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.
Tesla has rolled out free Supercharging across key locations in the UAE and wider Gulf, offering immediate relief to electric vehicle (EV) users during a period of regional uncertainty.
The initiative, which took effect at midnight local time, covers more than 30 charging stations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
The decision came after an appeal from an Emirati Tesla owner and reflects the company’s broader approach during crises, providing free charging support to affected communities.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously stated that the company enables free Supercharging during challenging times to help drivers stay mobile without added cost.
UAE coverage
The UAE has the largest number of activated stations, spanning major cities, highways, and residential areas.
Abu Dhabi
Al Dhanna, Al Maryah, Al Mirfa, Masdar Central Park, Masdar City Centre, Yas Mall (Hypermarket LG & Main Entrance)
Dubai
Abu Hail, Al Habtoor City, Dubai Hills (Grand Atrium & Storm Coaster), Dubai Mall Za’abeel, Mall of the Emirates, Meadows Village, Wadi Al Safa, Wafi City
Northern Emirates
Ajman City Centre, Al Ain, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Fujairah, Hatta
Key Highways
Jebel Ali corridor (both Abu Dhabi-bound and Dubai-bound)
Sharjah
City Centre, Rahmania Mall, Suyoh Mall
Ras Al Khaimah
Al Naeem Mall
Other parts of the Gulf
Saudi Arabia
Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah (including Al Ajawad Street and Al Amir Sultan), Taif
Qatar
Doha Festival City
Tesla’s move highlights how EV infrastructure can play a critical role during disruptions, ensuring mobility, reducing costs, and supporting communities when it matters most.
With the UAE already leading EV adoption in the region, the expanded free charging network is expected to benefit a growing number of drivers during the Eid travel period and beyond.
As the UAE prepares for Eid Al Fitr, authorities have confirmed that prayers will be held exclusively in approved mosques across the country, with no arrangements for open-air prayer grounds this year.
The move comes as part of precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth flow of worshippers during one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar.
Mosque-only prayers for safety
Authorities clarified that Eid prayers will not take place in outdoor spaces or traditional Eid prayer grounds. Instead, worshippers are advised to attend designated mosques, where entry and exit will be carefully managed.
Teams of officials and volunteers will be deployed to oversee crowd movement and prevent congestion, ensuring an orderly and safe prayer experience.
Prayer timings across the UAE
The official prayer timings for Eid Al Fitr in the seven emirates are as follows:
Abu Dhabi: 6:43am
Dubai: 6:40am
Sharjah: 6:39am
Ajman: 6:39am
Umm Al Quwain: 6:39am
Ras Al Khaimah: 6:37am
Fujairah: 6:36am
Residents are encouraged to arrive early and follow guidance from authorities.
Preparing for a smooth Eid
Authorities say preparations are underway to ensure the holiday is observed safely and smoothly, with a focus on public safety and community well-being.
With clear guidelines, set timings, and coordinated efforts in place, residents across the UAE can look forward to a peaceful and well-managed Eid celebration.
The UAE has officially announced that Eid Al Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening.
The decision was made by the country’s Moon-sighting Committee, confirming that Ramadan will complete 30 days this year before the festive celebrations begin.
30 days of Ramadan
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. As the moon was not sighted, the holy month will run its full course, with Eid commencing the following day.
Public sector holidays
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that public sector employees will observe the Eid break from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22. Work will resume on Monday, March 23.
Private sector holidays
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that private sector employees will begin their Eid holidays on Thursday, March 19, lasting until Sunday, March 22.
Time for celebration
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and community, bringing families and communities together in celebration.
With the official dates confirmed, residents across the UAE can now prepare for the festivities and holiday period.
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