A research paper from UAE University in Al Ain confirms what residents fear most: the water resources of Dubai are insufficient.
It is unsurprising when viewing the vast amount of development taking place within the emirate, combined with what, to many, appears a profligate use of water, as if it was an inexhaustible resource.
For many years now the various water authorities within the UAE have called upon residents to be more sparing in their usage of water, but such pleas seem to have fallen on deaf, or uncaring, ears.
Still people can be seen washing down their sandy driveways, in an attempt to maintain a pristine surface.
Still there are people who use hoes to wash their cars with carefree abandon that each gallon that flows through the hosepipe is a gallon less for more essential purposes.
It is said "you only miss something once it is gone". It is to be hoped this is never used in relation to water supplies.
