An attendee watches a projection at the Pleistocene Park pavilion in the Technology and Innovation hub within the Green Zone on the opening day of the COP28 climate conference at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on November 30, 2023. Bloomberg
An attendee watches a projection at the Pleistocene Park pavilion in the Technology and Innovation hub within the Green Zone on the opening day of the COP28 climate conference at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on November 30, 2023. Bloomberg
An attendee watches a projection at the Pleistocene Park pavilion in the Technology and Innovation hub within the Green Zone on the opening day of the COP28 climate conference at Expo City in Dubai, U
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak is president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for the leadership team of Cop28 UAE
April 22, 2024
The Cop28 UN climate summit last year in Dubai presented the international community with a clear mandate: Place nature at the very heart of climate action.
Today being Earth Day and International Mother Earth Day is a timely moment for us to reflect on the nature-specific outcomes of Cop28. These days are a global call to action for environmental stewardship and a reminder of the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
International Mother Earth Day, established by the UN in 2009, invites us to live in harmony with nature and the planet we call home. It’s a moment to celebrate, read about and learn from the Indigenous peoples who are on the frontlines of climate action.
Cop28 has set a precedent for the integration of nature in addressing climate change, offering a roadmap for the journey ahead. The summit underscored the indispensable role of Indigenous peoples in environmental protection and conservation as well as in climate action. Indigenous knowledge and practices are foundational in protecting nature and play a significant role in both mitigating and adapting to climate change.
Cop28's achievements in nature and climate action are multifaceted. The unanimous agreement in the UAE Consensus that all countries should halt and reverse deforestation by 2030 is a landmark commitment that underscores the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and climate stability. This goal, ambitious in its scope, is complemented by the mobilisation of $2.7 billion in financing for nature-related projects.
The specificity of the commitments made, including the $1.7 billion dedicated to forest conservation and the $100 million contribution from the UAE, exemplifies a targeted approach to biodiversity and ecosystem protection, especially across the world’s largest carbon sinks in South America, Africa and Asia.
These funds are allocated specifically for crucial projects that aim to conserve forests, restore degraded lands and protect endangered species, thereby safeguarding biodiversity and ecological integrity.
Our partnership is making significant progress in implementing its comprehensive programme through projects in selected countries with rich forest resources, notably Ghana. We recently met representatives from Ghana's Ministry for Land and Natural Resources to organise a workshop in the country that aims to kickstart this ambitious programme and serves as tangible evidence of the impactful work we are doing.
Cop28 also highlighted the essential role of marine and coastal ecosystems in the climate equation. The formation of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the signing of the Mangrove Breakthrough is already bringing us closer to meeting the goal of conserving and restoring 15 million hectares by 2030 and reaching $4 billion in sustainable finance.
The eastern mangroves of Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
The launch of initiatives at Cop28 focused on seagrass conservation, representing significant steps forward in our understanding and appreciation of these vital ecosystems. Mangroves and seagrasses are not just carbon sinks, they are also protectors of coastal communities against the effects of climate change, and act as nurseries for marine life – sustaining biodiversity and fisheries that millions of people depend on for their livelihoods.
The connection between nature and achieving the Paris Agreement's goals has never been more evident than after Cop28. The realisation that nature-based solutions can contribute significantly to climate mitigation and adaptation is a paradigm shift, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to environmental and climate policies.
This approach is not just about reducing emissions; it is about creating sustainable interaction between humans and the natural world, where each action in favour of nature is also a step towards climate resilience and sustainability.
As we approach a critical phase in implementing the ambitious goals set forth at Cop28, particularly those related to nature, approaching major UN meetings this year hold immense significance. These conventions – on biological diversity in Colombia this October, on climate change in Azerbaijan this November and on desertification in Saudi Arabia in December – provide a crucial timetable for taking concrete actions and making substantial progress. It is imperative that these goals are not isolated within specific sectors but are integrated across all facets of global environmental governance, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges.
The key to success lies in the implementation of our commitments. This requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, including governments, non-state actors, the private sector, civil society, financial institutions, charities and individuals. We all have a role to play in protecting the planet.
The Asian Venture Philanthropy Forum convening in Abu Dhabi is a prime example of the pivotal role that philanthropy can play in this ecosystem, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation and funding for nature-based climate solutions.
Our journey from Cop28 towards a more sustainable and resilient future is a collective endeavour that demands action, innovation and perseverance. It requires us to rethink our relationship with nature, not as a resource to be exploited, but as a partner in our survival and prosperity.
We must build on the momentum of Cop28, leveraging the commitments made and the pathways forged, to ensure that our actions today lead to a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations.
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.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
Paris Can Wait Dir: Eleanor Coppola Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard Two stars
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.
Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius.
Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
