Dr Nawal Al-Hosany is permanent representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency
October 09, 2021
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.
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.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in March. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) Research and Development (R&D) Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in March. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in March. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in March. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in March. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Wam
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.
On the global stage, the pathway for the country laid out by the UAE's leadership at Expo 2020 Dubai will resonate with world leaders. Expo 2020 Dubai
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.
Gulf Under 19s
Pools
A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts
Recent winners
2018 – Dubai College 2017 – British School Al Khubairat 2016 – Dubai English Speaking School 2015 – Al Ain Amblers 2014 – Dubai College
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani
Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Salem Rashid, Mohammed Al Attas, Alhassan Saleh
Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Yahya Nader, Ahmed Barman, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah, Yahya Al Ghassani
Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue, Zayed Al Ameri
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
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.
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)
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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
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South Africa
Faf du Plessis (captain), Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungi Ngidi.
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
68 - Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)
69 - Justin Rose (ENG), Thomas Detry (BEL), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Danny Willett (ENG), Li Haotong (CHN), Matthias Schwab (AUT)
Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Five famous companies founded by teens
There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:
Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate.
Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc.
Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway.
Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
