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 tensions, UAE officials have reaffirmed stability, preparedness and continuity across key sectors. From schools to national defence, here’s the latest.
During a media briefing on the latest developments and current situation on Tuesday, the broadcast opened with strong condemnation from the GCC and the Arab League against violations targeting Arab states, emphasizing the right to respond to such attacks.
Attention then shifted to education.
Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, confirmed that online learning will continue temporarily to ensure the safety of students and staff.
She emphasised that the UAE is fully prepared, highlighting the country’s advanced digital infrastructure and previous experience with remote learning.
Importantly, she clarified that no exams have been postponed, and urged the public to rely only on official sources for updates.
Parents, she added, play a key role in helping students stay on track and maintain their daily routines.
A special report followed, describing the UAE’s remote learning system as a leading model in digital transformation, praised for its flexibility, sustainability and quality outcomes.
Later, authorities addressed misinformation.
The Public Prosecution warned against spreading rumours, stressing that false information can negatively impact social stability and national security.
Officials reassured the public not to panic and that any loud booming sounds heard around the country were the result of the country’s defence systems operating effectively.
Life continues as normal, trust in official authorities, and avoid spreading rumours or engaging in fraudulent activity, was the message from officials.
The British Embassy in the UAE has announced emergency helpline numbers for British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance.
The advisory comes amid escalating regional tensions, with the embassy urging citizens to stay informed and register their presence with UK authorities.
Emergency numbers
If you are a British national in urgent need of assistance, you can call:
+44 (0) 207 008 5000
+971 4 309 4444
+971 2 610 1100
The embassy acknowledged that some callers are experiencing difficulties getting through due to issues with UAE phone lines.
“We are urgently working to resolve this issue, so please keep trying all the numbers,” the mission said in a social media update.
Register with the UK government
Earlier, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) asked British nationals in several Middle East countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine and Qatar, to register their presence.
The registration allows citizens to:
Receive direct security and travel updates
Get guidance during emergencies
Ensure consular teams can reach them if needed
Those unable to use the online registration form can call +44 20 7008 5000 for assistance.
The embassy also warned that the registration website is currently under strain and advised users to keep trying if they encounter error messages.
Shelter-in-place advisory
The UK government had earlier advised its citizens in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar to shelter in place as a precautionary measure.
British nationals are encouraged to:
Monitor official embassy and FCDO channels Follow local authority guidance Keep communication lines open
In a major digital shift, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has begun implementing a plan to abolish the health card, replacing it with the Emirates ID as the primary identifier for patients across its hospitals and healthcare centres.
The move is aimed at simplifying access to treatment and cutting administrative red tape.
What’s changing?
For years, patients needed a valid health card to register and receive treatment at EHS facilities, including renewals when expired.
Under the new system:
The Emirates ID will serve as the unified patient identifier
No separate health card will be required
Registration procedures will be streamlined
Administrative steps will be reduced
The aim? Faster access, shorter waiting times and smoother admissions.
Who will benefit first?
According to EHS, the rollout will happen in phases.
Phase One:
Emirati citizens
UAE residents
Nationals of GCCcountries
Later phases will include:
Children of Emirati women
Spouses of Emirati citizens
People of determination
Additional categories requiring coordination with other entities
Saif Abdullah Al Hassani, Head of Service Development and User Experience at EHS, said the move aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation agenda and national database integration.
In simple terms: one ID, one system, less paperwork.
EHS confirmed it is technically ready to cancel the health card for all groups immediately. However, a phased rollout is being adopted to monitor system performance and address any operational challenges before full implementation.
When will it be fully implemented?
The first group of beneficiaries has already completed technical and regulatory preparations, with a formal announcement expected soon.
Further categories will be added gradually as coordination with external entities is completed.
