Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE will be a driving force behind efforts to protect the planet. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE will be a driving force behind efforts to protect the planet. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE will be a driving force behind efforts to protect the planet. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE will be a driving force behind efforts to protect the planet. Photo: Wam

UAE agrees to join Leaders' Pledge for Nature to boost global green agenda


Chris Maxwell
  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE on Friday took a significant step forward in its quest to preserve nature and protect the environment for years to come.

The UAE Cabinet agreed the country would join the Leaders' Pledge for Nature, an international effort to boost the green agenda.

The Emirates had endorsed the crucial initiative at the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in November, and Cabinet ministers reaffirmed the UAE's support for the pledge at their first meeting of 2022, held at the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

But what is the Leaders' Pledge? And how will nations work together to safeguard the planet?

A vision for a better future

  • Orchids from Singapore and date palms from the desert are among the foliage that will display exotic flowers named after famous people.
    Orchids from Singapore and date palms from the desert are among the foliage that will display exotic flowers named after famous people.
  • The Netherlands pavilion will harvest water, energy and food in a cone-shaped vertical farm.
    The Netherlands pavilion will harvest water, energy and food in a cone-shaped vertical farm.
  • Spain’s eco-friendly pavilion is designed to showcase how the country approaches the issue of sustainability.
    Spain’s eco-friendly pavilion is designed to showcase how the country approaches the issue of sustainability.
  • Belgium’s pavilion is another zero waste building featuring various eco design technologies.
    Belgium’s pavilion is another zero waste building featuring various eco design technologies.
  • Malaysia’s tropical rainforest and the need to save the ancient trees will be a theme of the country’s pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Malaysia’s tropical rainforest and the need to save the ancient trees will be a theme of the country’s pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

Political leaders from 93 countries initially signed the pledge at the UN Summit on Biodiversity in September 2020, with signatories committing to reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 as part of the UN's Decade of Action.

The collective effort aimed to put policies in place to address harm being caused to the planet and embrace sustainable strategies.

The pledge highlights increasing the protection of the planet’s land and oceans through effectively managed protected areas as well as moving land use and agricultural policies away from harmful practices, all while reducing air, land and marine pollution — particularly by eliminating plastic leakage into the ocean by 2050.

It also calls for a transition to sustainable production and consumption, and for leaders to be guided by nature and the environment when setting out future policies.

UAE backs eco plan

  • People plant mangroves during an event organised by Companies for Good on Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Vidhyaa Chandramohan
    People plant mangroves during an event organised by Companies for Good on Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Vidhyaa Chandramohan
  • To fight climate change, the UAE is carrying out projects such as reducing emissions and planting mangroves.
    To fight climate change, the UAE is carrying out projects such as reducing emissions and planting mangroves.
  • Mangroves, trees that survive in salty water, play an important part in the ecosystem.
    Mangroves, trees that survive in salty water, play an important part in the ecosystem.
  • By 2030, the UAE intends to plant 100 million mangroves.
    By 2030, the UAE intends to plant 100 million mangroves.
  • Visitors at Jubail Mangrove Park. Schools and businesses are planting saplings as part of the UAE's campaign.
    Visitors at Jubail Mangrove Park. Schools and businesses are planting saplings as part of the UAE's campaign.
  • Volunteers during a mangrove clean-up organised by the World Wildlife Fund and Seahawk Abu Dhabi.
    Volunteers during a mangrove clean-up organised by the World Wildlife Fund and Seahawk Abu Dhabi.
  • Young mangroves can be damaged by plastic and other waste dumped into the sea.
    Young mangroves can be damaged by plastic and other waste dumped into the sea.
  • Volunteers sort rubbish gathered during a clean-up of mangroves in Abu Dhabi.
    Volunteers sort rubbish gathered during a clean-up of mangroves in Abu Dhabi.
  • After collecting debris from the mangroves, volunteers use an app to track their progress.
    After collecting debris from the mangroves, volunteers use an app to track their progress.
  • The grey mangrove is the species that grows extensively in UAE.
    The grey mangrove is the species that grows extensively in UAE.
  • Visitors enjoy an evening paddle by the mangroves and a sunset view of Abu Dhabi.
    Visitors enjoy an evening paddle by the mangroves and a sunset view of Abu Dhabi.

Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said at Cop26 that the UAE's support of the pledge was in line with the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father.

“The UAE is proud to endorse the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, committing to working with other nations to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and sending a powerful message that there is no conflict between nature conservation and the economy,” she said.

“The move aligns with our unwavering dedication to protecting our environment and preserving it for future generations, instilled in our nation by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“The alarming magnitude of biodiversity loss can sometimes come across as an afterthought in the climate process, and it is critical that we as governments and stakeholders rally around dual-purpose deliverables.

“Aligning our agendas for tackling biodiversity loss and climate change is the only way we can resolve them and take decisive collective action to preserve our planet and the life on it for future generations.”

She said the UAE is home to 49 protected areas which account for more than 15 per cent of its territory.

What is the UAE doing to help the environment?

  • President Sheikh Mohamed, who was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces at the time, at the launch of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative at Expo 2020 Dubai. With him are Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, right, Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, left, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, chairman of Masdar and chief executive of Adnoc, second left. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    President Sheikh Mohamed, who was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces at the time, at the launch of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative at Expo 2020 Dubai. With him are Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, right, Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, left, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, chairman of Masdar and chief executive of Adnoc, second left. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • A display about the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative in the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    A display about the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative in the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed, centre, in the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. With him are Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, right, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, second right, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, fourth right, and Abdullah Al Marri, Minister of Economy, left.
    President Sheikh Mohamed, centre, in the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. With him are Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, right, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, second right, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, fourth right, and Abdullah Al Marri, Minister of Economy, left.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed, right, with Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Abdullah Al Marri, left.
    President Sheikh Mohamed, right, with Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Abdullah Al Marri, left.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed, centre, at Expo 2020 Dubai with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, right, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
    President Sheikh Mohamed, centre, at Expo 2020 Dubai with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, right, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed, front row, third right, with: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, second right; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, fourth right; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, right; Mohamed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, fifth right; and Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, left. Back row, from right to left: Abdullah Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; and Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Co-operation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
    President Sheikh Mohamed, front row, third right, with: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, second right; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, fourth right; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, right; Mohamed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, fifth right; and Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, left. Back row, from right to left: Abdullah Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; and Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Co-operation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed with Mariam Al Mheiri and Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei.
    President Sheikh Mohamed with Mariam Al Mheiri and Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei.

In October, the UAE announced an ambitious initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.

The plan will invest Dh600 billion in clean and renewable energy sources over the next three decades.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the country would “play its global role in combating climate change".

At Cop26, the UAE joined more than 100 countries in agreeing to reverse deforestation, and the government will follow up on that plan by using $19 billion in public and private finance to restore degraded land, tackle bushfires, protect indigenous people and focus on key areas such as the Congo Basin.

Meanwhile, single-use plastic bags could be banned in Abu Dhabi by the end of the year, a senior figure from the emirate’s environment agency said.

The move had been expected to come into effect in 2020 but was put on hold by Covid-19.

Monir Bou Ghanem, senior adviser to the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, said this week there were 15 to 16 items that would be affected by the new scheme, including plastic straws and disposable plates and cutlery — all commonly used in takeaway meals.

He said an incentive-based bottle return scheme would also be introduced in the capital when the new rules come into effect, which he expected to happen before the end of 2022.

The UAE will host the 28th UN global climate talks in 2023.

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted after the announcement that the UAE would put everything towards making Cop28 a success.

“We congratulate the Emirates for winning the bid to host the most important conference for climate Cop28, for 2023 … a deserved win for our country … we will put all our capabilities for the conference to succeed … the UAE will remain committed to global climate action to protect our planet Earth,” he said.

BORDERLANDS

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis

Director: Eli Roth

Rating: 0/5

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Second ODI

England 322-7 (50 ovs)
India 236 (50 ovs)

England win by 86 runs

Next match: Tuesday, July 17, Headingley 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:

Ajax 2-3 Tottenham

Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate

Final: June 1, Madrid

THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
Super%20Mario%20Bros%20Wonder
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%20EPD%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8​​​​​​​

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 542bhp​​​​​​​

Torque: 680Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh465,071

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

MATCH INFO

Day 1 at Mount Maunganui

England 241-4

Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28

New Zealand 

Yet to bat

Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin

The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-cylinder%202.0L%20TSI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20clutch%207-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320HP%20%2F%20235kW%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20400Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20%2449%2C709%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Results

2.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m

Winner Lamia, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

3pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,000m

Winner Jap Al Afreet, Elione Chaves, Irfan Ellahi.

3.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m

Winner MH Tawag, Bernardo Pinheiro, Elise Jeanne.

4pm Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 2,000m

Winner Skygazer, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

4.30pm The Ruler of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh250,000 1,700m

Winner AF Kal Noor, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

5pm Sharjah Marathon (PA) Dh70,000 2,700m

Winner RB Grynade, Bernardo Pinheiro, Eric Lemartinel.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • 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

 

If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

Price: Dh380,000

On sale: now 

'Gold'

Director:Anthony Hayes

Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes

Rating:3/5

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

MATCH INFO

Champions League quarter-final, first leg

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)

Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Cologne v Union Berlin (5.30pm)

Fortuna Dusseldorf v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)

Hertha Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)

Paderborn v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Freiburg (5.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach (8.30pm)

Sunday

Mainz v Augsburg (5.30pm)

Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen (8pm)

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

Updated: January 14, 2022, 4:51 PM