The announcement of the UAE Net-Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. Photo: WAM
The UAE has declared its newest initiative, with the aim of bringing net carbon emissions to zero by 2050. Named the UAE Net-Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, it is set to make UAE the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to pursue this goal.
Unveiled at the Expo 2020 Dubai, the initiative aims to combine economic growth with a positive impact on the environment and is created in line with the Principles of the 50, and the Paris Agreement. The principles of the 50 are the country’s guidelines aimed at propelling economic growth as it enters a new 50-year cycle. The venture marks the integration of the work of various public and private organizations involved in policy-making for the same.
The initiative will be implemented by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) across main sectors such as energy, waste, transport, and ensure that their growth requirements align with the objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It aims to invest in clean and renewable energy sources over the course of the next three decades.
The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative announced today is consistent with the longstanding vision of the UAE and its people to make a significant contribution to global sustainability efforts while supporting economic and human development both at home and around the world. pic.twitter.com/afSWMWPXt6
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) October 7, 2021
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai stated, “We are committed to seize the opportunity to cement our leadership on climate change within our region and take this key economic opportunity to drive development, growth and new jobs as we pivot our economy and nation to net zero. With an investment of over AED600 billion in renewable energy, our vision for a clean future is clear.”
The initiative was introduced in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Along with them, His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai and His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, were also in attendance, among others.
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