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 Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has issued a strong warning to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) about fraudulent schemes with repatriation assistance.
Authorities say scammers are posing as representatives of the Department of Migrant Workers, offering to process repatriation requests in exchange for fees or personal information.
What’s happening?
Reports indicate that individuals and groups are:
Pretending to facilitate repatriation services
Asking for money or sensitive personal details
Using fake or unofficial social media accounts
Officials stress that legitimate assistance is always free and processed only through official government channels.
How OFWs can stay safe
The MWO is urging workers to take the following precautions:
Verify information only through official websites and social media pages of DMW and MWO
Avoid dealing with unauthorised agents or accounts
Do not share personal information or send money to unverified sources
Official channels for assistance
OFWs seeking repatriation support can directly contact MWO-Dubai:
Authorities emphasise that safety is a shared responsibility. OFWs are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow official guidelines, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
As the UAE marks Eid Al Fitr, authorities are urging residents to prioritise safety and avoid the use of fireworks during celebrations.
According to Abu Dhabi Police, fireworks pose serious risks and can lead to injuries, accidents, and property damage if not handled properly.
Why the warning matters
Eid is a time of joy, gatherings, and festivities, but officials stress that fireworks can quickly turn celebrations into emergencies. They are classified as hazardous materials and can cause:
Severe burns and eye injuries
Fires due to misuse or negligence
Accidents that endanger both individuals and nearby properties
Children are particularly vulnerable, with authorities strongly advising parents not to allow them to handle fireworks under any circumstances.
A shared responsibility
Police emphasise that safety is not just the responsibility of authorities, it requires cooperation from the entire community. By following safety guidelines and avoiding risky behaviour, residents can help prevent avoidable incidents.
Celebrate safely
Authorities are calling on everyone to embrace responsible celebrations by:
Avoiding the use of fireworks
Supervising children at all times
Following safety laws and public guidelines
The message is clear. Enjoy the festive spirit of Eid while ensuring the safety of your family, neighbours, and community.
Dubai Police warn of legal consequences
In a recent advisory, Dubai Police warned against the use, possession, or trading of fireworks, highlighting the serious dangers they pose to both people and property. Officials also noted that such activities can disrupt public safety and disturb communities.
Authorities made it clear that anyone found violating the rules will face legal consequences. Trading fireworks without a licence can result in:
Up to 1 year in prison
Fines of up to Dh100,000
The warning underscores Dubai’s strict stance on regulating hazardous materials, especially during busy festive periods.
Dubai has come up with a comprehensive security plan designed to keep residents and visitors safe across the emirate during the Eid Al Fitr holidays.
The strategy, led by Dubai Police and reviewed by senior officials including Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, focuses on ensuring smooth movement, quick emergency response, and public safety during one of the busiest holidays of the year.
Hundreds of personnel mobilised
Authorities are deploying hundreds of personnel and resources across Dubai. This includes security patrols, rescue teams, marine units, and even helicopters to monitor activity from the air. The presence will be especially noticeable in high-traffic areas such as mosques, tourist attractions, shopping centres, and public markets.
The plan also involves close coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority to manage traffic flow and public transport during peak travel times.
24/7 emergency response
A central command-and-control centre will operate 24/7 throughout the holiday period, ensuring rapid response to any incidents. Residents are reminded to call 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-urgent situations, helping authorities prioritise critical cases efficiently.
Public advisory
Officials are urging the public to play their part in maintaining safety:
Motorists should follow traffic rules and avoid reckless driving
Beachgoers and jet ski users must maintain safe distances, especially near family areas
Parents are strongly advised not to allow children to use fireworks
Eid Al Fitr is a time of celebration, gatherings, and travel. With increased crowds expected across the city, these measures are designed to prevent incidents and ensure that everyone can enjoy the holiday safely. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay aware, follow guidelines, and make safety a shared responsibility.
