Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has warned urgent action is required to mitigate the damage being done to the world's oceans. Getty Images
Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has warned urgent action is required to mitigate the damage being done to the world's oceans. Getty Images
Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has warned urgent action is required to mitigate the damage being done to the world's oceans. Getty Images
Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has warned urgent action is required to mitigate the damage being done to the world's oceans. Getty Images

Oceans face unprecedented challenges, says UAE Climate Minister


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The health of the world's oceans is at serious risk warned Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

The minister was making her comments on World Oceans Day, June 8.

The UAE is committed to protecting ocean ecosystems and enhancing their sustainability as a vital resource at both the national and global levels, she was quoted by state news agency Wam as saying.

“Covering more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface, our oceans are undeniably essential to human lives and livelihoods,” said Dr Al Dahak.

“They are the lifeblood of our planet, regulating our climate, providing sustenance, and supporting countless ecosystems.

“We recognise, however, that our oceans face unprecedented challenges. From the impacts of climate change, evidenced by coral bleaching and rising sea levels, to the pressures of unsustainable fishing practices, the health of our oceans is at risk.”

The UN has said that urgent action needs to be taken to address the harm being done to oceans, with 90 per cent of big fish populations depleted, and 50 per cent of coral reefs destroyed.

Earlier this year, The National reported how Sylvia Earle, one of the world’s most famous oceanographers and marine biologists, had raised the alarm over the threat posed to ocean ecosystems by climate change and overfishing. She said the world is “perilously close” to tipping the balance of ocean life.

“As a nation deeply connected to the sea, we understand the urgency of these challenges and are committed to leading the way in finding solutions,” said Dr Al Dahak.

“We recognise the responsibility we have to safeguard these resources for future generations, and we are actively implementing strategies to mitigate these threats and restore the health of our marine ecosystems.”

The UN states the ocean is key to the global economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030. Oceans also produce at least 50 per cent of the planet’s oxygen. They also absorb about 30 per cent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

Dr Al Dahak highlighted the efforts being made by the UAE as examples of its commitment to tackling the issue both regionally and globally.

“Our efforts in mangrove preservation and coral rehabilitation have been highly successful. Work is under way on our coral rehabilitation project to outplant more than four million coral colonies in the emirate’s waters by 2030,” she said. “We are also working to achieve our 100 million mangrove plantation target by 2030. These are goals that we must all work together to achieve.

“Our commitment extends beyond our national waters. The UAE is proud to be the first nation in the Middle East to join the 100 Per Cent Alliance, a UN initiative by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, calling on coastal states to commit to sustainable management of all ocean areas under their jurisdiction.”

Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world

New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.

The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.

Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.

“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.

"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."

THE DEALS

Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m

Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m

Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m

Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m

Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m

TOTAL $485m

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo 

 Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua

 Based: Dubai, UAE

 Number of employees: 28

 Sector: Financial services

 Investment: $9.5m

 Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. 

 
Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

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  • Flexible payment plans from developers
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  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates

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Updated: June 11, 2025, 4:39 AM