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.
Amid ongoing regional developments, the UAE National Media Council has reminded the public to strictly follow laws governing media content and information sharing.
Here’s what that actually means in practical terms.
Why is this being emphasised now
During sensitive periods, misinformation can spread quickly — especially on social media. Authorities say responsible media awareness helps protect public safety, maintain stability and prevent unnecessary panic.
What are you not allowed to do
According to official guidance, residents should:
Do not film, record or circulate videos, audio clips or images from unofficial sources
Avoid reposting rumours or unverified claims
Refrain from sharing content that could incite panic, harm public interest or violate someone’s privacy
Even forwarding unverified content can fall under this warning.
What can you share
You are encouraged to:
Rely only on verified updates from official UAE authorities and institutions
Share information issued through government channels
Use social media responsibly and thoughtfully
The key rule: if it’s not from an official source, don’t amplify it.
Are there consequences
Yes. Authorities have made clear that legal action will be taken against anyone found violating these instructions, in accordance with UAE law.
What if you have security concerns
Residents can report security-related concerns directly to the State Security Department via the official hotline.
Pause before posting. In fast-moving situations, responsible sharing protects both individuals and the wider community.
Residents across the UAE have been reassured that food and essential goods remain widely available, with authorities confirming that strategic reserves are strong and supply chains are operating normally.
The Ministry of Economy said staple food items and non-food essentials are stocked in ample quantities across supermarkets and retail outlets nationwide. An advanced electronic monitoring system is in place to track inventory levels and prevent shortages before they occur.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, urged residents not to engage in panic buying or unnecessary stockpiling.
“We urge the public to remain reassured and not to be driven by unfounded concerns,” he said, stressing that safeguarding food security is a top national priority.
Officials confirmed there have been no unusual disruptions to imports, procurement, warehousing or distribution. Retailers across the country have also reported stable supply operations.
Authorities added that strict measures remain in place to prevent unjustified price increases and ensure continued market stability.
Shelves are stocked, systems are working, and there is no need for residents to buy more than usual.
Residents across Dubai who heard loud sounds in various parts of the emirate have been reassured that the noises were the result of successful air defence interception operations.
In a statement carried by the Government of Dubai Media Office, authorities confirmed that defence systems had operated effectively and that relevant teams continue to monitor developments closely.
For many residents, the brief moment of uncertainty quickly gave way to reassurance as official clarification was issued.
Swift response, clear communication
Officials confirmed that specialised teams remain on alert and are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the community.
The rapid communication and coordinated response reflect the emirate’s emphasis on preparedness and calm crisis management, a hallmark residents have come to rely on.
Across neighbourhoods, life continued as normal, with many businesses and public services operating without disruption.
Community confidence and vigilance
Authorities urged the public to rely exclusively on official sources for accurate information and to avoid spreading unverified reports.
Residents also played their part by sharing verified updates, checking on neighbours and maintaining composure.
This serves as a reminder of Dubai’s robust safety framework and the collective awareness of its diverse community.
Safety is the highest priority
Officials reiterated that safeguarding residents and visitors remains the highest priority. Monitoring efforts continue, and authorities remain prepared to act swiftly should circumstances require.
For Dubai’s residents, the message was clear: systems are in place, teams are prepared, and safety comes first.
