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 a regional first, Air Arabia has rolled out stablecoin-based payments for flight bookings, giving travellers a new, secure way to pay.

The Sharjah-based low-cost carrier has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) to accept AE Coin, the UAE’s first AED-backed stablecoin, through the AEC Wallet App.

What’s new:

Air Arabia customers can now book flights using AE Coin directly via the airline’s website by choosing the AEC Wallet at checkout.

Backed 1:1 by the UAE dirham, AE Coin offers price stability, lower transaction fees, and enhanced payment security, making it an attractive alternative to traditional payment methods.

A step into digital finance

“This partnership enhances the customer experience through smart, flexible payment options,” said Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia.

AE Coin is part of the UAE’s broader push to create a digitally empowered financial ecosystem. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are pegged to assets like fiat currencies or gold to ensure minimal volatility.

“This collaboration simplifies travel payments,” added Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank.

One of Abu Dhabi’s long-standing Pakistani restaurants, Pak Ravi, has been ordered to shut down by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), sparking disappointment among foodies. The closure was part of a broader crackdown that saw a total of five restaurants and one supermarket shut this week for violating food safety regulations.

In a post shared on Instagram, ADAFSA revealed that the closures were the result of routine inspections aimed at ensuring public health and safety. The authority reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violations that endanger residents’ well-being.

Along with Pak Ravi, the establishments ordered to close include Lahore Garden Grill Restaurant and Cafeteria, Karak Future Cafeteria, Salty Desi Darbar Restaurant, Al Maqamcorner Restaurant, and Rich and Fresh Supermarket.

The specific violations committed by these businesses were not detailed, but ADAFSA said the actions were taken in accordance with Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food safety in the emirate and its executive regulations. This law empowers authorities to take administrative action, including suspension and closure, against outlets that fail to meet hygiene and safety standards.

Just a day earlier, another restaurant, Rupashi Bangla Restaurant, located on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, was also shut down after inspectors found it to be in serious breach of food safety laws. Officials said the Bengali eatery posed a direct threat to public health, and it has since been served an administrative closure order.

Food safety officials in the capital conduct regular inspections of restaurants, supermarkets, and other food establishments across the emirate. The goal, they say, is to ensure that businesses adhere to strict hygiene practices and protect consumer health.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected violations or unsafe practices by contacting the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800 555.