FAB’s Groundbreaking Partnership with Water.org and WaterEquity
In a pivotal move ahead of World Environment Day, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has announced a strategic alliance with Water.org and its impact investment affiliate, WaterEquity. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing global access to safe water and sanitation.
Investing in Impact: The WaterEquity Everspring Fund
Central to this partnership is FAB’s investment in the WaterEquity Everspring Fund. This open-ended impact vehicle is dedicated to expanding water and sanitation access across emerging markets. By channeling private investment, FAB aims to address one of the world’s most critical, yet underfunded challenges.
Pioneering Financial Leadership in the MENA Region
FAB’s involvement positions it as the first commercial financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to partner directly with Water.org through an investment vehicle. This move underscores the bank’s leadership in capital deployment for impactful global causes.
Aligning with National and Global Agendas
The partnership is in alignment with the UAE’s national agenda, particularly the objectives of the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative. It also supports the UAE’s upcoming role as host of the UN Water Conference in December 2026. By aligning with these goals, FAB reinforces its commitment to sustainability and climate leadership.
Market-Based Solutions for Sustainable Growth
Through the WaterEquity Everspring Fund, capital is strategically deployed via local financial institutions. This approach provides affordable financing to low-income households and businesses, enabling scalable access to essential water and sanitation solutions.
Executive Perspectives on the Partnership
Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO at FAB, highlighted water’s critical role in economic resilience and sustainable growth. She emphasized that the partnership combines capital and expertise to support market-driven solutions with tangible impacts on water security.
Co-founders of Water.org, Gary White and Matt Damon, echoed these sentiments by noting the private sector’s pivotal role in bridging the water and sanitation financing gap. They praised FAB’s investment as a demonstration of how market-driven leadership can accelerate real and lasting change.
Commitment to Long-Term Impact
FAB has committed to reinvesting any gains from its investment to further Water.org’s mission. This commitment not only demonstrates the bank’s dedication to impactful financing but also sets a precedent for other financial institutions to follow.
By addressing global water security challenges through innovative financial solutions, FAB is not only advancing its strategic priorities but also contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development and climate adaptation.