A worker checks the water level at Ajban Farms in Abu Dhabi. An expert has called for a registry that could help slow the depletion of the nation's groundwater.
A worker checks the water level at Ajban Farms in Abu Dhabi. An expert has called for a registry that could help slow the depletion of the nation's groundwater.

Water registry urged for farms



DUBAI // The UAE should keep a registry of all the water used on farms in an effort to reduce waste, a regional expert said this week.

Combined with new, water-saving techniques being introduced at farms across the country, the registry could slow the depletion of the nation's groundwater.

"What we will do is measure the exact amount of water needed by the plants," said Dr Naem Mazahrih, the new irrigation and water management specialist at the International Centre for Agriculture in the Dry Areas in Dubai. The centre, a regional body based in Syria, works in the UAE with the Ministry of Environment and Water.

Dr Mazahrih explained how the monitoring would work. "We take a sample from the soil and use a weighing laser meter, which is like a box. It's the most efficient way to measure water for plants."

That would help build a database of all the water used by agriculture. Once approved by the Ministry of Environment and Water, the scheme would take at least three years to complete.

Experts said that cannot happen soon enough. "A competent authority must provide the water budget for each registered farm based on the crops," said Shameer Babu, head of business development at GulfTech Group in Oman. "The usage should be strictly monitored."

Recent studies suggest the UAE's groundwater could be lost within 55 years if it is not used wisely. That, said Dr Mazahrih, means the problem needs to be tackled head on - with the farmers. "I will introduce new water meter sensors to farmers as well as soil moisture content techniques," he said.

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs

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Transmission: 10-speed automatic

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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million