The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023 sets the stage for this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (Cop28) and drives forward decisive action to help deliver a net-zero future.
Established in 2008, ADSW is a global initiative championed by the UAE and clean energy powerhouse Masdar to accelerate sustainable development and advance economic, social and environmental progress.
Running from January 14 to 19, this year’s event is one of the most significant yet.
Under the theme “United on Climate Action Towards Cop28”, ADSW 2023 demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to practical and inclusive action to decarbonise industries and lead the green energy transition.
The event brings together heads of state, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, senior policymakers and youth to further sustainability initiatives and climate action globally.
Held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed, ADSW 2023 provides a global platform for collaboration to transform sustainability pledges into practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“There has never been a more critical time for global leaders to come together to advance our collective needs for climate action,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, President-designate of Cop28, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and chairman of Masdar.
“Through ADSW 2023 and hosting Cop28 later in the year, the UAE is honoured to serve as a meeting place to gather the global community to discuss the issues, partnerships and solutions needed to meaningfully advance net zero in support of a better future for all.
“I look forward to welcoming my international counterparts and colleagues at ADSW 2023, which is sure to be the most impactful ADSW ever and will help set the stage for a productive Cop28.”
The week will focus on four themes: Partnering for action, technology and innovation, people, planet and profit; and the global energy transition. It will also explore critical topics including food and water security, energy access, industrial decarbonisation, health and climate adaptation.
“Climate and the energy transition sit at the core of national plans, and as a responsible global investor, Mubadala is working with sovereign wealth funds and investment partners to progress climate action and deliver positive outcomes for people and society,” said Khaldoon Al Mubarak, managing director and group chief executive of Mubadala Investment Company.
“Through our partnership with ADSW and as an investor in the energy transition for over 15 years, we are committed to utilising our networks and working with partners to scale the energy transition and support climate goals.
“ADSW has also proven itself to be an enabler of climate and energy innovation and sustainable technologies, and we are committed to carrying that momentum into Cop28 later this year.”
ADSW will also be a pivotal, strategic milestone ahead of the coming Cop28 in the UAE, which is focused on accelerating climate action by leveraging the outcomes of the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement.
“ADSW has witnessed remarkable growth and development over the past years to become one of the leading global think tanks,” Awaidha Al Marar, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), said.
“It adds to Abu Dhabi's distinguished and proven record in hosting international events, attracting global leaders, experts, specialists and operators in the energy and industrial sectors, to re-examine and evaluate the continuing efforts to reduce the effects of climate change, and the expansion of the deployment and use of clean energy.
“Abu Dhabi has set an ambitious sustainability agenda over the past 15 years and has taken important measures in this regard.
“The emirate now accounts for nearly 70 per cent of all renewable energy projects in the region, as well as being the first in the region to use carbon capture technology on an industrial scale, and the first to use peaceful nuclear energy.
“Up to 25 per cent of the UAE's electricity needs are expected to be produced from nuclear energy, reducing the emission of up to 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.”
Mr Al Marar said ASDW “provides an incentive and opportunity to launch this journey by showcasing our efforts to increase the share of clean energy in electricity generation”.
“It also showcases our innovations in promoting energy efficiency to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change to support the UAE's strategic initiative for climate neutrality by 2050 and achieving the emirate's ambitions for sustainable economic growth,” he added.
Jasim Thabet, group chief executive and managing director at Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), said that ADSW will serve as a platform for Abu Dhabi's low-carbon power and water champion to engage with other industry leaders on the challenges of accelerating the global development of renewable power and other low carbon energy sources.
“ADSW is an excellent platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge on the innovative and sustainable technologies essential for delivering solutions to help in our fight against climate change,” Mr Thabet said.
“To safeguard future water security and deliver cleaner, emission-free energy, the international community needs to accelerate efforts for the transition towards renewable resources in line with ESG principles and global best practices.”
Supporting the UAE’s ambitions to achieve net zero by 2050, Taqa recently announced its own environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy that includes interim greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
“We have committed to a 25 per cent reduction across the group, including a 33 per cent reduction within our UAE portfolio by 2030 en route to delivering net zero by 2050,” he said.
With Cop28 on the horizon, Taqa, as one of the largest integrated utility companies in the region, “will leverage its global expertise to help drive discussions around the practical steps needed to tackle climate change and to capture the opportunities that come from delivering an emissions-free future”, Mr Thabet said.
This year’s summit will also include for the first time a dedicated Green Hydrogen Summit, from January 17-18. Green hydrogen is of growing importance as an energy resource, especially for the so-called hard-to-abate industries.
The summit will discuss developments in hydrogen production, conversion, transport, storage and use, and help shape the future of this key emerging sector.
Key events of ADSW 2023 include the Annual General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) on January 14-15, the opening ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize ceremony on January 16 and the ADSW summit on January 16 and 17.
Others include the World Future Energy Summit and the Youth 4 Sustainability Hub on January 16-18, Innovate Initiative from January 16-19, the WISER Forum on January 17, the Green Hydrogen Summit on January 18, and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum on January 19.
Sustainability legacy
Since its inception, ADSW has brought together global leaders to discuss, engage and debate climate action and innovation that will ensure a sustainable world. More than 60 heads of state have attended.
ADSW host Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges.
Established in 2006, Masdar is active in more than 40 countries, helping them to achieve their clean energy objectives and advance sustainable development.
Masdar is jointly owned by Adnoc, Mubadala Investment Company and Taqa, and under this ownership, the company is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of at least 100 gigawatts by 2030 and an annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
RESULT
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 0 Al Ain 6
Al Ain: Caio (5', 73'), El Shahat (10'), Berg (65'), Khalil (83'), Al Ahbabi (90' 2)
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,600hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.4seconds
0-200kph in 5.8 seconds
0-300kph in 12.1 seconds
Top speed: 440kph
Price: Dh13,200,000
Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,500hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.3 seconds
0-200kph in 5.5 seconds
0-300kph in 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 350kph
Price: Dh13,600,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures:
Monday, 1st 50-over match
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
A German university was a good fit for the family budget
Annual fees for the Technical University of Munich - £600
Shared rental accommodation per month depending on the location ranges between £200-600
The family had budgeted for food, books, travel, living expenses - £20,000 annually
Overall costs in Germany are lower than the family estimated
As proof that the student has the ability to take care of expenses, international students must open a blocked account with about £8,640
Students are permitted to withdraw £720 per month
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Read more from Johann Chacko
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.
The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?
My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.
The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.
So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.
Results
4pm: Maiden (Dirt) Dh165,000 1,600m
Winner: Moshaher, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Handicap (D) Dh165,000 2,200m
Winner: Heraldic, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5.10pm: Maiden (Turf) Dh165,000 1,600m
Winner: Rua Augusta, Harry Bentley, Ahmad bin Harmash.
5.45pm: Handicap (D) Dh190,000 1,200m
Winner: Private’s Cove, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav.
6.20pm: Handicap (T) Dh190,000 1,600m
Winner: Azmaam, Jim Crowley, Musabah Al Muhairi.
6.55pm: Handicap (D) Dh190,000 1,400m
Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
7.30pm: Handicap (T) Dh190,000 2,000m
Winner: Rio Tigre, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases
A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.
One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.
In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.
The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.
And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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