UAE desalination units arrive just in time
President Christodoulides has announced that Cyprus’s looming summer water crisis has been “solved”—thanks to mobile desalination units donated by the United Arab Emirates.
In a televised interview with ANT1, the president said that, in light of the excellent diplomatic ties between Nicosia and Abu Dhabi, the government approached the UAE to seek an emergency solution.
What’s being delivered?
The solution involves 15 mobile desalination units, each capable of producing 1,100 cubic metres of water per day. These units will provide enough supply to cover national water needs throughout 2025, giving the Cypriot government time to implement its longer-term water management measures, scheduled to begin next year.
More than a donation
The desalination units are being provided completely free of charge to the Republic of Cyprus, as part of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
President Christodoulides also highlighted previous cooperation between the two nations—particularly the “Amalthea” humanitarian corridor, further illustrating the strong political and humanitarian ties.
A relief, not a resolution
While the donated units provide immediate relief, experts continue to warn that Cyprus must invest in long-term, climate-resilient infrastructure to prevent future water crises. Still, for now, this diplomatic gesture has bought the country vital time.
Also read: Cyprus and UAE ministers discuss regional developments