In 24 June 2014, Vice President and Prime Minster of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched UAE Water Aid (Suqia), a campaign aims to provide drinking water for five million people around the globe. The campaign activities included drilling wells and providing water pumps and water purification equipment.

In 28 June 2014, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced the beginning of Suqia activities with participation from public and private organizations and UAE’s citizens and residents.

In 15 July 2014, Sheikh Mohammed announced the establishing of UAE Water Aid Foundation, and in 1 January 2015 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No (3) of 2015 establishing the Foundation and Decree No. (8) of 2015 forming the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Pursuant to the Law, UAE Water Aid Foundation is a a non-profit organization aiming to finding sustainable solutions to water shortage through the use of solar energy to desalinate and purify water. Suqia also aims to improve access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities. The law details the terms of reference which include providing drinking water to disadvantaged people around the world and developing permanent solutions to water scarcity using modern technologies. As per the law, the foundation is entitled to finance and support water technologies projects combating drought as well as developing sustainable solutions to water purification and desalination using solar energy.

Decree No. (8) of 2015 assigned DEWA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer as Chairman of Suqia Board of Trustees, with the membership of one representative each from Ministry of International Cooperation and Development, UAE Red Crescent Authority, UAE University, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, and two representatives from DEWA.

Objectives of UAE Water Aid include:

•     Bolstering UAE’s contribution as a key player in international sustainable development and humanitarian work.
•     Finding sustainable solutions to water shortage through the use of solar energy to desalinate and purify water
•     Improve access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities.
•     Support partnerships with regional and international NGOs, institutions, national governments, service providers and private sectors to overcome water shortage.

Providing drinking water to disadvantaged people around the world and developing permanent solutions to water scarcity using modern technologies.