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.
If your drive home felt a little smoother today, you aren’t imagining it. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) just wrapped up a massive 13km road enhancement project across 18 different Dubai neighbourhoods.
We’re talking new pavement, better street lighting, and smarter roadside parking, all designed to make your daily point A to point B a whole lot easier.
40% faster journeys
The Director of Roads at RTA, Hamad Al Shehhi, confirmed that these upgrades aren’t just about looks. By paving previously unpaved sections and tightening up the road networks, the RTA has managed to slash journey times by up to 40% in these areas.
Is your neighbourhood on this list?
The project was rolled out in phases to cover a massive chunk of the city. Here are the 18 residential areas that just got a major makeover:
North & East: Al Khawaneej 1, Al Mizhar 1 & 2, Al Twar 1, Al Rashidiya, Mirdif, and Muhaisnah 1.
Central: Jumeirah 1, Al Satwa, Al Hudaiba, Zaabeel 1, and Nad Shamma.
South & Industrial: Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha South 1, Al Quoz 1 and 3, Umm Suqeim 1, and Umm Ramool.
More than just asphalt
This project was a full glow-up for local streets. Aside from the new roads, the RTA added:
Provision of roadside parking (no more circling the block!).
New pavements for a more pedestrian-friendly vibe.
Upgraded street lighting to keep things safe after sunset.
With all the latest upgrades, Dubai wants to make city life better for citizens as it grows.
In a move that’s the definition of a win-win, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has stepped in to save a local business while protecting Sharjah’s wildlife. He suspended a decision by the Department of Economic Development to shut down a tourist boat project operated by Abu Hamad from Kalba.
What happened?
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) originally pulled the plug on the project because traditional boat propellers were becoming a danger to the rare turtles living in the lake. While it seemed like the end of the road for the project, Sheikh Dr Sultan went on the Direct Line radio programme to deliver some good news.
The green solution
Instead of closing the business, the Ruler ordered a total tech upgrade. Here’s how the project is being saved:
Propeller-free zone: The traditional boats will be replaced with specially designed, eco-friendly versions that won’t harm marine life.
Custom-built: If these specific boats aren’t available on the market, Sheikh Dr Sultan confirmed they will be specially manufactured for the project.
Full support: The owner, Abu Hamad, was personally reassured that he would be supported so he could continue his work without any financial loss.
This isn’t just about one business, it’s about how Sharjah is balancing tourism with its fragile ecosystems. Kalba’s mangroves are home to some of the region’s most unique habitats, and this intervention ensures that people can still explore the natural beauty of the emirate without putting wildlife at risk.
“We will provide boats designed for such environments, boats that do not use propellers but operate in a way that does not harm these living creatures,” said Sheikh Dr Sultan.
After a tense period, the US Embassy in the UAE has officially called off its shelter-in-place advisory for employees. With attacks coming to a halt, staff are back on the move, but the embassy is making it clear: Stay alert.
The Current status?
While the stay indoors order is over, it’s not exactly business as usual. Here’s the breakdown of where things stand right now:
Travel advisory: The UAE remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
Staffing: Non-emergency personnel are still relocated outside the country, meaning the embassy and consulate are on ordered departure status.
Services: Routine visa services are suspended, and consular help is currently limited to emergencies and essential passport services.
Tips for US citizens in the UAE
The embassy is advising everyone to keep their guard up. If you’re a US citizen in the area, here is your checklist:
Get the App: Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme) to get real-time security pings.
Stay prepared: Keep food, water, and medications handy. Whenever the emergency alarm is sounded, stay away from glass windows.
Charge up: Keep your phone charged and save those emergency numbers.
Low profile: Be aware of your surroundings and keep your friends/family posted on where you are.
