For the UAE to launch a strategy aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a bold and necessary statement. It will have a ripple effect across geographies. As one of the largest economies in the Middle East, our example of pivoting to a future powered by clean energy will show that nothing is impossible – in the true spirit of the Emirates.
By becoming the first country in the region to adopt a net-zero by 2050 strategy, and investing heavily to get there, the UAE will play a pivotal role in building a greener, cleaner and more inclusive world for all.
And we will do so shoulder-by-shoulder with the international community. So far, the US, the EU, China, Japan, South Korea and the UK have committed to net-zero targets by 2050-2060. Collectively they comprise more than 50 per cent of global emissions.
By joining the international community, we add further momentum to global efforts to combat the impending, but avoidable, consequences of climate change. It will also define the future energy landscape, with the UAE’s established and pipeline of renewable energy solutions set to become critical enablers of the global energy transition.
More from Dr Nawal Al-Hosany
The mid-century initiative announced by the UAE government on Thursday at Expo 2020 Dubai capped off the first week of the event which, under the theme of “Climate and Biodiversity”, has felt like a precursor to this UN Climate Change Conference, popularly known as Cop26.
From the range of sessions that I have attended as a speaker, moderator and audience member, we’ve heard from youth about their outrage and their optimism for the planet, we’ve heard from women leaders in government, the private sector and in conservation efforts around the world about the actions needed to forge more inclusive societies. And now we’ve heard from our leadership that decarbonisation is a top priority.
The net-zero announcement comes at a critical time for our nation, the region and the wider world. With the UAE’s population set to exceed 10.5 million by 2030, overcoming the perils of climate change is an urgent need, especially if we are to continue to provide an exceptional quality of life for the people that call the Emirates their home.
And beyond our borders, providing access to clean energy and electricity for the 750 million people who still do not have it is of utmost importance. To help us get there, as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced that the UAE will invest more than $160 billion in clean and renewable energy projects by 2050.
It is this continued pursuit of progress and developing solutions to global challenges that makes the UAE a regional and global leader for economic and human development both at home and abroad.
This latest in a long line of ambitious initiatives set by the UAE is nothing if not an act of encouragement: of ushering in a brighter, cleaner future, starting today.
It will encourage carbon-intense industries to innovate and adapt to cleaner methods of production, while benefitting from green growth opportunities. It will encourage the acceleration of research and development into carbon capture and clean energy technologies. It will encourage people to recycle and reconsider their water and energy consumption habits.
In short, it will encourage us to start planning for tomorrow, today. 2050 will not arrive unexpected. We will be ready for our date with our 21st century destiny. Indeed, we have been ready for some time.
The net-zero initiative builds on long-established, solid foundations, especially in our renewable energy sector. To date, the UAE has invested more than $40bn in domestic clean energy projects, and has been a major contributor to renewable energy projects in 70 countries worth a combined total of almost $20bn.
Our committed pursuit of renewable energy solutions has today seen us become home to the world’s largest solar energy parks, incuding the 77-square kilometre Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and Al Dhafra Solar photovoltaic park that is due to start operations in 2022, when it will become the world's largest single-site solar power plant, using four million solar panels to generate enough electricity for about 160,000 homes in the UAE.
In short, the initiative will encourage us to start planning for tomorrow, today
The net-zero initiative will play a critical role in the broader national strategic framework being drawn-up by the UAE. For instance, in 2021 alone the UAE has set out plans to promote a cleaner and more globally competitive industrial sector, through Operation 300bn, which seeks to make industry cleaner, more efficient and productive through the increased adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions and advanced technologies.
Doing so will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of national manufacturers and industrialists. Moreover, industries where the full force of these plans will be felt include so-called industries of the future, such as green hydrogen.
Further, the Circular Economy Policy was introduced to achieve sustainable governance, promote environmental health and support the private sector to adopt cleaner production methods. And plans have been introduced to increase nature reserves and natural spaces by 60 per cent in Dubai, through the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
On the global stage, the pathway for the country laid out by the leadership at Expo 2020 Dubai will resonate with world leaders, particularly amid times that are challenging all of us to rethink how we shape society in the years ahead. And it is this constant ability to shift with the times, adapt to new normal and thrive whatever the climate, that makes the UAE the perfect platform to host Cop28 in two years.
Day 2, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Pakistan’s effort in the field had hints of shambles about it. The wheels were officially off when Wahab Riaz lost his run up and aborted the delivery four times in a row. He re-measured his run, jogged in for two practice goes. Then, when he was finally ready to go, he bailed out again. It was a total cringefest.
Stat of the day – 139.5 Yasir Shah has bowled 139.5 overs in three innings so far in this Test series. Judged by his returns, the workload has not withered him. He has 14 wickets so far, and became history’s first spinner to take five-wickets in an innings in five consecutive Tests. Not bad for someone whose fitness was in question before the series.
The verdict Stranger things have happened, but it is going to take something extraordinary for Pakistan to keep their undefeated record in Test series in the UAE in tact from this position. At least Shan Masood and Sami Aslam have made a positive start to the salvage effort.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
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.
Company%20profile
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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
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
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Results
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
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Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
RESULTS
Manchester United 2
Anthony Martial 30'
Scott McTominay 90 6'
Manchester City 0
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TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PLUS
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