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 is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in smart urban mobility by constructing one of the emirate’s largest pedestrian and cycling bridges.
Stretching 730 metres across Dubai–Al Ain Road, the landmark structure will connect the rapidly growing communities of Liwan and Dubai Silicon Oasis, offering residents a safer and more convenient way to travel. The project forms part of the Roads and Transport Authority’s wider plan to build 31 new pedestrian bridges and tunnels across the city by 2030, enhancing connectivity, road safety and sustainable transportation.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a five-year plan that will introduce new pedestrian crossings at key locations across the emirate. The projects will be developed along major roads, including Sheikh Zayed Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road, and Omar bin Al Khattab Street, helping residents and visitors move more safely and efficiently throughout the city.
Enhancing safety and connectivity
The expansion aims to improve accessibility, strengthen links between residential communities and public transportation networks, and provide safer crossing options for pedestrians. Authorities selected project locations following detailed studies that assessed population growth, pedestrian movement patterns, public transport access, and proximity to commercial and tourist destinations.
Landmark bridge
One of the standout projects currently under development is a 730-metre pedestrian and cycling bridge that will cross Dubai–Al Ain Road. The structure will serve as a critical connection between Liwan and Dubai Silicon Oasis, two rapidly developing communities that continue to attract residents and businesses.
Once completed, the bridge will become one of the largest pedestrian and cycling crossings in Dubai, offering a safer and more convenient route for commuters, cyclists, and residents.
Advanced safety features
The upcoming bridges and tunnels will incorporate modern safety technologies, including firefighting systems, emergency alarms, remote monitoring capabilities, and dedicated cycling lanes. These enhancements are designed to improve user safety while supporting Dubai’s ambition to achieve zero traffic fatalities.
As the city continues to expand, the new pedestrian infrastructure projects are expected to play a key role in promoting sustainable mobility, reducing road risks, and strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in smart urban development.
Kuwait has unveiled a new long-term residency programme that will allow eligible foreign investors and business leaders to live in the country for up to 15 years, marking one of the region’s latest efforts to attract international capital and strengthen economic growth.
The residency scheme is designed to provide greater stability for investors looking to establish, operate and expand businesses in Kuwait, while supporting the country’s broader plans to diversify its economy and enhance its competitiveness as an investment destination.
Who can apply?
Under the new framework, residency permits of up to 15 years will be available to:
Senior executives accredited by approved investment entities
Recognised business partners linked to qualifying investment projects
Authorities say the programme aims to encourage long-term commitments from investors while creating a more attractive business environment.
Investment requirements
To qualify, applicants must satisfy a number of conditions set by Kuwaiti authorities.
Eligible investors must own or be associated with investment entities licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Businesses must also maintain active operations within Kuwait and comply with national workforce requirements, including quotas related to the employment of Kuwaiti citizens.
The framework requires a minimum investment capital of KD1 million in approved business activities. In addition, licensed investment entities must maintain a total investment value of at least KD5 million.
Officials believe these requirements will help attract high-quality investments that contribute to economic development and job creation.
How it compares with UAE Golden Visa
One of the most prominent examples is the UAE’s Golden Visa programme, which was launched in 2019 and offers eligible individuals residency of up to 10 years.
The scheme is available to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, exceptional students, creatives and humanitarian contributors. It allows holders to live, work and study in the UAE without requiring a national sponsor, while also enabling them to sponsor family members.
The programme has become a key pillar of the UAE’s strategy to attract talent, innovation and long-term investment, helping cement its reputation as one of the region’s leading destinations for business and residency.
Kuwaiti authorities said the programme builds on existing investment legislation and forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise Kuwait’s business and regulatory environment.
Kuwait’s latest move reflects a growing trend across the Gulf, where governments are introducing long-term residency options to attract investors, entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals.
Countries across the region have increasingly adopted residency programmes designed to encourage foreign investment, support economic diversification and attract global talent.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that certain motorists will not need to book vehicle inspections in advance, offering greater flexibility while maintaining its appointment-based testing system across the emirate.
The move applies to five specific customer groups and service categories, allowing eligible motorists to access vehicle inspection services without securing a prior appointment at approved testing centres.
Who is exempt?
According to the RTA, the following categories are exempt from advance booking requirements:
Senior citizens and People of Determination
Vehicles undergoing a repeat inspection after failing a previous technical test
Vehicles being inspected for export or transfer purposes without registration plates
Inspections linked to vehicle sale transactions
Vehicle data verification and confirmation inspections
The authority said the exemptions are intended to make services more accessible while ensuring smoother operations at testing facilities across Dubai.
Appointment system remains in place
The RTA continues to encourage customers to book inspections in advance to help reduce waiting times, improve service efficiency and manage customer flow across vehicle testing centres.
Motorists who do not qualify for an exemption can still access inspection services without a booking by paying an additional service fee.
The authority added that its Licensing Agency, together with approved testing centres, will continue to guide booking procedures and eligible services to improve customer awareness and transparency.
Expansion of vehicle testing services
The announcement comes as Dubai expands its vehicle testing and registration network to meet growing demand driven by population growth and urban development.
Earlier, the RTA invited investors and operators to establish new vehicle testing and registration centres in Deira, Bur Dubai and Mohammed Bin Rashid City, subject to regulatory approvals.
The expansion is expected to increase testing capacity and improve accessibility for residents.
Sunday testing option
To further enhance convenience, the RTA recently introduced Sunday vehicle inspection services at nine testing centres across Dubai. The initiative aims to provide additional scheduling options for motorists and ease pressure on facilities during the working week.
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