Innovation

GWS represents a pioneering approach to water scarcity in the UAE through the innovative use of Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology. This innovative system extracts water vapor from the region’s abundant humidity—often a byproduct of its coastal climate—to produce sustainable and potable water. Saif AlYassi, the founder of GWS, was inspired by the critical need for alternative water sources in the Gulf region, which traditionally relies heavily on desalination. "What inspired me to start Ghaith Water System was because there is limited sources of drinkable water, especially in the Gulf region... I came up with an idea that we have a very high humidity percentage... so I think why we don't use that percentage and take the advantage of high percentage of humidity and convert it into something that can be useful," AlYassi explains.

The core of GWS’s innovation lies in its sustainable operation, primarily powered by solar energy, which ensures that the water production process is eco-friendly and does not contribute further to environmental degradation. AlYassi highlights, "I am running the whole system by using solar power so I don’t harm the environment anymore."

Moreover, GWS is not just an innovative solution for water production; it also aims to address broader environmental challenges such as reducing atmospheric humidity that can exacerbate fog and driving hazards. If used on a global scale, this could potentially help, "Maybe if we implement Ghaith Water System and highway and we use it, maybe we will reduce the fog and the humidity," AlYassi speculated, discussing the potential secondary benefits of the technology.

Under AlYassi’s leadership, GWS is committed to aligning its operations with the UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036, demonstrating a clear vision for sustainability and long-term impact. "One of the most important visions is to contribute with the UAE government to achieve water security strategy in 2036," AlYassi states, underscoring his commitment to both local and eventually global communities that suffer from water scarcity.

Through its innovative technology, strategic vision, and sustainable practices, Ghaith Water Systems stands at the forefront of addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the region while setting a model for global practices in sustainable water management.

Transforming Air Moisture to Drinkable Water

Inspiration

Original Idea Development

The idea for the GWS originated from the observation of high humidity levels in the Gulf region. The system uses atmospheric water generators to convert this humidity into drinkable water, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional water sources. The data showing high humidity levels in Bahrain and the UAE, particularly, directly relates to the motivation behind the GWS. In these regions, where humidity regularly exceeds 50%, the system utilizes atmospheric water generators to transform this abundant atmospheric moisture into drinkable water. This process not only offers a sustainable alternative to depleting groundwater reserves or costly desalination plants but also leverages the natural climatic conditions of the Gulf region to address its pressing water scarcity issues. Thus, the technology not only aligns with but is driven by regional climatic characteristics, showcasing a tailored approach to sustainability. This method is innovative because it uses the natural environmental conditions to solve a regional problem. One of the most important examples is Countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar are among the most water-stressed globally, using over 80% of their renewable water supplies annually. This puts them in the category of facing extreme water stress. As the CEO mentioned, "So I think why we don't use that…the advantage of a high percentage of humidity and convert it into something that can be useful".

Motivation and Purpose

The main motivation behind the GWS was to find a sustainable solution to the water scarcity issue in the Gulf region. This system is designed not only to supply clean water but also to reduce the environmental impact associated with other water procurement methods, such as desalination, which is energy-intensive. In the UAE, where desalinated water accounts for approximately 42% of the total water requirement, the process is inherently linked to high energy costs and environmental impacts due to its reliance on significant electricity consumption​. The GWS, which utilizes atmospheric humidity to generate drinkable water, emerges as a sustainable alternative. By harnessing the high humidity levels prevalent in the Gulf region, this system can potentially reduce reliance on costly and energy-intensive desalination processes.

Additionally, by powering the system with solar energy, it aligns with environmental conservation efforts while providing a viable solution to the region's water scarcity challenges. This not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable water sources but also offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional desalination methods. As Saif Alyassi stated, "Gaith Water System represents an extremely (effective) solution for additional water sources in the Gulf region," highlighting the system's potential to enhance water security by being more sustainable”.

Overall impact

Environmental and Societal Impact

GWS introduces a transformative solution to the UAE's pressing water scarcity issues, significantly impacting both environmental sustainability and societal well-being. By leveraging the region's high atmospheric humidity, GWS's innovative Atmospheric Water Generators provide a sustainable source of potable water, reducing the heavy reliance on energy-intensive desalination processes. "We are taking a lot of advantages in our environment to keep our environment in a green, eco-friendly way," explains Saif AlYassi, highlighting the use of solar power to operate these systems sustainably. Solar energy, a renewable and clean alternative to fossil fuels, reduces carbon emissions and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. Particularly abundant in the UAE, solar power provides a reliable and cost-effective energy source, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. This approach allows Ghaith Water Systems to promote sustainable industrial solutions that coexist with eco-friendly practices.

Impact on SDGs. Focus: SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

GWS's core mission aligns directly with ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In the UAE, water levels have declined by approximately one meter annually over the past 30 years, exacerbating reliance on desalination plants that pose environmental and health risks. To mitigate these risks, GWS addresses critical water shortages in an eco-friendly manner by converting atmospheric humidity into drinkable water. Saif AlYassi emphasizes, "By using the high percentage of humidity...we represent an extremely important solution for additional water sources in the Gulf region." This initiative not only improves access to clean water but also enhances public health by reducing waterborne diseases prevalent in areas with inadequate water supplies.

Future Prospects

Looking forward, GWS is set to expand its impact beyond local boundaries. "Maybe if we implement Ghaith Water System on highways and use it, maybe we will reduce the fog and the humidity," AlYassi speculates, suggesting potential new applications that could improve road safety and reduce weather-related disruptions. This innovative approach underpins theUAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036 and contributes to the Circular Economy Agenda 2031 by promoting resource efficiency and reducing environmental footprint.

Moreover, GWS supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation in water technology and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through its potential to enhance urban resilience. The integration of GWS technologies can transform urban infrastructure, making cities safer and more sustainable.

Business benefit

Expanding the Ghaith Water Systems to countries facing clean water scarcity offers significant business benefits, including market expansion, enhanced brand reputation, and long-term sustainability. By entering new markets, the company can tap into the growing demand for sustainable water solutions, increasing its customer base and revenue. This move also positions the company as a leader in environmental sustainability and social responsibility, attracting investors and partnerships that value corporate responsibility. Furthermore, adapting the system to different local conditions fosters innovation, improving the product while ensuring steady demand in regions with essential water needs GWS enhances its impact by tailoring its atmospheric water generators to various local conditions, fostering innovation and ensuring steady demand.

The systems are customized to handle different environmental factors, such as varying humidity and temperatures, and are integrated with local renewable energy sources like solar power to promote sustainability. Their scalable and modular design allows adaptation to the specific water needs of both small rural communities and large urban areas. Additionally, advanced filtration technologies are incorporated to meet regional water quality standards, ensuring the water produced is safe to drink regardless of local air quality. By engaging with community leaders and local governments, Ghaith Water Systems ensures that their solutions are well-aligned with the specific challenges and needs of each region, facilitating continuous improvement and adaptation of their technology through focused research and development. This strategy not only meets immediate water needs but also drives technological innovation, contributing to long-term water sustainability solutions.

This strategic expansion not only addresses a critical global issue but also secures a sustainable growth path for the business. As the Saif Alyassi quotes "At the moment I'm looking very forward to making this system available to countries that suffer from a shortage of drinkable water. And I aim to develop and expand locally, then benefit from the financial team and provide this system to the countries that suffer from a shortage of clean, drinkable water, and give them this technology for free.” In a business context, Ghaith Water Systems can adopt a tiered pricing model to support regions with water shortages. This involves charging higher prices in wealthier markets to subsidize the cost of providing the system for free or at a reduced cost in impoverished areas. Partnerships with NGOs or government grants can also help cover expenses, allowing the technology to be distributed where it's most needed while maintaining financial sustainability. This approach meets urgent water needs and supports a viable business model.

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Social and environmental benefit

GWS has been contributing to a deserted land, such as the one found throughout the UAE. In fact, GWS has been harnessing advanced technology to extract high-quality drinking water from the atmosphere, ensuring a renewable source of water and mitigating the strain on traditional water sources. This also contributes to UAE’s environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on groundwater and desalination, processes which are known for their high energy consumption and environmental impact.

Moreover, GWS’ emphasis on energy efficiency, with their AWGs using germicidal UV-C technology, underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship. UAE's abundant humidity reaches 70% throughout the country (GulfNews, 2018). According to GWS website, Ghaith Water Systems maximizes water production while minimizing energy consumption, thus reducing carbon emissions and advancing the nation's sustainability agenda such as the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 or the NetZero2050.

Since its creation back in 2022, GWS has been positively impacting society through more drinkable water from a source that was previously ignored in a sustainable manner. GWS efforts align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Considering Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

GWS provides a vital resource for communities and the global agenda of sustainable development, even in countries that have never experienced such dryness as in desertic lands, such as Australiawith few rain and its increasing population water demand, and various European countries that had never experienced water scarcity as nowadays. such as Spain that according to the United Nations, 75%of the country is in the desertification process. As climate change continues to be a pressing issue, global warming will inevitably affect temperatures in colder regions, making them more dependent on these innovative technologies.

Interview

Saif AlYassi, CEO