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.
Thinking of taking your celebration to the streets? You might want to double-check your paperwork first. Abu Dhabi Police are reminding residents that prior approval is mandatory for any celebratory parades or public gatherings in the emirate.
The message is clear: while the city loves a celebration, safety and traffic flow come first.
The permit rule: Why it matters
Authorities are stressing that obtaining a permit from the relevant entities isn’t just a formality, it’s about public safety. Proper coordination allows police to:
Maintain security across the district.
Manage traffic to prevent gridlock.
Protect public and private property from damage.
Risky business: What to avoid
The Directorate of Traffic and Patrols has flagged specific behaviours that are strictly off-limits, including:
Passengers leaning out of windows or sunroofs.
Stunt driving or erratic movements.
Blocking traffic flow for photos or videos.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
The UAE’s Federal Traffic Law doesn’t take these violations lightly. If you’re caught in an unapproved parade or driving dangerously, the penalties are steep:
Endangering the public: Driving in a way that puts people at risk carries a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and the impoundment of your vehicle for 60 days.
Unapproved parades: Taking part in a parade without a permit results in a Dh500 fine, 4 black points, and a 15-day vehicle impoundment.
Residents are being urged to act responsibly and report any unauthorised or dangerous activities to the police immediately.
Commuting by water in Dubai just got a lot cooler. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially completed the second phase of its marine station upgrades, turning five popular stops into high-tech, comfortable hubs for residents and tourists alike.
Which stations got an upgrade?
The latest round of improvements covers some of the city’s most iconic waterfront spots:
Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Fahidi
Bluewaters
Baniyas
Al Seef
What’s new for commuters?
Forget waiting in the heat. The RTA has focused on physical and psychological well-being by packing these stations with modern perks:
Climate Control: Fully air-conditioned waiting areas and expanded seating.
Stay Connected: Free public Wi-Fi and real-time passenger information screens showing ferry and abra schedules.
Heritage Design: The architecture is inspired by Dubai’s maritime history, blending traditional culture with modern urban vibes.
Safety First: New surveillance cameras and fire alarm systems have been integrated to ensure a secure environment.
Designed for everyone
In line with the Dubai Universal Design Code, the stations have been redesigned for better accessibility. This includes smoother entry and exit points for senior citizens, women, and People of Determination, ensuring that Dubai’s marine transport is inclusive for all.
The project builds on the success of Phase I in Dubai Marina, which saw a massive spike in customer satisfaction last year.
If you rely on the bus to get around Dubai, your daily wait just got a whole lot more comfortable. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially finished installing 726 state-of-the-art bus shelters across the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.
This isn’t just about a place to sit, it’s a massive step toward making Dubai one of the most people-centric cities in the world.
Built for the crowd
These aren’t your average bus stops. They are strategically placed in high-density areas to handle a staggering 192 million riders every year. Some of the busiest spots now link up more than 10 different bus routes, which means less waiting time and a much smoother transfer if you’re jumping between buses, the Metro, or a taxi.
Cool, connected, and accessible
The RTA designed seven different models of shelters to fit the specific needs of each area. Here’s what makes them stand out:
Beating the Heat: Many of the larger stations feature air-conditioned waiting areas and shaded seating, a total lifesaver during the UAE summer.
Real-Time Info: No more guessing when the next bus arrives. Integrated screens show live timetables and route frequencies.
Inclusive Design: In line with the My Community… A City for Everyone initiative, the shelters are fully wheelchair-accessible and follow the Dubai Universal Design Code.
As Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, put it, this project is about more than just steel and glass. It’s part of a long-term vision to make public transport so attractive and easy to use that more people ditch their cars, helping Dubai hit its sustainability and carbon reduction targets.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or just an occasional rider, the journey across the emirate just got a lot more seamless.
