Diversifying energy sources in the UAE is important, both for economic and environmental reasons. This is why the government has been investing in efforts to develop the first nuclear-power plant at Barakah and Shams 1, the solar-power plant in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region.
But a switch to solar also needs the right level of encouragement from the authorities. As The National reported yesterday, experts have praised the new resolution passed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the emirate's Executive Council, which allows Dubai residents to obtain the licences and approvals they need to install solar panels on the roofs of their homes and businesses. They could also, if they wanted, sell any extra energy generated back to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
This is good news and in line with developments in Germany, Australia and the US, for example. In the region, Jordan runs a similar programme to the one proposed for Dubai. Rooftop solar panels on private homes and offices in Dubai – the most populous of the seven emirates – would undoubtedly be a significant development. They would be the first such scheme in the Arabian Gulf and a powerful statement of the UAE’s commitment to renewable energy.
In any case, it makes good sense to harness the sun’s rays, which are so plentiful in the region. The move comes at exactly the right time, as solar panels have become significantly cheaper – by as much as 75 per cent – over the past five years. The UAE has already started to take small but significant steps to build its solar energy network. This includes solar-powered street lights and Mawaqif parking machines in Abu Dhabi. A solar-powered plane will stop over in the capital next month, demonstrating the versatility of renewable technology. Small and scattered though these initiatives may seem, they are a big indicator of the way to go in terms of reducing the country’s dependence on traditional sources of energy.
What will start on rooftops in Dubai must continue well beyond the emirate’s borders.
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
MEYDAN RESULTS
6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
Winner Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
