Abu Dhabi on Wednesday set out a 25-year action plan to address the growing threat of climate change and protect the emirate's precious natural resources for future generations.
The comprehensive strategy, announced by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, will focus on bolstering the "highly vulnerable" environmental systems of groundwater, soil and biodiversity, which are viewed as critical to human health, water security and agricultural productivity.
The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) assesses a wide variety of climate-related risks and outlines 142 strategies to be implemented by 2050, including 86 to be introduced in the next five years.
“The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate," said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the agency.
"We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage.
"This plan is a science-backed, action-oriented road map that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and strives to ensure water and food security.”
The green drive will seek to boost national efforts to improve food self-sufficiency, support a shift towards more sustainable land and water-management systems and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
“This plan sets a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region," said Sheikha Al Mazrouei, executive director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at the agency. "It offers a clear, science-based pathway to safeguard Abu Dhabi’s natural assets from the accelerating impacts of climate change.
"Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, it integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time."
The climate road map was developed by the environment agency with the support of more than 40 government, semi-government, academic and civil society organisations as well as youth representatives.
The long-term plan will be subject to regular review and incorporate new scientific findings when necessary.
It is one of four projects being introduced under an emirate-wide adaptation strategy. Future plans will seek to address the energy, health and infrastructure sectors.
Building a greener future
Abu Dhabi has been at the heart of a national push to enhance climate resiliency and ensure nature is protected from the worst effects of climate change.
In May, Abu Dhabi announced an ambitious plan to plant millions of coral colonies by 2030.
The project aims to cover more than 900 hectares, making it the world's largest coral rehabilitation project, state news agency Wam reported.
The environment agency also launched the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden in May, which involves the installation of 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes.
It aims to support the growth of marine organisms across 1,200 square kilometres of coastal and deep-sea areas.
In May 2024, the agency issued directives to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and hold industries to account for their impact on the environment.
The resolution called for all businesses and establishments that need environmental licences to carry out operations to be required to commit to supporting efforts to provide cleaner air.
The agency has pledged to monitor and evaluate ambient air quality through a comprehensive environmental monitoring network.
It will periodically assess air pollutant levels to ensure they do not exceed maximum limits.
Abu Dhabi introduced a single-use plastic ban on June 1, 2022, as part of a major push to protect the environment and reduce pollution in the sea.
The campaign has generated significant dividends, with an estimated 360 million plastic bags taken out of circulation by the end of 2024.
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Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
MATCH INFO
Uefa Nations League
League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)
Essentials
The flights
Whether you trek after mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the Congo, the most convenient international airport is in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. There are direct flights from Dubai a couple of days a week with RwandAir. Otherwise, an indirect route is available via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. Flydubai flies to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, via Entebbe in Uganda. Expect to pay from US$350 (Dh1,286) return, including taxes.
The tours
Superb ape-watching tours that take in all three gorilla countries mentioned above are run by Natural World Safaris. In September, the company will be operating a unique Ugandan ape safari guided by well-known primatologist Ben Garrod.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, local operator Kivu Travel can organise pretty much any kind of safari throughout the Virunga National Park and elsewhere in eastern Congo.
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
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Sri Lanka Test squad:
Dimuth Karunaratne (stand-in captain), Niroshan Dickwella (vice captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Milinda Siriwardana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohamed Shiraz, Lakshan Sandakan and Lasith Embuldeniya.
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Januzaj's club record
Manchester United 50 appearances, 5 goals
Borussia Dortmund (loan) 6 appearances, 0 goals
Sunderland (loan) 25 appearances, 0 goals
Scoreline
Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90 1')
Al Ain 2 (Ismail Ahmed 3', Marcus Berg 50')
Red cards: Ismail Ahmed (Al Ain) 77'
Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)
Nancy Ajram
(In2Musica)
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000
On sale: now
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
The BIO:
He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal
He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side
By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam
Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border
He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push
His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
