UAE Gaza water projects are strengthening essential supplies through six desalination plants, 121 wells, water tankers and a 7.5-kilometre pipeline, supporting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians facing severe water shortages.
ABU DHABI: The UAE is expanding its humanitarian efforts to improve access to clean drinking water in the Gaza Strip through desalination plants, well-drilling programmes and water distribution infrastructure. The UAE Gaza water projects form part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, which continues to support Palestinian families affected by prolonged water shortages.
According to details reported on October 8, 2026, the initiative includes six desalination plants, 121 water wells, 37 water tankers and 270 storage tanks. These measures aim to improve daily water availability for residents and displaced families across the territory.
Six desalination plants support Gaza’s water needs
The UAE established six desalination facilities on the Egyptian side of the border in December 2023 to supply drinking water to Gaza.
The facilities initially helped deliver water to approximately one million displaced Palestinians in Rafah, providing an important source of relief during a period of serious shortages.
In August 2025, the humanitarian operation expanded its water infrastructure with a 7.5-kilometre pipeline extending towards Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
The pipeline was reported to provide five million litres of water, serving approximately 700,000 people in southern Gaza.
The UAE Gaza water projects also include extending distribution networks, preparing collection points and maintaining essential infrastructure to improve access for communities.
Over 600,000 people benefit from water wells
Well-drilling is another major component of the UAE’s humanitarian response.
Under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, teams have drilled 121 wells, with approximately 600,000 people reported to benefit from the installations.
The operation has also delivered 37 water tankers, with the latest arriving in September 2026, to support water transportation across affected communities.
Additional assistance includes 20,000 gallons of water and 270 storage tanks designed to improve local storage and distribution.
Together, these facilities help families access water closer to their communities while supporting relief organisations working to meet daily needs.
Why reliable drinking water remains essential
Access to safe drinking water is vital for public health, household hygiene, food preparation and sanitation.
Water shortages can place additional pressure on hospitals, shelters and communities already facing difficult living conditions.
By combining desalination facilities with wells, pipelines and storage systems, the UAE’s humanitarian programme addresses both immediate requirements and essential water infrastructure.
Impact to expect
The UAE Gaza water projects could improve the reliability of drinking water supplies for vulnerable communities, reduce dependence on emergency deliveries and strengthen essential services. Continued infrastructure maintenance and effective distribution will remain important to sustaining these benefits, particularly in areas experiencing prolonged shortages.
The latest update highlights the UAE’s continuing focus on practical humanitarian assistance, with clean water access remaining a central part of its support for Palestinian civilians.
