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.
Several churches and places of worship across Dubai have announced temporary closures and suspension of in-person services starting April 3, following official directives prioritising public safety.
The move comes just ahead of important religious observances, including Easter services and Orthodox Palm Sunday on April 5.
Churches shift to online services
Prominent churches such as St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral confirmed that all services will be held online in compliance with “strict instructions issued by UAE authorities.”
Similarly, St. Mary’s Catholic Church announced the closure of its premises to visitors while continuing to livestream select services, including Friday prayers.
The Mar Thoma Parish also stated that all “Passion Week” services will be conducted virtually.
However, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church confirmed that all masses are cancelled entirely, with no online streaming, urging parishioners to avoid visiting church grounds.
Meanwhile, St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church suspended all services and activities, including its Friday liturgy, as a precautionary step.
Temples and Gurudwara follow suit
Beyond churches, other major religious centres, including the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara and the Hindu temple in Dubai, have also announced closures until further notice, citing safety and security directives.
Community safety takes priority
Religious leaders across Dubai have emphasised that these measures are temporary but necessary, urging worshippers to follow official guidelines and avoid gatherings during this period.
While physical services are paused, many institutions are ensuring spiritual continuity through digital platforms, encouraging the community to stay connected remotely.
UAE motorists should prepare for temporary disruptions as infrastructure works for the Etihad Rail project continue.
Authorities have announced that the exit from Maleha Road towards Emirates Road will be closed every weekend starting from 11pm on Saturday, April 4, until 5am on Monday, June 1. The closure is part of ongoing construction efforts tied to the UAE’s ambitious national railway network.
Drivers who frequently use this route are advised to plan and consider alternative roads to avoid delays, especially during late-night and early-morning hours.
The Etihad Rail project is set to transform transportation across the UAE by linking major cities, industrial zones, and ports. In the future, it will also connect the country to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, strengthening regional mobility and trade.
In a recent emergency response, Etihad Rail operated special passenger services to help residents and citizens travel when flights were suspended due to regional airspace closures. This demonstrated the railway’s potential as a reliable alternative transport option during crises.
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.
