Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, a homegrown UAE startup that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.

From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, UAE, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.

“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder. 

“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”

Stamp of UAE quality
All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.

Mission in a bottle

With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”

Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.

Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.

A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations that cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste,  it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder. 

The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.

Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.

More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.

In the spirit of generosity and unity reflected in the Year of Community, Abu Dhabi’s Awqaf and Minors Affairs Authority has launched the ‘Life Endowment’ campaign to support patients battling chronic diseases. The campaign, in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is being rolled out under the heartwarming slogan: “With You for Life.”

Dh1 Billion for Lifesaving Healthcare

The campaign is part of the larger Dh1 billion ‘Healthcare Endowment’ fund created in May 2024 in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and Ma’an (Authority of Social Contributions). This initiative ensures continuous funding for patients in need, helping them access treatments, medications, and psychological support.

It’s a long-term plan to make healthcare more accessible, especially for those who can’t afford it.

Why it matters

The ‘Life Endowment’ initiative:

• Helps patients with chronic conditions who need regular care
• Ensures sustainable funding for critical treatments
• Supports the UAE’s vision for community-driven healthcare
• Encourages social solidarity and collective giving

Community at the heart of care

Fahad Al Qassim, Director General of Abu Dhabi Awqaf, said:

“This campaign offers hope to those suffering and is a reflection of the UAE’s values of giving and humanity. We invite everyone to contribute and help build a healthy, sustainable society.”

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, added:

“This endowment puts the needs of patients first. It’s a sustainable way to fund care and improve lives.”

The campaign’s two donation channels are:

• Emirates Red Crescent – with a long history of humanitarian work
• Ma’an – Abu Dhabi’s official platform for social contributions

How the community can help

Ahmed Al Mazrouei from the Red Crescent said that endowments are a strong foundation for lasting charitable efforts. Abdulla Al Ameri from Ma’an emphasised the importance of uniting society to support healthcare and improve the quality of life for all.

What is an Endowment?
An endowment is a charitable donation where the principal amount is invested, and the returns are used to fund important causes, in this case, healthcare for the most vulnerable.

Doctors in the UAE who respond to life-threatening emergencies can now bypass certain traffic rules, thanks to a unique service called the ‘Bin Wariqa Service’.

The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Interior, allows approved doctors to use their own cars to reach hospitals quickly during urgent medical calls. It’s designed to help save lives by cutting down emergency response times.

What is the Bin Wariqa Service?

The service was introduced in July 2020 under the direction of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. It gives registered doctors special road privileges, including:

• Driving up to 40 km/h over the speed limit
• Using the hard shoulder
• Getting live support from traffic patrols

The idea is to ensure doctors can reach patients faster, even during heavy traffic.

Who can use it?

To qualify, doctors must:

• Belong to one of 13 approved critical medical specialities
• Be licensed
• Get Ministry approval
• Complete emergency driving training

How does it work?

When a doctor gets an emergency call:

1. They activate the service on the Ministry’s smart app (moiuae).
2. Their trip is tracked by the operations room, which helps guide them through traffic.
3. A green triangle device called a “lawah” is placed on their car to alert other drivers that it’s an emergency.

Keeping roads safe

The service is carefully monitored under Ministerial Resolution No. 248 of 2020. It ensures that doctors use special routes like road shoulders and bus lanes safely and only when needed. Live coordination with traffic teams ensures safety for everyone on the road.

Strong support from the medical community

So far, 97 per cent of eligible doctors have registered for the service, and it’s already helping reduce response times by up to 30 per cent.

A nod to medical heritage

The service is named after Saeed bin Wariqa Al Amri, a historic figure known for his work in traditional medicine and his service to the UAE’s founding leaders. It’s a modern tribute to the country’s deep respect for medical professionals.