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.
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai have announced the temporary closure of their offices on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, in observance of Eid Al Fitr.
Despite the holiday closure, both missions reassured the public that essential assistance services will remain available, particularly for urgent cases. The embassy confirmed that its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) section will continue operating to support Filipinos in need during this period.
Emergency Support Remains Accessible
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other nationals requiring immediate assistance can reach out through dedicated hotlines:
In a powerful display of preparedness and resilience, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to public safety as life quickly returned to normal following a precautionary alert earlier in the day.
Authorities, led by the UAE Ministry of Defence, acted swiftly in response to a potential aerial threat. Advanced air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised the situation, ensuring that residents across the country remained safe.
Across cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, residents reported hearing unusual sounds, but later confirmed to be the result of successful interceptions. While the alerts prompted caution, they also showcased the effectiveness of the UAE’s world-class security infrastructure.
In a reassuring follow-up message sent nationwide, officials confirmed that the situation is fully under control and that daily life can resume without concern.
Airspace operations resume
The General Civil Aviation Authority also announced that airspace operations have returned to normal, reflecting the country’s rapid recovery and operational readiness.
Beyond the swift response, what stood out most was the unity and cooperation of residents. Communities stayed calm, followed guidance, and supported one another, highlighting the strong sense of collective responsibility that defines life in the UAE.
With robust systems in place and a community that stands together, the UAE continues to be a global example of stability and preparedness.
Resident families in the UAE can now apply for a free Fazaa discount membership as part of the country’s “Year of the Family 2026” initiative.
The programme, launched by Fazaa in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, aims to support family stability, strengthen social cohesion, and improve the quality of life for residents living in the UAE.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who can apply?
Resident families in the UAE are eligible if:
They live in the UAE
They have at least one son or daughter
The membership will remain valid throughout the Year of the Family 2026 and will expire at the end of the year.
What benefits do families get?
Members will gain access to a wide network of discounts and services, including:
Discounts at more than 34,000 retail outlets in the UAE and internationally
Offers on over 28,000 food and consumer products through Fazaa stores
Travel and accommodation deals at more than 500,000 hotels worldwide through the Fazaa Places service
Up to 70% discounts on entertainment and activity tickets through the Fazaa mobile app
Exclusive offers on various products and services
How to register
Families can apply online through the official Fazaa website.
Once approved, applicants can activate their digital membership cards, which can then be used to access discounts and services.
A dedicated support team has also been assigned to help residents with registration and activation.
Why is the initiative being launched?
The programme is part of the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026, which focuses on strengthening the role of families in society and promoting values of cooperation, stability, and community well-being.
Officials say the initiative also recognises the contributions of resident families who live and work in the UAE and play a role in the country’s growth and development.
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