First published: 04-Jun-2026 12:28:53

Abu Dhabi, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s global bank and one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions, announced today, on the eve of World Environment Day, the signing of a strategic partnership with Water.org and its targeted investment management company, WaterEquity .

As part of this partnership, the bank invested in the WaterEquity Everspring Fund, an open-ended fund for purposeful and impactful investments, which focuses exclusively on expanding access to clean and safe water and sanitation services in emerging markets .

Water.org is a global non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to water and sanitation services, while WaterEquity directs private sector investments to address the challenges associated with this vital sector .

This step marks a significant milestone, establishing a platform for ongoing collaboration between First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Water.org , and WaterEquity to enhance access to water and sanitation services through market-based financing solutions. FAB thus becomes the first commercial financial institution in the MENA region to partner with these organizations through a direct investment instrument, reflecting its leadership in deploying capital for positive impact, including investing in WaterEquity with a commitment to directing any returns to support Water.org 's mission and objectives.

This partnership also reflects First Abu Dhabi Bank’s commitment to enhancing water security as a strategic priority, given its pivotal role in climate change adaptation, resilience, public health improvement, and economic stability. By directing private investment toward one of the world’s most acutely underfunded challenges, the bank underscores the vital role of financial institutions in providing scalable and impactful solutions. Through WaterEquity Everspring , capital is channeled through local financial institutions to provide affordable financing solutions for low-income households and businesses, enabling widespread access to water and sanitation services.

The partnership aligns with the UAE’s national agenda to enhance global water security, including the goals of the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, and reinforces the country’s leading position as the host of the United Nations Water Conference scheduled for December 2026. This collaboration reflects the translation of national priorities into practical, private sector-led initiatives, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainability and climate action leadership .

Commenting on the importance of this partnership, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank, said: “Water is a fundamental element for achieving economic resilience, sustainable growth, and long-term stability. Through our partnership with Water.org and WaterEquity , we are combining capital and specialized expertise to support scalable, market-driven solutions that contribute to enhancing water security and achieving a tangible positive impact. This investment reflects our commitment to supporting innovative financing models capable of addressing global challenges while delivering sustainable value to communities and economies.”

Gary White and Matt Damon, co-founders of Water.org , said : “ The private sector has the tools and the opportunity to help address the funding gap for water and sanitation projects. Past experience has shown what can be achieved, with more than 88 million people gaining access to safe water or sanitation solutions after receiving small loans that helped them secure these services in their homes. First Abu Dhabi Bank’s investment in the WaterEquity Everspring Fund is a model of financial institutions’ commitment and leadership in market-based solutions, accelerating positive impact and demonstrating to the financial community that investing in the water and sanitation sector can deliver tangible social progress and create sustainable change on the ground .”

This partnership is an extension of First Abu Dhabi Bank’s sustainable finance agenda and its focus on financing related to protecting natural resources, including its pioneering role as the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa region to issue a report in accordance with the Nature-Related Financial Disclosures ( TNFD ) Working Group framework, and the first bank in the GCC countries to issue blue bonds.

About First Abu Dhabi Bank:

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is the financial and commercial gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, FAB operates in more than 20 markets worldwide. With total assets of AED 1.49 trillion (US$ 406 billion) as of the end of March 2026 , FAB is one of the world’s largest banking groups. The bank offers financial expertise to its corporate and individual clients through three business units: Investment and Markets Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, and Retail, Business and Wealth Banking, including a premium client portfolio.

The bank is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and is rated ( Aa3 / AA- / AA- ) by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, respectively, with a stable outlook.

In terms of sustainability, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has been awarded an “ AA ” rating in environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices according to MSCI ratings, ranking first among banks in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is also ranked among the top global banks according to the sustainability indicators issued by the London Stock Exchange Group ( LSEG ), formerly known as Refinitiv’s ESG ratings.

The bank also received the best environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk rating among global banks, with a low level of risk.

For more information, please visit the website: www.bankfab.com

For the latest disclosures and data from the bank, please visit: relations-fab/investor-ae/about-www.bankfab.com/en

For investor-related inquiries, please contact the First Abu Dhabi Bank Investor Relations team at: ir@bankfab.com

About Water.org

Water.org is a global non-profit organization that has positively impacted the lives of more than 88 million people worldwide by expanding access to safe, clean water and sanitation. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, the organization uses innovative, market-driven solutions to address the global water crisis. For over 30 years, Water.org has empowered women, improved the health of children and families, and enhanced the quality of life and future opportunities for communities around the world. For more information, please visit https://water.org .

Media communication

Kate McGedey
Senior Director of Public Relations

cmcgeady@water.org

About WaterEquity

WaterEquity is an asset management firm focused on directing private investments to the water and sanitation sectors in emerging and frontier markets. The firm invests in financial institutions, companies, and infrastructure that contribute to providing safe water and sanitation solutions for low-income communities, while also seeking investment returns for its investors . Since 2016, the firm has successfully raised over $485 million in committed venture capital and improved access to safe water or sanitation solutions for more than 9.7 million people. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, founders of Water.org , WaterEquity draws on decades of experience investing in the water and sanitation sectors across emerging markets. For more information, please visit WaterEquity.com .

About the United Nations Water Conference 2026

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Senegal are jointly hosting the United Nations Water Conference 2026, which aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which is to ensure the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all .

The conference represents the culmination of extensive global dialogue and multilateral international consultations, including the high-level preparatory meeting held in Dakar, Senegal, in January 2026, along with ongoing efforts to engage leaders from various sectors, including the private sector, the financial and investment communities, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, and youth. The preparatory process also brings together 12 co-chairs who will lead six interactive dialogue sessions aimed at developing ambitious, inclusive, and innovative solutions . As the co-hosts of the conference, the UAE and Senegal invite all stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to developing transformative policy, technical, and solutions that address the scale and challenges of global water and sanitation issues. The two countries aim to organize a results-oriented conference that will improve the lives of communities, restore ecosystems, and accelerate access to clean water and sanitation services for all .

The United Nations Water Conference 2026 is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026.

-I finish-

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