa at Ecolab. “Smart water management ensures innovation accelerates resilience rather than burdening essential resources.”

UAE Water Security: From Concern to Confidence

Under national strategies like Water Security 2036 and Net Zero 2050, the UAE has significantly strengthened its water resilience, inspiring public optimism and setting a benchmark for water-scarce nations.

The Watermark™ Study shows a noticeable decrease in public anxiety:

• 83% of consumers believe water scarcity can be effectively addressed.

• Concern about access to water dropped to 55% in 2025, down from 66% in 2024 and 70% in 2023.

As the UAE prepares to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, it is poised to amplify its global leadership in water innovation and sustainability.

“What’s clear is a mindset shift,” Umiastowski noted. “People now believe water challenges are solvable—and they’re eager to scale solutions.”

Growing Public Pressure on Businesses to Lead

The study reveals rising expectations for companies to take stronger action on climate and water use:

• 85% say businesses should invest in technology to mitigate the impact of climate change on water.

• 70% believe companies are reducing, reusing, and recycling water—above global averages.

• 58% trust businesses to use water in AI operations responsibly, even without regulation.

• 81% want more transparency around how companies use water.

Despite high confidence, a trust gap remains—80% believe the government is deeply committed to water conservation, compared with 67% for the private sector.

This rising demand for transparency presents a significant opportunity for companies to lead with measurable impact and clear communication.

A Collective Call for Action & Collaboration

The UAE public sees climate resilience as a shared responsibility:

• 83% say government should prioritize climate action.

• 82% expect businesses to do the same.

Partnerships between public institutions, private industry, and communities will be crucial to scaling sustainable water management.

“The UAE shows that sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand,” Umiastowski said. “The next step is turning ambition into measurable results—cutting water intensity while increasing business performance.”

A Global Lens on Water and Climate

The 2025 Ecolab Watermark™ Study, conducted by Morning Consult across major global regions, delivers a comprehensive view of how people perceive water’s role in innovation, climate resilience, and responsible business.

For the UAE, the message is clear: with advancing AI, ambitious national strategies, and rising public confidence, the nation stands at the forefront of a new era—where sustainability is driven by data, powered by innovation, and reinforced by trust.