The UAE has published a report titled Crosscurrents: Navigating the AI–Water–Energy Nexus, which addresses the water and energy demands tied to artificial intelligence across its entire value chain. This report was prepared by the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and supported by Eurasia Group analysis, ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Released during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, it emphasizes the need for integrating water considerations into the planning and infrastructure decisions surrounding AI. The report outlines five key recommendations for the international community, advocating for a global consensus on efficient water use in AI at the upcoming conference.
The report broadens the discussion of AI’s water usage beyond data centers to include semiconductor manufacturing and energy generation, urging a more integrated approach that combines water, energy, and urban development for long-term resilience.
It also emphasizes the role of renewable energy and innovative water management practices in reducing the water intensity of powering AI systems. Furthermore, it highlights how AI can itself contribute to improved water system efficiency, leak detection, and better resource management, advocating for a proactive rather than reactive approach to water crises.
Ultimately, Crosscurrents calls for a shift in perception regarding the AI-water-energy relationship, viewing it as a strategic issue that requires cross-sector and cross-border collaboration. This report follows the UAE’s earlier publication, Ripple Effect: Water Scarcity – The Hidden Threat to Global Security and Prosperity.
