Adopting circular economy principles – something that will hopefully become a “new normal” guiding global economies – could deliver $26 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, according to the Global Commission on Economy and Climate. Here in Abu Dhabi, we are building a circular economy ourselves – one that, as part of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy’s vision for 2031, will enable us to become the most competitive industrial hub in the region.
A circular economy facilitates getting the most out of raw materials, and keeping products and resources in use by designing them to be cycled back into the economy, thus eliminating waste and increasing industrial growth. By boosting industrial output, we are maximising economic opportunities and safeguarding cost competitiveness, ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains an attractive global industrial hub.
I’m proud to say that this has been made possible by the continual support of the government. As part of the emirate’s new Industrial Strategy, it will see Abu Dhabi’s government invest Dh10 billion ($2.72bn) in order to double the size of the manufacturing sector by 2031. To support this, a new circular economy regulatory framework will be developed to ensure that industry in Abu Dhabi is underpinned by sustainable values. In addition, new initiatives will support further environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria to create new business openings. They will also incentivise businesses to demonstrate sustainable credentials as they contribute to – and gain from – a circular economy.
By boosting industrial output, we are maximising economic opportunities
This is not just for the benefit of the fight against climate change – it is necessary for future economic resilience. The net-zero necessity is no longer an additional bonus. It has become a core principle for businesses.
A plan for a smart circular economy catalyses value creation and ensures cost competitiveness. And with the combination of Abu Dhabi’s beneficial public-private partner (PPP) business ecosystem and investor-friendly regulations, we are ushering in a new era of economic growth.
The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy is increasing the pool of talent by providing rewarding career paths in manufacturing, equipping people with the right skills for industries of the future. This in turn helps strengthen R&D knowledge, improve local supply and production and enable greater co-operation among PPP organisations. By leveraging new technologies and fostering innovation, we are increasingly creating a cohesive industrial sector.
Rapid advances as a global industrial pioneer are key to the emirate’s future. The manufacturing sector is playing a pivotal role in the diversification of the national economy, with Abu Dhabi currently accounting for 40 per cent of the UAE’s manufacturing.
Over the past 15 years, Abu Dhabi has invested over Dh51bn ($13.88bn) and has established a vigorous industrial infrastructure, and our adherence to a circular economy continues to enhance our position as a global destination for industry.
New schools in Dubai
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Result
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,950m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m; Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Adam McLean, Doug Watson.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,950m; Winner: Conclusion, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh100,000 1,400m; Winner: Pilgrim’s Treasure, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m; Winner: Sanad Libya, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,000m; Winner: Midlander, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
yallacompare profile
Date of launch: 2014
Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer
Based: Media City, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: 120 employees
Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)
