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.
Motorists travelling across Abu Dhabi may soon notice a shift in how road tolls are applied, as the emirate quietly expands its Darb toll system beyond island entry points to major highways.
New toll gates have been installed in strategic locations such as Ghantoot along the busy Dubai–Abu Dhabi corridor and in the Al Qurm area. While the structures are visible and clearly marked, authorities have confirmed they are not yet operational and are currently undergoing testing.
The move signals a broader approach to traffic management, aiming to ease congestion and improve flow on some of the UAE’s busiest routes. Unlike the earlier system focused on bridge access to Abu Dhabi Island, the expansion hints at a more comprehensive, network-wide tolling strategy.
For now, motorists are advised to stay updated through official channels and ensure their vehicles are registered on the TAMM platform to avoid penalties once the system goes live.
Dubai is making sure its senior citizens are living their best lives. Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a brand-new branch of the Thukher Club has officially opened its doors in Al Khawaneej.
This isn’t just a community centre, it’s a high-tech, high-heart hub designed to keep seniors right at the centre of the action. Supervised by the Community Development Authority (CDA), the club is all about recognising that wisdom doesn’t retire, it just finds a better place to hang out.
What’s inside the new Al Khawaneej branch
Integrated facilities: Think workshop halls, social lounges, and spaces dedicated to health and fitness.
Generational knowledge: The club acts as a bridge where seniors can share their massive life experiences with younger generations.
Wellness first: From sports to cultural programmes, the focus is on staying active, healthy, and connected.
Group effort: This isn’t a solo mission. The CDA teamed up with heavy hitters like Dubai Police, Dubai Health, and Dubai Municipality to make sure the services are top-tier.
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the CDA, highlighted that this move is part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33. The goal? To make the family the ‘Foundation of the Nation’ and ensure Dubai remains the best city in the world to live in, no matter your age.
Good news for Emirati families. The UAE just levelled up the Nafis programme, and it’s looking like a major win for those working in the private sector. In a move that basically says “we’ve got your back for the long haul,””the government has officially extended the initiative all the way to 2040.
So, what’s actually changing? The big headline is a new salary support package of up to Dh 3,000. This boost is specifically aimed at the children of Emirati women and the wives of Emirati citizens working in private firms. To get in on this, there’s a minimum salary threshold of Dh 6,000, making sure the support hits where it’s needed most.
But wait, there’s more. Remember the cap on child allowances? Yeah, that’s gone. The government has scrapped the limit on how many children can benefit, meaning bigger families get bigger support.
Mark your calendars:
New Beneficiaries: You’ll start seeing the impact in early September.
Existing Beneficiaries: Don’t worry, you aren’t being left out. The updates will roll out for you via a phased implementation over the next three years.
This initiative was officially announced by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It’s all part of a grand plan to make the private sector the ‘place to be’ for Emiratis for decades to come.
