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.
Just when things seemed to calm down, the weather in the UAE may be gearing up for another dramatic shift.
Forecasters are warning that rain could make a comeback this week, following last month’s intense mix of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds that swept across the country.
Stormy reminder from last month
Residents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond still remember the early hours of March 27, when thunder and flashes of lightning lit up the skies.
One viral moment stood out, a lightning strike near the iconic Burj Khalifa, captured on video and widely shared online.
Rain could return this week
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), scattered showers are expected on:
Monday, April 6
Thursday, April 9
Friday, April 10
Looking ahead, even more rain could be on the way. Weather app are predicting showers over the weekend (April 11–12), especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Why this unpredictable weather
The weather in the UAE can change quickly. Rain systems can build or fade within hours, meaning one area could see heavy showers while another stays completely dry. Sudden gusts of wind can also add to the drama.
While it may not be a full-blown storm, it’s a good idea to stay prepared. Keep an eye on forecasts, especially if you’re planning travel or outdoor activities.
Applying to school in the UAE just got a major tech upgrade, and parents are loving the convenience.
Private schools across the United Arab Emirates have confirmed that enrolment for the upcoming academic year is running smoothly through fully digital systems, allowing families to complete everything, from applications to assessments, without stepping on campus.
From application to admission, all online
School officials say parents can now submit student details via official portals, book interviews, and even complete placement tests online.
Younger children typically attend virtual interviews via platforms like Google Meet or Zoom
Students applying for higher grades must pass online placement tests under strictly monitored conditions
If accepted, seat reservation fees can be paid digitally and later adjusted against tuition costs.
Virtual tours replace campus visits
To help families make informed decisions, many schools are offering virtual tours, showcasing facilities like sports fields, science labs, art rooms, and more, bringing the campus experience straight to your screen.
Strict rules still apply
Despite the convenience, schools are keeping standards tight. Admissions depend on:
Assessment performance
Age requirements
Availability of seats
Complete and accurate documentation
Parents are also required to authorise schools to verify academic records from previous institutions. Missing or incorrect information—especially regarding special educational needs—could lead to delays or even rejection.
Direct support for parents
Schools have also introduced dedicated online communication channels to guide parents through the process, making it easier to resolve queries quickly.
Why it matters
With everything moving online, the UAE’s education sector is embracing a more flexible, efficient, and accessible future, saving time for parents while maintaining strict admission standards.
But one thing hasn’t changed: applying early and accurately still makes all the difference.
In a major boost for small businesses, Dubai South has rolled out a powerful new support package, offering financial relief and flexibility to help SMEs stay resilient in a shifting market.
The initiative, targeting companies based in the Business Park, introduces rent-free incentives tied to contract renewals, along with more flexible payment deferrals and even the waiver of minor administrative penalties. In a move likely to be welcomed by business owners, current rental rates will also be locked in for eligible renewals.
Real relief for growing businesses
The package is designed to ease operational pressure on SMEs, widely seen as the backbone of Dubai’s economy, while giving them room to grow and adapt.
Officials say the measures won’t be static either. Instead, they’ll be continuously reviewed and adjusted to keep pace with changing market conditions.
In a major move last week, Dubai approved economic facilitation measures worth Dh1 billion, set to support businesses for the next three to six months starting April 1. The goal? Immediate relief in a fast-changing market.
Big players step in
Support isn’t just coming from the government.
du is focusing on keeping SMEs connected, ensuring uninterrupted digital access, which has become a lifeline for many businesses.
Retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, in collaboration with Dubai SME, has launched the “Ma’an” programme to strengthen the wider business ecosystem.
Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue has introduced “Blank Space”, offering selected UAE-based collectives free warehouse space for four weeks, along with utilities and marketing support, a rare opportunity for creatives to experiment and grow without financial pressure.
From billion-dirham stimulus packages to free workspaces and digital support, Dubai is building a safety net, and a launchpad, for its SME sector.
The move aligns with Dubai’s broader push to maintain economic stability and strengthen its position as a global business hub. Supporting SMEs is a key part of that vision, as these businesses drive innovation, job creation, and long-term growth.
Timely support matters
Commenting on the initiative, Nabil Al Kindi said the goal is to provide “practical and timely support” while ensuring a stable environment for businesses to thrive.
With rising costs and global uncertainty impacting businesses everywhere, this package could be a game-changer for many SMEs, offering not just relief but a chance to plan with confidence.
For businesses in Dubai South, support is here, and it’s designed to keep you growing.
