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.
Residents in the UAE could be in for one of the longest breaks of the year as Eid Al Adha approaches in 2026.
Based on current astronomical predictions, the holiday is expected to begin with Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid celebrations from May 27 to May 29. When combined with the weekend, this could mean a break of up to six days—making it an ideal time for travel, relaxation, and family gatherings.
Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, is traditionally marked by special prayers, acts of charity, and time spent with loved ones.
While official dates will be confirmed closer to the time through moon sighting, many residents are already expected to start planning ahead for the extended holiday.
Looking further ahead, the UAE calendar will also feature other key public holidays, including the Islamic New Year in June and National Day celebrations in December.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning against vehicles that produce disturbing noises, stating that such behaviour causes anxiety and inconvenience to residents.
In a statement shared on X, the ministry stressed that offenders will face legal consequences. It added that making unauthorised modifications to a vehicle’s engine or chassis is considered a traffic violation.
Authorities confirmed that violators will face:
A fine of Dhs1,000
12 black points on their driving record
Vehicle impoundment for 30 days
The ministry noted that these penalties fall under Article 73 of the Schedule of Violations outlined in Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on traffic rules and procedures.
Officials are urging drivers to comply with regulations and help maintain a safe and peaceful environment for all residents.
Authorities in the UAE have urged residents in areas affected by unstable weather to prioritise safety and perform Friday prayers at home. The decision comes as rain alerts have been issued across much of the country, with heavier showers expected from Thursday evening.
Mosques have been instructed to announce “Pray in your homes” after the call to prayer in affected areas. If mosques remain open, imams may combine prayers depending on weather conditions.
Officials are also advising motorists to drive carefully, reduce speed, and follow safety guidelines during the rainy conditions.
The move aims to protect public safety while ensuring religious practices can continue without risk.
