Photo essay: How Abu Dhabi Golf Club is reducing its water use ahead of Cop28

The initiative began in June and aims to continue after the climate conference finishes

Greenkeepers at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi Golf Club has plans to reduce its water use by up to 35 per cent

'Less grass means less water, less water means lower costs,' says Kieren Pratt, the director of Abu Dhabi Golf Club

A greenkeeper at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Golf course assistant superintendent Sawal John inspects the grass test nursery at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Reducing water use means reducing the demand for power, which helps to cut harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide

Greenkeepers at work at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

By reducing water consumption, the club will help to ensure the availability of water for future generations

Abu Dhabi Golf Club is home to the 18-hole National Course and a nine-hole Garden Course

Abu Dhabi Golf Club in June began to reduce the use of grass and water

Abu Dhabi Golf Club is located in Khalifa City

Visitors of Cop28 are encouraged to use public transport during the two-week conference, reflecting the conference's commitment to reducing carbon footprints

Lush greenery surrounds Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home to the 18-hole National Course and nine-hole Garden Course.

The sprawling space in Khalifa City has a sleek clubhouse, dining options and used to be the site of the Abu Dubai HSBC Golf Championships.

Ahead of Cop28, the venue has begun to reduce its water usage, despite needing it to keep everything green. A new initiative involves reducing the amount of grass, and then concentrating on what remains to improve its quality and overall condition.

“The main reason behind reducing the usage of water and grass is the fact that less grass means less water, less water means lower costs,” Kieren Pratt, the director of Abu Dhabi Golf Club, tells The National.

An indirect benefit is that less energy is needed to pump and treat water, and reducing the demand for power also lowers harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide.

World leaders and ambassadors will gather in Dubai for Cop28 from November 30 to December 12, where they will discuss if enough has been done since Cop21's Paris Agreement to limit average global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

“The time is now for businesses and philanthropists to step up and play a leading role in helping the world meet net-zero pathways,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President-designate.

The event will include more than 300 discussions about climate change and sustainability. Organisers are expecting up to 70,000 people a day to visit the site.

Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation during the two-week conference to reflect the event's commitment to reducing carbon footprints.