First Abu Dhabi Bank pledges $27.2 billion for water and blue-economy financing

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has committed to mobilizing AED 100 billion ($27.2 billion) for water and blue-economy financing between 2026 and 2035. This target makes FAB the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to establish a dedicated water-related financing goal. The bank has also become the first MENA institution to sign the United Nations Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles.

The commitment is part of FAB’s broader AED 500 billion sustainable and transition finance target. The funds are intended to support sustainable water infrastructure, water management, and projects related to marine ecosystems and the wider blue economy.

These developments occur ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal in Abu Dhabi. The conference will feature a dedicated dialogue titled ‘Investments for Water’ to mobilize finance, technology, and innovation for water projects, reflecting a global push to involve the private sector and institutional investors in addressing water security.