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.
Dubai motorists have a smoother commute ahead as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened two new bridges connecting Al Asayel Street with Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street.
The bridges are part of the Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which falls under the wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project aimed at easing traffic and supporting Dubai’s growing population.
What the new bridges do
The newly opened bridges improve traffic flow at key junctions in the Oud Maitha area:
Bridge 1: Carries traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Al Wasl Club Street
Bridge 2: Connects Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road heading towards Business Bay Crossing
According to RTA, the first bridge features two lanes with a capacity of about 2,400 vehicles per hour, helping ease traffic at the intersection with Oud Maitha Street and Al Wasl Club Street.
The second bridge, also with two lanes, can handle around 3,000 vehicles per hour, improving connectivity between Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road.
Major road project nearing completion
The authority said 72% of the overall development project has now been completed, while 70% of tunnel construction work is also finished.
The upcoming tunnel will serve vehicles travelling from Dubai–Al Ain Road towards the Oud Maitha service road.
Additional road expansions and bridge structures are currently under construction and are expected to open in the third quarter of 2026.
Faster journeys for drivers
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve traffic movement in the area.
Road capacity on Oud Maitha Street will increase from 10,400 vehicles per hour to 15,600 vehicles per hour
This represents a 50% increase in traffic capacity
Average travel time will drop from 20 minutes to just 5 minutes, a 75% improvement
The improvements aim to make daily commuting faster and support Dubai’s long-term infrastructure growth.
The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced that the start of the 2026–2027 academic year for private schools following Indian and Pakistani curricula in Sharjah has been postponed.
According to a circular issued to schools on Thursday, students will now begin classes on March 30, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled March 23.
Remote exams scheduled
SPEA said students may sit for examinations remotely between March 9 and March 12.
The authority explained that the decision came after requests from schools submitted through the Council of School Principals, and after reviewing the justifications provided by school administrations.
Temporary guidelines for schools
The authority also issued new instructions regarding school access for staff and parents.
Some administrative and teaching staff may be present on campus, but their number must not exceed 15 employees and should be limited to operational needs.
Parents will also be allowed to visit schools to collect uniforms and books, but only according to numbers and schedules set by the school administrations.
Schools asked to update parents
SPEA has asked school administrations to make the necessary internal arrangements and inform students and parents about the revised schedule.
The move aims to ensure smooth preparations before the start of the new academic year.
Authorities in the UAE have reminded residents to follow safety instructions when emergency alert sirens are activated across the country. Officials say some people stop to film videos during alerts, which can put lives at risk.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged residents to prioritise safety and follow official instructions they receive on their mobiles, warning that ignoring alerts or failing to comply with guidance may lead to legal accountability.
Here is a simple guide for residents on what UAE warning signals mean and what to do if you hear them.
1. Warning signal (Danger alert)
When this signal is activated, it means there may be a potential danger at a national or local level.
What residents should do
Move immediately to the nearest safe place or shelter
Stay indoors and avoid going outside
Follow instructions from official authorities
Do not stop to film or share videos
Authorities say the alert is issued to protect lives, so residents should act quickly and calmly.
2. Out of danger signal
This signal is issued when the threat has passed or the situation has been brought under control.
What residents should do
They can return to their homes or normal activities
Continue to follow updates from official sources if needed
3. Important announcement signal
This alert indicates that authorities will share important information or instructions with the public.
What residents should do
Immediately listen to local radio or official media channels
Check government announcements for updates
Follow any instructions issued by authorities
If you are driving during an alert
Authorities advise motorists to:
Continue driving to their destination
Once you arrive, go to the nearest safe place or shelter
Avoid stopping your vehicle to film the alert
Why authorities issue reminder
The UAE’s public warning system, operated by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and Civil Defence, uses sirens placed across the country and mobile alerts to warn residents of potential threats. Officials stressed that public cooperation is essential to ensure safety during emergencies.
Residents are encouraged to stay calm, follow instructions, and prioritise personal safety when an alert is issued.
