UAE plans to build 68 dams in the next five years, said Dr Mohammed Mustafa Al Mulla, deputy minister of water and soil affairs.

The plan aims at protecting the UAE’s natural water resources as well as meeting the increasing water requirements in the emirates, said a report in Khaleej Times.

Dr Mulla also revealed that the ministry was preparing a new federal law to protect the country’s water resources in a bid to meet the future water demand.

"The UAE already has 140 dams. By building more dams, we want to ensure the maximum usage of our water resources," Dr Mulla was quoted as saying.