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.
After a tense period, the US Embassy in the UAE has officially called off its shelter-in-place advisory for employees. With attacks coming to a halt, staff are back on the move, but the embassy is making it clear: Stay alert.
The Current status?
While the stay indoors order is over, it’s not exactly business as usual. Here’s the breakdown of where things stand right now:
Travel advisory: The UAE remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
Staffing: Non-emergency personnel are still relocated outside the country, meaning the embassy and consulate are on ordered departure status.
Services: Routine visa services are suspended, and consular help is currently limited to emergencies and essential passport services.
Tips for US citizens in the UAE
The embassy is advising everyone to keep their guard up. If you’re a US citizen in the area, here is your checklist:
Get the App: Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme) to get real-time security pings.
Stay prepared: Keep food, water, and medications handy. Whenever the emergency alarm is sounded, stay away from glass windows.
Charge up: Keep your phone charged and save those emergency numbers.
Low profile: Be aware of your surroundings and keep your friends/family posted on where you are.
The world’s most famous ‘seven-star’ hotel is officially getting some work done. For the first time since its doors swung open in 1999, the Burj Al Arab is undergoing a massive restoration. Don’t worry, though, the sail-shaped structure isn’t going anywhere. Jumeirah Group is just making sure this Dubai luxury property stays looking fresh for the next generation.
What’s the plan
This isn’t just a quick coat of paint. We’re talking about an 18-month phased restoration led by the renowned designer, Tristan Auer. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the mastermind behind the stunning Hotel de Crillon in Paris and a protege of the legendary Philippe Starck.
The hotel will, however, be running during the renovation process, which also includes modernising the interiors.
Why is Burj famous
The Burj Al Arab is more than just a place to sleep, rest and enjoy the luxury comforts, it’s basically the face of Dubai. Here’s a quick refresher on why this building is iconic:
The height: It towers at 321 meters on its own private island.
The bling: The interiors are packed with marble, gold leaf, and Swarovski crystals.
The icon status: From helipad tennis matches with Roger Federer to its massive 450kg crystal chandelier, it put Dubai on the luxury map 27 years ago.
Preserving the icon
As Dubai grows, the city is shifting its focus toward preserving its modern icons. By giving the Burj Al Arab a thoughtful facelift now, they’re ensuring that the ‘Sail of Dubai’ remains the ultimate symbol of global luxury without losing the original character that made it famous in the first place.
According to the Jumeirah Group, the renovation is aimed at preserving one of the emirate’s most famous symbols for future generations.
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.
