Umm Al Quwain plans to triple growth and turn 20 per cent of land into nature reserves

The 'blue economy' strategy aims by 2031 to triple GDP growth

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, unveils the proposals at the World Government Summit. Pawan Singh / The National

Umm Al Quwain on Tuesday unveiled ambitious proposals to boost growth and protect the environment.

Launched at the World Government Summit in Dubai, the 'blue economy' strategy aims by 2031 to triple the growth of the emirate's gross domestic product, meet a net-zero emissions target and ensure 20 per cent of Umm Al Quwain will be dedicated to nature reserves.

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said the strategy aligns with the UAE’s efforts to enhance sustainable development and ensure optimal use of resources.

"The UAE places the highest priority on the well-being of its citizens by launching development plans, policies and strategies aimed at achieving a decent life for them and enabling them to actively participate in all development paths," said Sheikh Saud.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, listen to 'ethical hacker' David Colombo speak at a session at the World Government Summit 2022. Pawan Singh / The National

Colombo, founder and chief executive of the Colombo Technology cyber security company, at the summit. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends the World Government Summit in Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, at the summit. Photo: Dubai Media Office

George Friedman, founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures, at the summit. Pawan Singh / The National

The summit will conclude on Wednesday. Pawan Singh / The National

A visitor steps on to a self-driving vehicle at the summit. Pawan Singh / The National

Thousands of delegates and hundreds of speakers are attending the summit. Pawan Singh / The National

CNBC anchor Hadley Gamble, left, moderates a panel discussion featuring the UAE's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Iraqi Kurdistan's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. AFP

People arrive at the World Government Summit, being held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Pawan Singh / The National

People arrive at the World Government Summit, being held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Pawan Singh / The National

A poster shows Elon Musk, a speaker at a previous year's event. Pawan Singh / The National

Delegates at the World Government Summit 2022. Pawan Singh / The National

The conference centre at Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The auditorium is one of the major buildings that will remain in place after the world's fair ends. Pawan Singh / The National

The plans essentially focus on creating new environmental, cultural, and heritage tourism areas to boost the popularity of one of the UAE’s most diverse but relatively undiscovered regions.

The emirate also aims to expand its already strong mangrove cover three-fold by 2031 to make a major contribution towards its net-zero targets.

The World Government Summit concludes on Wednesday.