FAB partners with Water.org and WaterEquity to advance global water security
Strategic investment supports access to clean water and sanitation across emerging markets
Abu Dhabi: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) today (June 4) announced, ahead of World Environment Day, a strategic partnership with Water.org and its affiliated impact investment manager, WaterEquity.
As part of this partnership, FAB has invested in the WaterEquity Everspring Fund, an open-ended impact vehicle focused exclusively on expanding access to safe water and sanitation across emerging markets.
Water.org is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to improving access to water and sanitation, while WaterEquity channels private investment into addressing this critical sector.
This milestone establishes a platform for ongoing collaboration between FAB, Water.org, and WaterEquity to advance water and sanitation access through market-based financing solutions.
FAB becomes the first commercial financial institution in the MENA region to partner with both organisations through a direct investment vehicle, demonstrating leadership in deploying capital for impact. The bank also committed to directing any gains from its investment toward furthering Water.org’s mission.
The partnership reflects FAB’s commitment to water as a strategic priority, recognising its essential role in climate adaptation, resilience, public health, and economic stability. By directing private investment toward one of the world’s most underfunded global challenges, FAB reinforces the role of financial institutions in delivering scalable, high-impact solutions.
Through the WaterEquity Everspring Fund, capital is deployed via local financial institutions to provide affordable financing to low-income households and businesses, enabling access to water and sanitation solutions at scale.
The partnership aligns with the UAE’s national agenda to advance global water security, including the objectives of the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, and supports the UAE’s role as host of the UN Water Conference in December 2026.
FAB’s engagement highlights how national priorities can translate into practical private-sector action, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainability and climate leadership.
Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer at FAB, said: “Water is fundamental to economic resilience, sustainable growth, and long-term stability. Through this partnership, we are combining capital and expertise to support scalable, market-based solutions that advance water security and deliver meaningful impact.”
Gary White and Matt Damon, Co-founders of Water.org, added: “The private sector has both the tools and the opportunity to help close the water and sanitation financing gap. FAB’s investment demonstrates how market-driven leadership can accelerate impact, enabling millions to gain access to safe water and sanitation while driving real and lasting change.”