The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed a landmark agreement with Goldman Sachs International, marking the first-of-its-kind collaboration between a government entity in Abu Dhabi and the global financial institution.
The partnership aims to explore innovative financing models that enhance the emirate’s long-term water security while advancing its sustainable economic development goals.
Under the agreement, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) and Goldman Sachs will collaborate to attract foreign direct investment, establish public-private partnerships, and launch joint initiatives aimed at modernizing water infrastructure.
The partnership will focus on deploying advanced treatment technologies, strengthening the resilience of water networks, and exploring asset monetization strategies to unlock private capital for critical infrastructure projects.
Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said that, “This visit reflects our commitment to fostering international cooperation and expanding strategic partnerships that advance Abu Dhabi’s sustainable transformation in the energy and water sectors. By learning firsthand from US regulatory and technological models, we can draw on best practices to shape effective policies and develop smart, future-ready infrastructure that meets the challenges of tomorrow.”
Dr. Al Jarwan highlighted that the AD.WE platform was also presented as a cutting-edge national tool designed to support the sector’s digital transformation by harnessing artificial intelligence and predictive analytics for efficient resource management, noting significant interest from US partners in research, technological innovation, and joint investment opportunities in sustainable infrastructure.
Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan Chairman Abu Dhabi DoE
“Water security is a central pillar of Abu Dhabi’s broader energy transition agenda. Our partnership with a global financial institution like Goldman Sachs reflects the emirate’s commitment to attracting world-class expertise and investments to deliver flexible, efficient, and future-ready water systems. This DoE- Goldman Sachs agreement lays the groundwork for solutions that are economically viable, environmentally responsible, and socially beneficial, in line with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Water Resources Management Framework.”
The agreement focuses on reducing network losses, scaling next-generation desalination technologies powered by clean energy, and fostering a culture of conservation, reaffirming the positioning of the UAE and Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for sustainable utilities.
The DoE- Goldman Sachs agreement is fully aligned with DoE’s strategic framework, which aims to increase private sector participation and attract up to AED400 billion in foreign investment in the energy and water sectors by 2050.
The mission resulted in the signing of cooperation frameworks, the establishment of joint task forces, the launch of knowledge-sharing programs, and the implementation of pilot projects in AI, energy storage, and water efficiency. Agreements were also made to host US institutions and companies at the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Week 2026.
According to the statement, the DoE aims to leverage this visit to adopt global best practices across energy, water, and agriculture, establish a business development platform in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and forge strategic partnerships with leading research centers, universities, entrepreneurs, investment companies, and sovereign funds.
