close

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled a green initiative targeting delivery companies advocating a migration to eco-friendly electric bikes.

The plan involves enhancing the infrastructure of commercial transport business, reviewing licensing and registration processes, and developing experimental charging stations for electric bike batteries. These measures are crucial to fulfil the objective of maintaining sustainable, clean and environmentally friendly power for these bikes.

Elaborating on the initiative, Muhannad Khaled Al Muhairi, Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA’s Licensing Agency, said: "This project is a part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to elevate the efficiency and user experience of sustainable transportation. It seeks to offer more effective and sustainable services consistent with the objectives of Dubai Vision 2030 to reduce carbon emissions by 30%. This initiative also coincides with the Year of Sustainability 2023.

"The goal of this initiative is to broaden and improve the scope of current and future commercial transport services, and accelerate the shift towards zero-emission transportation means. As such, it echoes an enhanced corporate responsibility towards all community segments. “In collaboration with industry experts, RTA has initiated steps to research and develop a prototype e-bike model befitting the job nature of delivery business, thereby encouraging companies in this field to embrace green, eco-friendly transportation means,” he explained. 

“The plan also envisages setting up charging stations across Dubai to serve as enablers of the gradual migration to electric bikes, which will undoubtedly cut operational costs by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It will also curb the negative driving conduct by using electric bikes, equipped with advanced technology superior to traditional motorcycles, which in turn will consequently decrease incident rates.

"RTA is committed to fulfilling the vision of our leaders and offering optimal solutions for commercial transport activities. These measures will enhance the efficiency of transportation means, and serve the strategic goals of the commercial transport sector," concluded the Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA’s Licensing Agency. 

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading financial institution, has arranged an AED 1 billion sustainable bilateral facility for Aldar Properties PJSC (Aldar). The financing takes Aldar’s total ESG financing facilities to AED 4.8 billion as the company transitions towards sustainable financing for its projects and investments. The transaction underscores both entities’ commitment to supporting environmentally beneficial projects aligned with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

ADIB acted as the sole facility provider and Aldar intends to utilize the proceeds to finance sustainable projects such as green buildings, property upgrades to enhance energy efficiency, sustainable water management, pollution control measures, and renewable energy sources.

Commenting on the announcement, Mohammed Al Fahim, Acting Global Head of Wholesale Banking at ADIB: "We are excited to support Aldar in its effort to decarbonize the real estate industry and extend our long-term relationship to support the company’s dedication to contributing to a low carbon economy. The closure of the AED 1 billion Sustainable Finance Facility is a testament to ADIB's commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how the financial sector can play an active role in expediting the nation’s green transition.  ADIB remains committed to empower companies to embrace more sustainable practices. ADIB’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate change and enable sustainable projects and initiatives through funding are wholly aligned with our ESG strategy and sustainable finance framework."

Faisal Falaknaz, Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar commented: “Aldar is pursuing a transformational growth strategy and implementing a rigorous programme to achieve net zero by 2050. Partnership is at the core of our approach, and sustainable financing is playing a crucial role in delivering our goals. We are pleased to extend our relationship with ADIB and look forward to making further strong progress on sustainability in the coming years.”          

In addition to providing this facility for Aldar, ADIB has also arranged and taken part in numerous sustainable financing solutions tailored for companies of different sectors and sizes. ADIB has launched its sustainable Finance Framework as part of its journey to embedding sustainability into the business. The framework establishes criteria and eligibility requirements that determine which projects are labelled “green”, “social”, or “sustainable”. The framework will determine eligibility of projects for the bank to finance or refinance, including the issuance of Green, Social and Sustainability Sukuks.

DP World has signed a Carbon Removal Certification Agreement for its UAE operations with Industrial Innovation Group, a global leader in the creation of high-tech global carbon removal initiatives. 

Decarbonisation is a priority for DP World, which has already committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2040 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This collaborative effort aims to design an effective long-term solution for sustainable development and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, particularly in the supply chain and logistics industries. 

With its extensive experience in implementing sustainable solutions and drafting decarbonisation strategies for various business sectors, Industrial Innovation Group will develop a carbon removal roadmap across DP World’s UAE value chain.

It will ensure the progressive involvement in Voluntary Carbon Removal Projects and support stringent reporting on carbon emission reductions. 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: "As a leading provider of comprehensive logistics solutions, DP World is fully aware of the impact of its activities on the environment and is ready to step up and progressively expand our efforts by collaborating with industry leaders like Industrial Innovation Group to systematise the efforts of both companies in the field of decarbonisation and achieve climate-responsible business practices." 

Taryam Matar Taryam, CEO of Industrial Innovation Group, said: "Industrial Innovation Group and DP World have joined forces for an effective fight against climate change and the creation of a future supply chain with zero carbon emissions.

"The essence of our companies' leadership lies in demonstrating the responsible value-based approach to business and developing effective long-term solutions for the global climate agenda." 

Source: Transport and Logistics Middle East

Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the major divisions of Al-Futtaim Group - the Strategic E-Mobility Partner of the recently concluded COP28, today unveiled the findings of an extensive survey exploring the challenges and perceptions of UAE residents towards Electric Vehicles (EV) adoption. The survey was conducted in partnership with YouGov, collating responses from 2,008 respondents.

The survey revealed significant shifts in perspectives underscoring the changing landscape of transportation preferences, starting with 64% sharing that they are concerned about the environmental impact of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles; a fact clearly reinforced in their strong interest to shift to electric vehicles in the coming years.

Huge Wave Of Interest in EVs

Katib Belkhodja, Customer Centricity Director, Al-Futtaim Automotive, commented on the survey, “Firstly, the results surpassed all our expectations. With 63% of respondents unequivocally choosing to make electric vehicles their primary mode of transportation, the results are not only overwhelmingly positive but also comprehensively reflect the evolving perceptions of the UAE customers towards electric mobility. It was very important for us at Al-Futtaim Automotive to conduct this survey, and get an accurate understanding of the customer mindset, especially against the backdrop of COP28.”

The Survey Also Highlighted Key Barriers To EV Adoption

Katib Belkhodja further added: “While there are still some barriers to overcome, the results have strengthened our belief in the e-mobility strategies we are currently pursuing. Our commitment to develop the electric mobility ecosystem - covering a wide EV portfolio, our own charging station (Charge2Moov) as well as e-mobility training for aftersales - directly answers most of the concerns obstructing widespread electric adoption. We are the only automotive group in the region committed to delivering this integrated, end-to-end EV offering, and through this, we are confident that we will be able to accelerate the green transition as well as fulfill our pledge to deliver 50% New Energy Vehicles and install 10% of the country’s charging stations by 2030.”

“Our main objective now is to democratize the EV landscape by offering a wide choice of electric mobility products at diverse price and performance capabilities, and this specifically addresses a key price perception that majority of the customers have with regards to costs of EVs vs. conventional fuel cars.”  

Influential Factors Prompting The Shift To EVs

Faster charging time (54%), more charging stations (54%) advancements in battery technology (54%) and a longer driving range (52%) top the list as the crucial factors that will influence their decisions and encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles.

“This survey not only helps us at Al-Futtaim Group but also the wider industry in clearly underlining the decisive factors that will accelerate sustainable mobility in the UAE”, Katib concluded.

Since 2008, Al-Futtaim Automotive has been focused on steering the green mobility transition in the UAE. The company first introduced alternative propulsion in the UAE, launching hybrid vehicles in collaboration with Toyota, and then later became the first automotive group to hand over a fleet of hybrid vehicles for taxi companies. In the last two years, Al-Futtaim Automotive has accelerated its focus on electric mobility, with numerous groundbreaking initiatives including launching a dedicated new company – Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company.

Beyond bringing best-in-class new energy vehicle brands, which include Polestar, Volvo Cars, BYD, Toyota, Lexus, and Volvo Group (heavy-duty electric trucks, buses and construction equipment), Al-Futtaim Automotive has also developed its own UAE-specific charging technology, Charge2Moov, and launched the region’s first IMI-accredited electric mobility training centre to train technicians to become EV experts.

Al-Futtaim Automotive’s e-mobility ecosystem was showcased at COP28, giving audiences within the UAE and the world a chance to experience the growth trajectory of green mobility within the region as well as the tangible products, solutions and innovations that the company is introducing to making sustainable mobility an everyday reality.

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of UAE National Rail Network, has signed a MoU with Al Dahra Holding, one of the most prominent Emirati companies working in the agricultural field, to provide sustainable rail transport services for agricultural products.

It is aimed at strengthening the collaborative efforts to bolster the development of the railway sector in the UAE and region, said a statement from Etihad Rail.

Furthermore, it aims to instill a culture of sustainability within the transport and logistics sector, particularly through rail freight transportation, it stated. 

As per the MoU, Al Dahra Holding will integrate rail into its supply chain activities, aligning with its ongoing efforts to shift to more sustainable modes of transporting its goods within the country. 

By leveraging Etihad Rail’s freight terminals and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect major commercial hubs and industrial zones across the country, Al Dahra will easily and conveniently access markets, it stated.

The MoU was signed by Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak and Al Dahra Holding Group CEO Arnoud van den Berg in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, at the COP28 event.

Sheikh Theyab said: "This agreement stands as a testament to the close collaboration between national entities, such as Etihad Rail and Al Dahra Holding, to drive sustainable economic growth."

"Through the UAE National Railway Network, Etihad Rail plays a pivotal role in supporting companies’ transition to adopt sustainable modes of transport, enabling them to rely on Etihad Rail’s integrated and flexible freight services and innovative logistics solutions to meet their business goals more effectively, reliably, and sustainably," he noted.

He underscored Etihad Rail’s commitment to providing sustainable shipping solutions to its customers, in line with the vision of the wise leadership, who laid the foundation for sustainability by launching national strategies and agendas, steering the nation toward a more sustainable centennial. 

"This commitment is further reinforced in hosting the world’s largest climate change dialogue COP28, dedicating 2023 as the Year of Sustainability under the slogan “Today for Tomorrow”, in addition to other impactful initiatives," he stated.

Arnoud van den Berg said: "Our primary objective at Al Dahra is to sustainably meet the nutritional needs of the developing world. The UAE National Railway Network enables us to advance our efforts to transition our supply chain activities to low-carbon alternatives. We are very much looking forward to exploring how we can collaborate in the future to boost Al Dahra’s operational efficiency."

As both parties realize the importance of sustainable business practices, they aspire to maximize energy efficiency, reduce resource consumption in supply chains, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with freight operations by relying on rail, explore innovative solutions and best practices that further enhance the sustainability of freight transportation, in addition to raising awareness about the environmental benefits associated with rail, it is worth noting that each train trip removes up to 300 trucks off the roads, contributing to road safety and savings in maintenance costs, he noted. 

Furthermore, the UAE National Railway Network will reduce CO2 emissions in the UAE road transport sector by 21%, by 2050, aligning with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, he added.

Soucr: TradeArabia News Service

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has partnered with the French-headquartered International Energy Agency (IEA) to accelerate clean energy transition and climate action both in Abu Dhabi and globally.

The agreement aims to drive regional and global cooperation in charting decarbonisation pathways and sustainable energy policies that will drive renewable energy efficiency and low-emission technologies.

The DoE and IEA will collaborate on low-emission power generation targets (including nuclear power and renewables), reducing CO2 emissions, implementing an energy and water efficiency policy, and sustaining a cost-competitive electricity and water supply, while working to balance energy security, affordability and sustainability, in both the supply and demand side, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.

Mary Warlick, Deputy Executive Director of IEA, said: “The emirate’s development of low-emissions energy solutions has accelerated in recent years, driving progress towards its climate goals while increasing its overall economic competitiveness."

The UAE was the first country in the region to commit to a Net Zero by 2050 goal. Based on its clean energy targets, UAE is expected to adopt 60% clean electricity by 2035.

Outcomes from this agreement with the IEA will support Abu Dhabi the UAE’s Nationally Determined Contribution and Net Zero by 2050 target in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The partnership was signed at the UAE House of Sustainability Pavilion in the COP28 UAE Green Zone.

Source: ZAWYA (Writing by Seban Scaria; editing by Daniel Luiz)

As part of its social responsibility, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plays an integral role in supporting biodiversity and preserving the environment and terrestrial and marine habitats. DEWA continuously launches awareness and environmental campaigns that aim to include all members of society in efforts to protect precious natural resources, plant more trees, and encourage the use of digital channels and green transport. DEWA promotes the adoption of a responsible lifestyle by following sustainable practices. These include enhancing the efficiency of electricity and water consumption, limiting waste, reducing the consumption of plastic materials, and reusing and recycling plastic.

“We are working to consolidate the leadership of the UAE in climate action and biodiversity, as the UAE is one of the first countries in the region to pay great attention to protecting the environment and addressing the consequences of climate change by adopting green policies and launching pioneering initiatives in this vital sector, in addition to taking measures to address the root causes of plastic pollution and promote the transition towards a circular economy. Our commitment to sustainability is an extension of the legacy of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and in support of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for smart investment in our natural wealth to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

We are keen to achieve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. DEWA is committed to strengthening the position of the UAE on the indicators of achieving the global sustainable development goals, and supporting its efforts to be one of the first countries in the world to achieve Net-Zero. This is especially important in the Year of Sustainability in the UAE under the theme ‘Today for Tomorrow’, during which the country hosted COP28 at Expo City Dubai. This also reflects the growing awareness of the correlation between the world’s climate and its biodiversity,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

DEWA’s efforts have contributed to reducing net carbon dioxide emissions in Dubai by 19% in 2022 compared to 2010.

“Climate change impacts food production and security. Technologies that help make existing methods more efficient and resilient, as well as technologies that provide novel ways of producing food sustainably, are urgently needed. Solutions promoting biodiversity so ecosystems can function accordingly are of increasing importance. DEWA has demonstrated great leadership in championing the cause in the World Green Economy Summit 2023, bringing experts from all fields to deliberate on actionable strategies for policymakers and public & private sectors,” said Carrie Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Avant Meats.

Environmental awareness campaigns

DEWA launches awareness campaigns around the year to share tips and guidelines on adopting a responsible and sustainable lifestyle among all segments of society. The campaigns include lectures, workshops, contests, and interactive shows with DEWA’s cartoon characters, Noor and Hayat, that represent electricity and water, to introduce children and the new generation to ways to preserve the environment.

DEWA also organised four campaigns in 2023, in cooperation with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, to clean the beach and plant mangroves at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary. DEWA realises the importance of mangrove trees to preserve biodiversity, especially in the marine ecosystem. These campaigns support national goals to promote the sustainability of mangrove forests by planting 100 million mangrove trees in the UAE by 2030.

The campaigns collect tonnes of algae and seaweed from the shores of the reserve that is used for scientific research to study marine environments. Seaweed is a valuable resource that can be used as organic fertilisers, reducing the use of artificial fertilisers. It can also be processed for biofuel and other applications.

The campaigns saw the participation of hundreds of DEWA employees and their families, as well as employees from some of DEWA’s subsidiaries, and students from DEWA Academy. The campaigns contributed to enhancing water quality and the marine habitat within the sanctuary, which is one of the most important sanctuaries in Dubai.

Smart Living

Through its Smart Living initiative, DEWA enables customers to effectively manage their electricity and water consumption. The initiative includes features like the Smart Living dashboard, which allows customers to monitor their consumption and obtain annual, monthly, and daily consumption reports. ‘My Sustainable Living Programme’ allows customers to compare their consumption with those of similarly efficient homes in their area and get customised tips. The Self-Assessment tool includes a survey for customers to assess their consumption. After completing the assessment, customers receive a detailed report on their usage. DEWA also provides the High-Water Usage Alert to help customers detect leakages in water connections after the meter. The service sends instant notifications to customers if the smart meter system detects any unusual increase in consumption.

Machines for recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans

In line with its vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, DEWA has provided smart machines to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans in some of its buildings. DEWA currently has two smart recycling machines in its head office and Warsan office. This initiative supports the circular economy model and its applications across its various divisions. Since the smart recycling machines were installed in October 2022 and until the end of October 2023, more than 570 employees have recycled over 430,000 plastic bottles and aluminium cans, equivalent to 6,483 kgs of plastic. The recycled materials wove their way into T-shirts and other items, courtesy of a local company deploying sustainable manufacturing solutions.

Digital transformation

DEWA supports Dubai’s progress in leading the future by reworking the traditional concepts of work mechanisms to suit the rapid global changes through Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA. DEWA utilises the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies and provides all its services around the clock through its website and smart app. DEWA provides high-quality and advanced digital services, and innovates channels that ensure continuous improvement of its processes and procedures. By the end of October 2023, adoption of DEWA’s smart services had reached 99.20%, and DEWA’s customers had conducted over 11 million digital transactions.

In alignment with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, ENOC Group, a leading integrated global energy player, today announced its partnership with SAP, the global leader in enterprise application software, and Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (PJSC). This partnership will further enhance cloud solutions within the Group through ‘RISE with SAP’, a comprehensive business transformation solution to ensure sustainable digitalisation. This solution will be hosted on Moro’s Green Data Centre. 

This strategic move allows ENOC to accelerate its cloud journey in a single contract through a unified package, incorporating SAP S/4HANA Cloud as a core component.

Commenting on this collaboration, H. E. Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC said: “Our partnership with SAP and Moro Hub is a statement to our commitment to the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, and a milestone in our Group’s sustainable transformation through which we aim to create a more resilient, agile, and responsive operation.”

“Our commitment to sustainability aligns with the principles of the UAE Net Zero 2050 goals, and hosting RISE with SAP exemplifies our dedication to fostering a responsible and eco-conscious digital landscape. This collaboration is a testament to Moro Hub's role as a positive catalyst of change, where we are not just a host, but an enabler of sustainable progress. We are confident that RISE with SAP hosted in Moro Hub’s Green Data Centre will play a pivotal role in shaping a greener and more digitally advanced future for the UAE and businesses alike," said Marwan Bin Haidar, Vice Chairman & Group CEO of Digital DEWA.

The Green Data Centre, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest solar-powered data centre, exemplifying its commitment to sustainable innovation and setting new industry benchmarks. In line with the UAE's sustainability agenda, the Green Data Centre is carbon-neutral and spans 100,000 square meters. With advanced security features and Tier III Certification for both design and construction, it guarantees reliability and performance. The facility, operating entirely on renewable energy sources, reflects Moro Hub's commitment to environmental stewardship.

“The implementation of RISE with SAP marks a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with ENOC and Moro Hub. This new and exciting step underscores our shared commitment to sustainability and supports the UAE's Net Zero 2050 objectives. By harnessing the capabilities of SAP S/4HANA hosted on Moro’s green data centre, ENOC is setting a new standard for sustainable innovations," said Manos Raptopoulos, President, EMEA South, SAP.

Beyond the technological advancements, this project represents a significant leap towards sustainable digital transformation, in alignment with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. This partnership underscores a shared dedication to sustainability and signifies ENOC's commitment to combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility. 

About ENOC Group:
ENOC Group is a leading integrated global energy player and a wholly owned entity of the Government of Dubai that is integral to the Emirate’s success. ENOC owns and operates assets in the fields of exploration & production, supply & operations, terminals, fuel retail, aviation fuel and petroleum products for commercial & industrial use. The Group’s general business operations include automotive services, non-fuel F&B retail and fabrication services. Servicing thousands of customers in over 60 markets, the Group employs a multi-national workforce of over 11,000 employees and is deploying its world-class customer service, latest innovations, and technologies as well as best practices to empower the UAE’s social and economic development. For further information, please visit: www.enoc.com

Follow us on:             
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

For further information:
Nisha Celina | Taief Saleh 
ASDA’A BCW | +9714 4507600
nisha.celina@bcw-global.com | taief.saleh@bcw-global.com

About Moro Hub: 
As part of 10X, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (PJSC) mobilised its innovation unit to create a new entity called Digital DEWA, which uses innovation in artificial intelligence and digital services to meet the current and future requirements brought about by the 4th industrial revolution. This entity required an innovative, agile data hub, and thus Moro Hub was established. Forming the backbone of Digital DEWA, Moro Hub was introduced to fulfil the need for an innovative and agile data centre. Through its purpose-built, industry-accredited data hub, Moro Hub uses its expertise, capabilities and alliances to contribute to the digital transformation of society. Trusted to secure, manage, and integrate data, Moro Hub is committed to providing value through customer-centric innovation, creating new opportunities now and in the future. For more info, please visit www.morohub.com. 

About SAP:
SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent, sustainable enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: SAP customers generate 87% of total global commerce. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives. For more information, visit www.sap.com.

The 13-day Greening Education Hub, themed ‘Legacy from the Land of Zayed’, marked the end of its activities during COP28.

Hosted by the Ministry of Education, this first-of-its-kind Hub in the history of COP showcased education's vital role in addressing the global climate crisis and achieving sustainable development goals on a global scale. It attracted a diverse audience from different backgrounds and age groups, including a significant number of international visitors.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, said, “As we embarked on the launch of the Legacy from the Land of Zayed Hub, our goal was to make significant advancements in promoting climate education to address the global climate crisis. We aimed to establish a lasting legacy that could serve as a foundation for positive changes throughout the educational process, all the way to building green societies.

The Hub has successfully achieved its objectives. The UAE has inspired educational leaders to implement tangible measures, positioning education at the forefront of worldwide conversations about climate and sustainability. This supports the aim of enhancing the skills of educational cadres, raising environmental and climate awareness among students, and empowering them to become advocates for sustainability in their communities and workplaces."

Dr. Al Falasi added, “As the activities of the Greening Education Hub - Legacy from the Land of Zayed end, we simultaneously embark on a new phase. This involves ongoing collaboration with our local and international partners to underscore the importance of sustainability in the global education sector. We will achieve this through global initiatives, programmes, and partnerships, solidifying our nation's leading role in climate action and striving to create a sustainable future for generations to come."

During COP28, the First Annual Meeting of the Greening Education Partnership, which was held at the Greening Education Hub, issued a Declaration on the Common Agenda for Education and Climate Change at COP28. Through this declaration, member states of the Green Education Partnership pledged to develop national education strategies to mitigate the repercussions of climate change and to leverage the role of education to achieve net-zero emissions in the education sector.

The declaration also highlighted the member states’ pledge to enhance cooperation in all fields to provide domestic and international funding. This is to promote climate education in a way that helps bridge the gap between the current reality and climate targets.

Additionally, during the International Greening Education Ministerial Meeting, which the UAE chaired, the Ministry of Education launched two initiatives in cooperation with UNESCO. The first called for the establishment of an open-source platform on the internet to facilitate access to resources and information and exchange experiences and expertise, in order to support the adoption of green education around the world. The second initiative called for launching a ‘Sustainability Tracking Tool for Educational Institutions’ that contributes to unifying international efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of educational institutions around the world in preparation for COP29.

Furthermore, the Greening Education Hub introduced various initiatives and programmes with the goal of endorsing and fostering the implementation of green education on a global scale.

The Ministry cooperated with the Office for Climate Education and Alef Education, to unveil the Educators’ Voice platform. The initiative aims to enhance green education resources accessible to teachers and educational officials globally through open sources, empowering them to advance their climate readiness.

All Net-Zero Heroes also actively engaged in programmes offered by the Greening Education Hub that were tailored to their respective ages and interests. Each child had the opportunity to participate in approximately 15 events and workshops, assuming various roles in key speaker sessions, including ones involving a dialogue with children from the Arab world that was supported by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

They also took part in discussions, including a ministerial retreat, and served as primary spokespeople representing the children of the UAE during a ceremony honouring educators. Additionally, workshops specifically designed for these heroes were conducted, covering activities such as the ‘My Home’ awareness game sponsored by the Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, a simulation session for COP28, and an appreciation ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Ministry of Education, through the Greening Education Hub, has made significant progress in attaining the objectives of the four pillars of the Green Education Partnership. Currently, 52% of schools and 36% of universities have enrolled in greening programmes, preparing for official environmental accreditation. Furthermore, all schools across the country now have access to green resources and curricula essential for promoting environmental education.

In terms of greening capacities, the Ministry is actively involved in providing climate training and qualification for one educational official and two teachers in each school nationwide. The initial phase of training for 100 master trainers has been completed, with over 1,400 educational officials and more than 10,000 teachers enrolled in training programmes to enhance their capabilities in green education.

To amplify the role of education in fostering greening communities, the Ministry has devised seven distinct business models for each of the country's emirates. The objective is to boost community engagement with climate education initiatives.

In line with its belief in the power of partnerships in bringing about sustainable change in the educational sector, the Ministry of Education signed two Memoranda of Understanding during COP28. The first MoU was with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), which was aimed at developing and implementing initiatives to educate youth and students about environmental protection. The objective is to emphasise their role in shouldering responsibilities, with a focus on preserving wildlife and natural habitats, fostering understanding, and promoting sustainable behavioural change.

Additionally, the Ministry has entered into agreements with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment as well as with Bayanat. These agreements aim to bolster and advance sustainable scientific and research initiatives, including the initiation of a grant for collaborative research programmes throughout 2024.

The Greening Education Hub – Legacy from the Land of Zayed witnessed an impressive turnout during COP28, with over 50,000 visitors, surpassing expectations by over 270%.

Notably, student and academic engagement with the Hub's activities was exceptional, with more than 3,500 students from 122 schools across the country visiting over the course of 13 days. The Hub played host to 250 panel discussions and workshops, featuring the participation of over 1,000 speakers from more than 50 countries and the attendance of more than 10,000 guests.​

Source: WAM

Dubai has announced an ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality, with a target of achieving a 50 percent reduction in emissions by the year 2030. The new plan will accelerate the momentum it has achieved in its transition towards clean energy over the last decade, backed by a clear roadmap for reaching its net-zero goal by 2050.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council, reaffirmed Dubai's dedication to environmental sustainability and climate action, aligned with the Paris Agreement's objectives. “We are committed to collaborating with other global cities that share our vision for sustainability and climate action. Guided by the inspiring leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, Dubai continues to consolidate its status as a city that offers the world’s best quality of life.

"In an announcement that coincides with the UAE’s hosting of COP28, Dubai has announced its aim to double its carbon emission reduction, aiming for a 50 percent decrease by 2030. This ambitious goal is a testament to Dubai's dedication to a sustainable future, emphasising environmental protection, biodiversity, conservation of resources, a substantial increase in renewable energy, and the advancement of a green and circular economy,” he added.

Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, stated, “The Supreme Council of Energy represented by key government entities has adopted a structured approach for developing prudent energy policies and clean energy projects with a focus on enhancing efficiency and fuel diversification, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to have achieved a significant transformation of our energy sector, marked by the adoption of a successful market-based strategy, applying the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach has not only facilitated the development of a robust clean energy portfolio but also catered to the rapidly growing infrastructure demands of our city.”

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40, a global network of nearly 100 of the world's leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis, said, “I congratulate Dubai on its commitment to respond to the climate crisis by addressing their biggest sources of emissions and their climate risks, through the launch of the climate action plan, in line with the science and keeping temperatures below 1.5°C. The plan, the first of a major city in the Middle East aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, sets out a citywide target and sectoral pathways to reduce emissions 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. From setting up the world’s largest single-site solar park to having 75 percent of vehicles as hybrid or electric powered, Dubai’s new climate action plan stands out in the region.”

By fostering partnerships with leading regional and international organisations in clean energy, Dubai has created green funding mechanisms, balanced risks and expanded its local capabilities to play a dynamic role in driving its energy transition. This approach has sent positive signals to clean energy investors, created an attractive market for renewable technologies and led to the development of mega clean power projects. Today, Dubai has delivered exemplary projects such as the world’s largest single-site solar power park, the first hydropower plant in the region, a green hydrogen facility, a waste-to-energy plant and the production of green Aluminium.

Source: WAM

Sustainable Action Now
© 2024 Living Business. All rights reserved.