The UAE has hosted the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GMFR) Partnership meeting as part of a global effort to drive down waste that could otherwise be converted to energy.
The World Bank estimates that billions of cubic metres of gas are being released into the air annually due to flaring. This is the process of burning gas during oil production.
The associated natural gas, composed mainly of methane, is often treated as waste and burnt or vented directly into the atmosphere.
Putting a stop to flaring has environmental and economic benefits, said Zubin Bamji, the World Bank's GFMR manager.
GFMR estimates global upstream gas flaring increased to 148 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2023, up from 139 bcm in 2022.
"It's about energy security and, at a time when many countries are looking for extra energy supplies, here we see one of the resources being wasted to the tune of billions of cubic metres every year," said Mr Bamji. "We estimate the amount of energy wasted through flaring alone could power the entire Sub-Saharan African continent."
Ibrahim Al Zu'bi, Adnoc's chief sustainability officer, echoed this view, highlighting that it has been following a zero routine flaring policy for years and is now sharing its expertise with other national oil companies.
Funding for new energy opportunities
A total of $250 million has been earmarked by the development bank, $100 million of which came from the UAE, to support those countries with the least capacity and resources to address these harmful emissions.
The partnership is focused on providing grant funding, technical assistance, policy and regulatory reform advisory services, institutional strengthening, and mobilising financing to support action by governments and the industry.
GFMR is active in at least dozen countries, which account for about a quarter of the oil and gas sector’s methane emissions.
In the Middle East, GFMR is helping Iraq, Egypt and Yemen identify opportunities and develop action plans to reduce emissions from oil and gas operations.
The GFMR Partnership, launched at Cop28 and managed by the World Bank, offers technical assistance and financial support to countries and operators that commit to long-term methane reduction.
Global partnerships, regional impact
The two-day steering committee meeting brought together representatives from countries such as Norway, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as industry giants such as Shell, BP, Total Energies and Equinor.
Sixteen projects from across the globe were reviewed, with particular focus on methane measurement, sensor deployment and regulatory alignment.
"What impressed me was the diversity of progress," Mr Al Zu'bi said. "Some countries were just beginning the conversation on methane, others were already deploying sensors and tools. This diversity justifies the need for a collaborative platform like this."
The UAE's role, he added, extends beyond funding. Adnoc sits on the GFMR's technical advisory group, helping assess project viability and providing support beyond finance, including in data, expertise and capacity building.
Looking ahead
The next phase of the partnership will involve expanding the number of countries involved, ensuring long-term financial sustainability of the fund and sharing success stories – particularly from smaller or newer producers.
"This isn't about one company or one country," said Mr Al Zu'bi. "It's about building a global community committed to smart, sustainable energy practices."
With 2030 fast approaching, the World Bank and Adnoc agree that the urgency is real but so is the opportunity.
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When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
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- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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