President Sheikh Mohamed participated in the online Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate hosted by US President Joe Biden. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
President Sheikh Mohamed participated in the online Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate hosted by US President Joe Biden. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
President Sheikh Mohamed participated in the online Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate hosted by US President Joe Biden. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
President Sheikh Mohamed participated in the online Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate hosted by US President Joe Biden. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

President Sheikh Mohamed pledges $50 billion to tackle climate change at Biden meeting


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President Sheikh Mohamed has pledged $50 billion to address climate change across the world after taking part in a meeting hosted by US President Joe Biden.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE had invested more than $50bn in renewable energy projects across 40 countries, and it plans to double that over the next decade.

He joined heads of state from 17 economies accounting for 80 per cent of global GDP, population and greenhouse gas emissions at an online meeting on Friday.

“I was pleased to participate in the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate hosted by President Biden and to emphasise the ongoing importance of peace, unity and meaningful collaboration as enablers of sustainable social and economic development,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on Twitter.

“The UAE continues to honour its commitments on climate action and is on track to submit its revised NDC.”

NDC, Nationally Determined Contribution, is an action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate change effects.

“We look forward to hosting the world at Cop 28 and accelerating progress on climate action through an inclusive, practical and integrated approach,” Sheikh Mohamed said.

Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the $50bn investment highlighted the country's commitment to addressing environmental concerns around the world.

“The UAE has joined the ranks of countries at the forefront of the fight against climate change,” said Ms Al Mheiri, who also serves as Minister of State for Food Security.

“We have issued environmental protection laws and strategies and rolled out relevant initiatives. We have also adopted a proactive approach to promoting clean energy solutions as the sustainable, alternative energy sources of tomorrow.”

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

Addressing leaders, Sheikh Mohamed acknowledged that climate change must be addressed by co-operation.

He said the UAE has long held the view that climate action is an opportunity to achieve new pathways for economic and social development, with a focus on practical solutions that can benefit all countries.

The UAE is stepping up its efforts to address climate change and speed up the global energy transition.

At the third virtual gathering of the Major Economies Forum under his presidency, Mr Biden urged countries to take collective action on climate, energy security and food security.

He also invited leaders to co-operate and ease these immediate effects by supporting initiatives that accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce the vulnerability of the food system to climate and supply-chain disruptions.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's address to global leaders at MEF highlighted the need for unity, peace, stability and collaboration as key enablers for sustainable economic and social development, particularly as the world tackles global economic challenges, energy and food security, as well as resource scarcity,” Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and special envoy for climate change, said after the meeting.

“His Highness’s statement highlighted the UAE’s long-standing history of and ongoing commitment to climate action, driven by the principles established by our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.

“For more than 15 years, the UAE has demonstrated a proven track record in progressive climate action and multilateral co-operation, as well as playing a leading role in investing in renewable energy both domestically and internationally which have led to the UAE’s selection as the host country of Cop28 in 2023.”

The UAE was the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement and the first in the region to commit to an economywide reduction in emissions and announce a net zero by 2050 initiative.

The Emirates has also invested in renewable and clean energy, both domestically and internationally.

It is also the first in the region to use peaceful nuclear energy and is home to three of the largest and lowest-cost solar plants in the world.

UAE climate change initiatives — in pictures

  • The third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Photo: Masdar
    The third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Photo: Masdar
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Innovation Centre and the 800MW third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Innovation Centre and the 800MW third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Wam
  • Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Food Security, speaks at the World Food Programme Stop the Waste campaign at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National
    Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Food Security, speaks at the World Food Programme Stop the Waste campaign at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National
  • Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed has launched a landmark clean energy partnership between Adnoc and EWEC that will see EWEC supply Adnoc’s grid power from nuclear and solar energy sources from January 2022. Photo: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
    Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed has launched a landmark clean energy partnership between Adnoc and EWEC that will see EWEC supply Adnoc’s grid power from nuclear and solar energy sources from January 2022. Photo: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
  • The UAE pavilion at the Cop26 summit in Scotland. Ashraf Helmi / The National
    The UAE pavilion at the Cop26 summit in Scotland. Ashraf Helmi / The National
  • Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Andrew Henderson / The National
    Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Andrew Henderson / The National
  • The Barakah Unit 2 grid connection delivers clean electricity. Photo: Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation
    The Barakah Unit 2 grid connection delivers clean electricity. Photo: Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation
  • An aerial view of the Qurum Walkway in Jubail Mangrove Park. The UAE is doing everything it can to tackle climate change, from limiting greenhouse gas emissions to planting more mangroves. Wam
    An aerial view of the Qurum Walkway in Jubail Mangrove Park. The UAE is doing everything it can to tackle climate change, from limiting greenhouse gas emissions to planting more mangroves. Wam
  • The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is working to increase the amount of local produce grown by 5 to 10 per cent a year. Silvia Razgova / The National
    The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is working to increase the amount of local produce grown by 5 to 10 per cent a year. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • The eco-green technologies research site at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The eco-green technologies research site at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has installed 300 artificial caves made of eco-friendly materials across 30 sites to enhance fish stocks in UAE waters.
    The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has installed 300 artificial caves made of eco-friendly materials across 30 sites to enhance fish stocks in UAE waters.
  • The future of cycling in Al Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi, is commemorated by a community ride around the track. Victor Besa / The National
    The future of cycling in Al Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi, is commemorated by a community ride around the track. Victor Besa / The National
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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: CVT

Power: 170bhp

Torque: 220Nm

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Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

 Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment

But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint

Greenheart Organic Farms 

This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.

www.greenheartuae.com

Modibodi  

Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.

www.modibodi.ae

The Good Karma Co

From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes. 

www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco

Re:told

One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.

www.shopretold.com

Lush

Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store. 

www.mena.lush.com

Bubble Bro 

Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.

www.bubble-bro.com

Coethical 

This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.

www.instagram.com/coethical

Eggs & Soldiers

This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.

www.eggsnsoldiers.com

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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

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Opening weekend Premier League fixtures

Weekend of August 10-13

Arsenal v Manchester City

Bournemouth v Cardiff City

Fulham v Crystal Palace

Huddersfield Town v Chelsea

Liverpool v West Ham United

Manchester United v Leicester City

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur

Southampton v Burnley

Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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iPad Pro

11" - $799 (64GB)
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MacBook Air 

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Mac Mini

$799

Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

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Updated: June 18, 2022, 11:13 AM