The UAE is fast-tracking low-carbon economic growth to deliver new jobs, new industries and new revenue streams, said Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change.
He was speaking at the Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (Menacw2022). Dr Al Jaber explained that the UAE is adopting a comprehensive, balanced and proactive approach to climate action and the energy transition that delivers sustainable economic growth.
“As a young country, and a responsible energy leader, the UAE has always faced the future with a positive mindset, and addressed challenges head-on. This is why we stopped flaring 30 years before the World Bank asked the industry to do so. It’s why we achieved 0.01 per cent methane intensity 20 years before the global pledge asking for a gradual reduction. It’s why we began to capture C02 (carbon dioxide) on an industrial scale before the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) called it an essential tool for de-carbonisation. And it’s why we became the first hydrocarbon producer to power our operations with zero-carbon energy,” Dr. Al Jaber added.
He pointed out that the UAE was also the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, the first to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions, and the first to announce a Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The UAE has chosen to lead in these areas because it views climate challenges “not just as problems to fix, but as opportunities to seize,” he underlined.
While the world mobilises investments for a new energy economy and addresses the climate challenge, Dr. Al Jaber emphasised that recent events have “reminded us that we cannot simply switch off the current energy system”.
“We all need to recognise that the energy transition will take time and require sober, thoughtful planning. It is more evident now than ever before that this cannot be rushed. The push to divest from hydrocarbons has led to a supply crunch that is having the biggest impact on the most exposed. The clear lesson is that we should not adopt climate policies that lead to energy poverty. We need to keep investing in low-cost, low-carbon energy that can provide the baseload power that the world relies on,” said Dr. Al Jaber.
He had reiterated this message during his speech at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum held at Expo 2020 Dubai.
On climate finance, he said it can be an effective tool for climate action as he urged the international community to do more and fulfil the $100 billion climate pledge made to developing nations over a decade ago.
“The international community continues to fall short of the $100 billion climate finance pledge they made to developing nations over a decade ago. We need bold targets going forward and we need to start treating climate risks as potential global security risks.
“We have taken a partnership approach focused on projects in countries most exposed to climate risks because we know that local resilience builds global resilience. We have provided over $1 billion in climate aid to more than 40 countries. And our experience tells us that once concessional finance is there, private finance will follow.”
He concluded by extending the UAE’s invitation to governments, the private sector, financial institutions, and civil society to partner on solutions that make sense for our climate and the economy. He said, “We should not have to choose between the two. We can and we must make progress on both.”
The Mena Climate Week aims to accelerate collaboration and integrate climate action into global pandemic recovery. Other dignitaries present at the opening ceremony of this first edition included Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, minister of climate change and environment, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organisation (Wgeo) and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa); and Patricia Espinosa, E
executive secretary of UNFCCC.
Dubai has introduced a new Unified Health Screening service that combines residency medical fitness tests and occupational health examinations into one streamlined digital process, with residency permits issued automatically once medical results are approved.
Launched under the City Makers initiative, the service is designed to simplify procedures for residents, professionals and employers across sectors. Instead of completing separate medical fitness and occupational health screenings, applicants can now finish all required examinations in a single visit.
How the unified health screening works
Through a smart digital platform, applicants select their profession and the system automatically determines the required medical tests. Once completed and approved, the results are digitally integrated across government entities. Residency permits are then issued automatically, eliminating duplication, paperwork and additional processing time.
The service connects databases between key authorities, allowing secure and real-time data exchange. Officials say this improves efficiency, reduces errors and supports preventive planning as Dubai continues to grow economically and demographically.
Government integration across dubai
The initiative was developed in collaboration with:
Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai)
Dubai Municipality
Supreme Legislation Committee
Department of Finance
Officials described the launch as a “qualitative leap” in government integration, highlighting its role in automating processes, accelerating data exchange and improving customer experience.
The new system also supports inspection teams by providing access to real-time occupational health data, enhancing compliance monitoring and emergency preparedness.
Where the Service Is Available
The Unified Health Screening service is currently available at Dubai Health medical fitness centres, including:
Al Garhoud
Al Nahda
Al Karama
Al Yalayis
Bur Dubai
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Zabeel
Smart Salem Centres
Authorities confirmed that additional centres will be added in the next phase to meet growing demand.
What Is the City Makers Initiative?
The City Makers initiative promotes cross-government collaboration to deliver integrated, customer-focused public services across Dubai.
Dubai motorists will benefit from free mosque parking throughout Ramadan, while public parking across the city will include a daily two-hour free window around Maghrib.
Dubai’s public parking operator, Parkin, confirmed that all mosque-designated parking zones marked M and MP will be free all day during the holy month.
For regular public parking zones, fees will apply in two phases from Monday to Saturday:
8am to 6pm
8pm to 12 midnight
Parking will be free daily from 6pm to 8pm, giving residents a two-hour window around sunset when many are heading to Iftar or attending Maghrib prayers.
Sundays and public holidays will remain free, as per the standard policy.
Meanwhile, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) also confirmed that multi-storey parking facilities will continue operating 24 hours a day, although charges will apply as usual in those facilities.
The evening free period is expected to ease congestion near mosques and dining areas, particularly during peak Iftar hours when traffic volumes typically spike across the emirate.
Residents are advised to check signage carefully, especially in mixed-use areas, and ensure they are parked in designated mosque zones if relying on the full-day exemption.
Ramadan parking adjustments form part of Dubai’s annual measures aimed at easing mobility and supporting residents during the holy month.
Sharjah residents will find it easier than ever to give this Ramadan, as Sharjah Charity International rolls out a major digital and community-wide donation drive ahead of the holy month.
The charity has confirmed full readiness to receive Zakat and Ramadan donations, introducing new tech-enabled solutions alongside traditional giving channels to make contributions faster, safer and more accessible across the emirate.
Smart donation screens in malls
As part of the Ramadan 2026 campaign “Jood”, 18 smart donation screens have been installed in major shopping malls across Sharjah.
The digital platforms allow donors to contribute using:
Apple Pay
Samsung Pay
QR code scanning
Credit cards
The move replaces traditional collection methods with secure, cashless options designed for convenience during busy Ramadan evenings.
Thousands of donation boxes across emirate
Sharjah Charity International has also expanded its physical donation network, including:
6,729 small donation boxes in grocery stores across the emirate
100 donation boxes placed in mosques and public locations during Friday prayers, Taraweeh and Qiyam Al Lail
578 donation cabinets installed in mosques in coordination with the Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs
730 large donation boxes in hotels under the “Enmaa Al Khair” initiative
In addition, 83 electronic donation devices have been placed in hotels in partnership with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
Handheld devices and volunteers deployed
To support peak giving times, the association has introduced:
256 handheld donation devices linked directly to headquarters for secure transactions
54 customer service staff stationed at malls and government centres
100 vetted volunteers overseeing donation efforts during high-traffic prayer times
Officials say all systems are designed to ensure transparency, speed and secure processing.
Multiple ways to donate in Sharjah
Residents can also donate via:
The charity’s official website
SMS services
Smart donation links
Credit cards and bank transfers
Mobile app
Call centre (80014)
With digital tools and thousands of donation points across malls, mosques, hotels and grocery stores, Sharjah Charity International expects high community participation throughout Ramadan 2026.
