Abu Dhabi: The Gulf countries, which are highly reliant on food imports and desalination of sea water and whose population is approaching the 50 million mark, urgently need a clear food and water security strategy, Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), said.

His remarks came on the eve of the ECSSR's 17th annual conference which will open today.

Al Suwaidi said an elite group of experts will participate in this conference, which is relevant for the Gulf's water and food security. Owing to its geographic location and climactic factors, Gulf countries are facing a severe shortage of fresh water resources.

A steady rise in population has also led to a growing demand for food and water.

Forward-looking view

"These circumstances necessitate a forward-looking view on the entire issue and deliberating means to tackle it in the years to come," Al Suwaidi said.

The high standard of living in the Gulf countries, which rely on desalination of sea water or groundwater to satisfy their need, has increased the consumption of fresh water.

According to estimates, the rate of consumption exceeds the global average. This has put pressure on available water resources and has led to a significant increase in the financial resources allocated for desalination projects.

Moreover, climate change, which aggravates the risk of desertification and leaves a negative impact on agriculture, causes significant rise in food prices. As a result, Gulf Arab countries depend largely on food imports amounting to up to 85 per cent of domestic needs.

The two-day conference, which will be held at the ECSSR's premises on Muroor Road, is dedicated to cover water and food security issues in the GCC, reflecting the interest shown by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on vital issues concerning the present and future of the country and keenness to acquire a long-term and clear vision to deal with the problem, according to Al Suwaidi.

"The awareness campaigns launched by various government agencies and the practical steps taken to rationalise water consumption are its prominent examples. This conference also reflects the ECSSR's commitment to raise vital issues facing the UAE and the Gulf region by conducting discussions and studies," he said.