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.
As rainy weather creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes, the authorities in Sharjah and Ajman have issued fresh guidelines to help residents prevent mosquito breeding and protect public health.
The main problem: Standing water
Authorities stressed that puddles and stagnant water are the biggest contributors to mosquito spread. Even small amounts, like water collected in containers, can quickly turn into breeding grounds.
Residents are being urged to:
Avoid contact with stagnant water Regularly inspect homes and surroundings Remove any standing water immediately Keep drainage systems clean and functional
Don’t overlook gardens and green spaces
Your garden could be part of the problem if not maintained properly. The municipality recommends:
Trimming trees and dense shrubs
Avoiding overwatering plants
Keeping swimming pools clean and covered
Humid, shaded areas with thick vegetation are perfect spots for mosquitoes to thrive.
Common breeding hotspots
Watch out for everyday items that can collect water:
Flower pots
Old tyres
Abandoned containers
Waste and debris
Even something as small as a bottle cap can hold enough water for mosquitoes to multiply.
Free pest control support
To support residents, the municipality is offering a free pest control service. You can request assistance via:
Official website
Call centre: 993
Extra Safety Measures
Authorities also highlighted:
Covering water tanks
Preventing water buildup at construction sites
Following general cleanliness and safety standards
Community effort matters
The municipality emphasised that controlling mosquito spread is a shared responsibility. Small actions by residents can make a big difference in keeping neighbourhoods safe and healthy.
Good news for residents, one of the longest breaks of the year is just around the corner, as the UAE gears up for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha in May.
When is the holiday?
Arafat Day is expected on Tuesday, May 26.
Eid Al Adha will likely run from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29.
Since Arafat Day itself is a public holiday, many residents could enjoy a bumper long weekend, up to six days off when combined with the weekend.
What is Arafat Day?
Arafat Day is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, just before Eid Al Adha, and marks the day when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat during Hajj.
For Muslims, it’s a day of:
Fasting (highly recommended for those not performing Hajj)
Prayer and reflection
Charity and seeking forgiveness
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or just some well-earned rest, this holiday stretch is one of the best opportunities in the year to unwind.
Just remember, official dates depend on moon sighting, so they may shift slightly.
Dubai is taking a bold leap into the future of governance, with a sweeping directive aimed at making government services faster, simpler, and smarter for everyone.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced that all Dubai government entities must integrate their services into a single unified digital ecosystem within one year. The goal? Cut through complexity and deliver seamless, user-friendly experiences for both individuals and businesses.
Speaking during a visit to Digital Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan emphasised reducing the number of platforms people need to use, replacing them with streamlined, specialised systems that save time and effort.
“Our goal is to make life easier, and strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness as a global hub for business and investment,” he said.
Government powered by AI and data
This isn’t just about merging apps; it’s about reimagining how government works.
Dubai is building a fully AI-driven model, where:
100% of government performance will be data-based
An algorithm bank will store ready-to-use machine learning models
AI accelerators will power faster decision-making
The ambition is huge:
Boost GDP by over Dh10 billion within two years
Rank among the world’s top 10 cities in AI readiness
Ensure 80% of policies are backed by AI-driven insights
Upskill leaders so 100% are proficient in AI and analytics
Smarter systems, smoother services
Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed next-gen projects designed to make government operations more connected and efficient:
Unified resource planning systems covering finance, HR, payroll, and procurement
Agentic AI assistants that let users complete services through simple conversations
Smart city sensors (IoT) that can detect risks like smoke or fires and instantly alert authorities
Imagine requesting a government service just by chatting with an AI, and having it completed in seconds. That’s the direction Dubai is heading.
By putting technology, data, and people’s needs at the centre, Dubai is aiming to create a system where government services feel less like bureaucracy and more like a seamless, everyday experience.
