Daijiworld Media Network- Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Apr 22: On the occasion of Earth Day, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed its leadership in global environmental sustainability, showcasing its dedication to creating a greener future through a series of impactful initiatives. The UAE has long been at the forefront of efforts to protect the environment, with policies and projects in renewable energy, recycling, sustainable water desalination, afforestation, and clean transport all contributing to the global push for environmental preservation.
The UAE’s renewable energy projects, particularly in solar energy, have become benchmarks for clean energy adoption worldwide. Key national players such as Masdar have developed groundbreaking projects, including Shams, the first concentrated solar power plant in the region. Another landmark initiative, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, developed by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), holds the title of the world's largest single-site solar park under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. As of the end of 2024, DEWA reported that 17.8 percent of its total installed capacity came from clean energy sources.
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has also achieved exceptional milestones, underscoring the UAE's commitment to the global clean energy transition and its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
In the field of recycling, the UAE has implemented cutting-edge solutions to reduce waste and divert it from landfills, including pioneering e-waste recycling efforts. The UAE Circular Economy Policy (2021-2031) provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable resource management, ensuring the effective utilization of natural resources. Municipalities across the UAE are actively incorporating circular economy practices, with initiatives such as smart plastic bottle collection bins and designated recycling centers contributing to the effort.
Bee'ah, an environmental services company, plays a leading role in diverting waste from landfills and promoting the circular economy, working with various institutions to achieve sustainability goals. Additionally, the UAE has emerged as a leader in financing environmental initiatives, ranking first in the region and second globally in terms of outstanding sustainability sukuk.
The UAE’s marine conservation efforts include ambitious projects such as “Dubai Reef,” which aims to be the world’s largest marine reef development project. In the realm of sustainable transport, the UAE has made significant strides in expanding clean public transportation options and promoting electric vehicle adoption. In Dubai, public transport ridership reached 747 million in 2024, with the Dubai Metro accounting for 37 percent of this total.
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, highlighted that Earth Day reflects the UAE's commitment to environmental progress through innovation and collaboration. He noted that public-private partnerships play a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges, citing specialized clusters such as the smart and autonomous vehicle industry cluster and the Food and Water Security Innovation Cluster.
Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC Group, reaffirmed the UAE's unwavering commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the importance of energy conservation in preserving the environment and ensuring a sustainable future. He also underscored the group’s dedication to raising awareness on energy preservation and contributing to the UAE's low-carbon economy vision for future generations.