NYU Abu Dhabi Water Research Center Named UAE’s Sole Qualified Team in Track B of Global XPRIZE Water Scarcity Competition

The NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Water Research Center has been selected as a Qualified Team in the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, one of the world’s largest initiatives addressing the urgent global challenge of freshwater availability.

Led by Professor of Engineering and Director of the Water Research Center Nidal Hilal, the NYUAD team is the only one from the UAE qualified under Track B – Novel Materials and Methods, which focuses on next-generation solutions for desalination.

The team’s selection recognizes its pioneering work on surface-patterned membranes that integrate built-in spacers, increasing energy efficiency by up to 20 percent while improving durability and scalability. This innovation could significantly reduce the energy footprint of desalination processes, offering a cost-effective and sustainable pathway to freshwater production.

Hilal noted the project’s local and global relevance, as it enhances desalination systems vital to water security in arid regions like the UAE while contributing to worldwide efforts to ensure sustainable water access. “Our membrane design has the potential to enhance existing desalination systems and contribute to securing water resources for generations to come,” he said.

As a Qualified Team, the NYUAD researchers will advance to the next stage of the multi-year competition, during which projects will undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate technical maturity and real-world application.

“Our membrane design has the potential to enhance existing desalination systems and contribute to securing water resources for generations to come.”