Nicosia/Abu Dhabi (Enmaeya News) — The United Arab Emirates has stepped in to support Cyprus as the Mediterranean island grapples with a worsening water shortage, agreeing to supply free of charge portable desalination units to help bridge a critical supply gap during the peak summer season.
Announced on April 24, the agreement will see the UAE deliver units capable of producing up to 15,000 cubic meters (approximately 530,000 cubic feet) of drinkable water per day. The move comes after one of Cyprus’ five main desalination plants was severely damaged in a fire and amid the island’s second-driest winter in a decade, which has left reservoir levels below 25% capacity.
The portable units are expected to be deployed across various parts of the country, though Cypriot officials have yet to confirm specific locations or arrival dates. The water shortfall is especially concerning as Cyprus prepares for its high-tourism summer months, when demand for water typically surges.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Agriculture and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou played key roles in negotiating the agreement with Emirati officials. According to sources familiar with the talks, negotiations had been underway for several months but were fast-tracked as Cyprus confronted delays in restoring its damaged desalination plant, which is not expected to be operational until August.
“This is a critical show of solidarity and regional cooperation,” said a government spokesperson. “The UAE’s assistance will provide much-needed relief as we implement longer-term water resilience strategies.”
In addition to the UAE support, Cyprus plans to procure four additional mobile desalination units by autumn and build two permanent desalination plants. The government is also preparing a subsidy scheme to help hotels and private entities invest in on-site desalination technology.
The aid underscores growing Gulf involvement in regional infrastructure support, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas, and reflects the UAE’s broader strategy of leveraging technology-based diplomacy.
