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.
The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the temporary postponement of school bus services across the United Arab Emirates as students return to in-person learning.
The decision applies to all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools. Officials said the move is aimed at allowing time to complete operational readiness in coordination with transport authorities and municipalities, ensuring services meet the highest safety standards.
The ministry confirmed that the situation will be reviewed weekly, with updates on the resumption of school transport to be shared through official channels.
The announcement comes shortly after authorities confirmed that in-person classes will resume from April 20, 2026, for students, teachers, and administrative staff across the country. Schools have already completed key preparations, including facility readiness, staff training, and updated safety procedures.
Private schools will also have the option to implement a hybrid learning model if required, depending on their readiness and in line with approved regulations. However, schools must ensure that teachers are not required to handle both in-person and remote classes at the same time, to maintain education quality and manage workloads.
Flexible attendance, transport feeswaived
Schools will take a flexible approach to student attendance as transportation challenges continue during the current phase of reopening.
Authorities said schools will assess attendance on a case-by-case basis, considering individual family circumstances while ensuring the smooth functioning of the education system.
In public schools, no transport fees will be charged during this period. For private schools, any arrangements related to school transport fees will be handled by local education authorities in line with approved regulations.
Officials say all measures are aimed at supporting families while maintaining stability in the learning process.
Officials added that schools will remain ready to switch to alternative learning methods if needed, ensuring continuity of education under all circumstances.
Authorities in Dubai are considering a new law that could hold parents legally responsible if their children misuse electric scooters, as part of efforts to improve road safety.
The proposal, currently being developed by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), aims to address growing concerns over unsafe riding and rising accidents involving minors.
Officials say electric scooters are no longer just recreational devices, with some being modified to reach dangerous speeds. Under the proposed law, parents could be held accountable if their children ride in restricted areas, break safety rules, or endanger themselves and others.
Authorities are also planning to introduce mandatory registration and number plates for all electric scooters. The move is expected to improve tracking, prevent misuse, and strengthen enforcement.
The proposal follows a rise in e-scooter-related incidents across the city. Recent figures show hundreds of accidents involving scooters and bicycles, including multiple fatalities and serious injuries, many of them involving children and teenagers.
Dubai Police have already stepped up enforcement, confiscating scooters and taking action against riders performing dangerous stunts in public areas.
Officials say the new measures aim to promote responsible behaviour, enhance accountability, and reduce risks linked to the growing use of micromobility devices.
The UAE has introduced a new national guide aimed at improving the quality of food and beverages available in schools.
The National Guide for Food and Beverages in the School Environment is designed to help schools, suppliers, and service providers offer healthier and more nutritious options to students throughout the day.
Officials say the guide focuses on building healthy eating habits among students while ensuring they receive the energy needed for academic performance. It promotes balanced, age-appropriate meals that support physical growth, improve concentration, and boost overall learning outcomes.
The framework also sets clear standards for food safety, preparation, and storage, while defining responsibilities for schools, local authorities, and food suppliers. It applies to all educational institutions, including public and private schools, as well as centres for People of Determination.
Schools to keep watch
Under the new rules, schools must ensure full compliance with nutrition and hygiene standards, while suppliers are required to meet strict guidelines and maintain valid permits. Parents will also have access to canteen menus, and schools must track and address any food-related complaints.
The guide introduces a structured system for monitoring and enforcement, with local authorities responsible for inspections, compliance checks, and reporting.
A list of banned items has also been outlined to encourage healthier choices. These include sugary drinks, fried foods, chocolates, processed meats, and products containing nuts.
Authorities say the initiative marks a major step toward creating a healthier school environment and supporting long-term student well-being across the UAE.
