As part of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office’s (ADIO) programme to attract investment, Abu Dhabi will become home to Amazon’s most technologically advanced fulfillment centre in the region…reports Asian Lite News
Expected to be launched by 2024, the new fulfillment centre comes as part of a wider collaboration between Amazon and ADIO which will also unlock job opportunities over the coming years, as well as provide support to help entrepreneurs, startups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) thrive in the digital economy.
Amazon set to open cutting-edge fulfillment centre in Abu Dhabi
Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said, “Abu Dhabi has established itself as the region’s innovation hub and as a nexus for pioneering technology and impactful solutions. The addition of Amazon’s new fulfillment centre further boosts the emirate’s ecosystem by introducing new capabilities and an enhanced infrastructure that deliver benefits to other businesses. As part of our commitment to creating opportunities for the private sector, ADIO will partner with and support innovation-driven companies to ensure their growth and success in Abu Dhabi.”
Russell Grandinetti, Senior Vice President, International Consumer, Amazon, said, “Driven by customer-obsession, innovation and long-term thinking, we are very proud to be working alongside the UAE leadership as we contribute to the nation’s accelerating digital economy and ambitious growth agenda. We look forward to partnering with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to bring Amazon’s advanced logistics, technology innovations, sustainability initiatives and decades of expertise to the area.”
Following its successful and ongoing collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch cloud data centres in the UAE, ADIO continues to partner with Amazon to advance innovative and technological solutions in Abu Dhabi.
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA), said, “This new expansion helps us increase our delivery capabilities and speed, and support a wide range of sellers who offer a rich selection to our customers. We are well-positioned to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey and aspire to help our independent partners grow to their full potential by providing them with logistics, programmes and resources to seamlessly scale their businesses online.”
ERC opened the Abu Dhabi Residential Complex and Dubai Residential Complex in Nungwi and Pemba areas in Zanzibar region of Tanzania…reports Asian Lite News
The Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERC) opened the Abu Dhabi Residential Complex and Dubai Residential Complex in Nungwi and Pemba areas in Zanzibar region of Tanzania as part of the UAE humanitarian and developmental support to improve living standards in the region.
ERC opens two residential complexes in Zanzibar
The development comes in response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.
The two complexes, which include 60 houses and associated healthcare, educational, electricity, water and environmental facilities, will benefit over 220,000 residents of the two areas.
In a telephone call he made to the ERC team in Zanzibar, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan was updated on the humanitarian situation in the region and on the projects being developed there.
He urged the team to provide all kinds of humanitarian and developmental support to improve living standards there.
He said the UAE will spare no effort in meeting the developmental needs in Zanzibar, specially in the fields of education, healthcare and community services.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar in the United Republic of Tanzania, Khalifa Abdul Rahman Al Marzooqi, UAE Ambassador to Tanzania, Abdullah Al Jenaibi, Deputy Secretary General of the ERC for Marketing and Resource Development and head of the delegation in Zanzibar.
ERC opens two residential complexes in Zanzibar
Following a tour he made to the Abu Dhabi Residential Complex in Nungwi, Dr. Mwinyi praised the UAE’s pioneering role in supporting the needy people all over the world. He thanked the leadership, government and people of the UAE for the great efforts and humanitarian and developmental services offered to the people in Tanzania.
Ambassador Al Marzooqi said that since its establishment, the UAE had been extending a helping hand to brotherly and friendly nations, regardless of belief, ethnicity or language.
Mohammed Atiq Al Falahi, Secretary General of the ERC, said the development projects implemented around the world stem from the UAE’s approach of mitigating the impact of natural disasters on brotherly and friendly peoples.
Al Jenaibi said the opened projects were part of the ERC’s humanitarian and developmental initiatives in Tanzania.
The opened projects include 60 housing units, each with three bedrooms, a kitchen and bathrooms. The developments also include two maternity health centres, two dental clinics, outpatient clinics, two model schools, two mosques and other service facilities.
Each housing complex has 80,000 litre water tanks, a fully equipped drainage system and a link to the local electricity grid. Some 15 shops provided to local residents in each complex as additional sources of income to the needy families. There are also two mosques for men and women, accommodating 700 worshippers each.
Sheikh Mohamed and President Erdogan discussed opportunities for enhancing the cooperation, most notably in investment, economic and developmental areas…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, today discussed the bilateral relations between the UAE and Turkey in the presidential complex in Ankara.
They also discussed new prospects for overall cooperation between their countries to serve the mutual interests, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.
MBZ, Erdogan discuss bilateral ties
President Erdogan welcomed the visit of Sheikh Mohamed to Turkey, highlighting his confidence the visit will be the start of a new promising, prosperous era of bilateral cooperation that serves interests of their countries and the region at large.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his happiness at visiting Turkey and meeting with Erdogan, and conveyed the best wishes of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Turkey and its people for continued stability and prosperity.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and President Erdogan discussed opportunities for enhancing the cooperation between the two countries, most notably in investment, economic and developmental areas.
Both sides also exchanged views on several issues and developments affecting the region, stressing the importance of strengthening the foundations of security, peace and stability, which are key to the process of development and gateway to bright future for the people in the region.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed the hope that the visit will pave the way for a new phase of serving common interests of the two countries and the region as a whole.
He said the that the two countries have taken positive steps to advance the historic, constructive and fruitful relations.
MBZ, Erdogan discuss bilateral ties
“We, in the UAE are keen to build on these steps to advance our mutual development goals in all domains. The economic and commercial ties between the UAE and Turkey provide promising opportunities in various areas, particularly the non-oil trade which has witnessed a remarkable growth. This provides a strong foundation for serving development in the two countries,” he added.
Sheikh Mohamed referred to Turkey’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai as a great opportunity to foster developmental partnerships between the UAE and Turkey and to identify available opportunities to further ties of cooperation.
“The UAE foreign policy is guided by the support for regional peace, stability and development. Therefore, we look forward to strengthening cooperation, partnerships and positive relations with all countries of the region, including your friendly country. Our goal is development and prosperity to all and we firmly believe this is the way to realising our peoples’ aspirations.”
Sheikh Mohamed said Turkey is an important country and a key regional and international player, adding that the UAE is keen on cooperating with Turkey to find peaceful solutions to the regional crises that contribute to achieving peace and stability and to opening new horizons for a new regional position.
The President of Turkey hosted a dinner banquet in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his accompanying delegation.
The meeting and the banquet were attended by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports Board of Directors; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council; Jassim Mohammed Buatabh Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance and Member of the Executive Council; Faris Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi; Ali Faisal Ba’Alawi, Head of the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit; Mohammed Saeed Salem AlNedyadi, Chargé d’Affairs of the UAE Embassy in Turkey; Mohammad Hassan Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of ADQ; Mohamed Juma Al Shamsi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports; Saeed Hamad Obaid Al Dhaheri Chief Executive Office of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange; Mohammed Al Abbar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eagle Hills developers. Also attending were Turkish ministers and senior officials.
The service would be accessible from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, through the “TXAI” app which will be available in all app stores…reports Asian Lite News
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi has revealed, at the Abu Dhabi Smart City Summit, the self-driving vehicle and launch date of the first pilot phase of “TXAI”, which is a new service that utilises self-driving taxis to transport passengers on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
ITC launches first self-driving taxi in Abu Dhabi
The launch of the service was in collaboration with Bayanat for Mapping and Surveying Services, a subsidiary of Group 42, and a pioneering firm in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and based on a cooperation agreement previously signed between them.
This service is also conducted in coordination with Miral, within the strategic partnership framework between Miral and the ITC, which aims at improving the quality of transport services available to the residents and visitors of Yas Island.
The first phase consists of five smart vehicles that provide transport services of passengers within a network of routes linking hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, offices and public facilities on Yas Island.
The service would be accessible from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, through the “TXAI” app which will be available in all app stores.
The service aids in facilitating movement and ensures a smooth traffic flow which reinforces Miral’s vision of enhancing Yas Island’s position as a global destination for entertainment, recreation and business.
ITC launches first self-driving taxi in Abu Dhabi
Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of DMT, said, “This project is one of the bold regional steps in employing accurate data-driven artificial intelligence techniques within the transport network, which is part of DMT and the Integrated Transport Centre’s efforts to provide innovative services that contribute to enhancing the quality of life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and strengthen its position globally as one of the best destinations to live, work and invest, by employing all smart and modern technologies in all vital sectors serving the community. “
He added, “DMT is continuously working with its partners in Bayanat and Miral to test the safety of the vehicles, in addition to overseeing the operations to ensure that a state-of-the-art service is provided safely and distinctively, and to ensure compliance with the UAE traffic laws and regulations.”
The service at this point has been classified as Level 4 Autonomous Driving, whereby the vehicle can perform all driving tasks under almost all conditions without any human intervention. Although the vehicles will be self-driving, a safety officer will occupy the driving seat during the first and second operational phases, to intervene in the event of any sudden occurrence. That is to ensure that the highest standards of security and safety are implemented.
The operated vehicles are characterised by high standards of safety and security, which include cameras and sensors that forecast the conditions of the road and maintain the vehicle’s connection with its external surroundings to avoid collision with any object.
Self-driving vehicles are vehicles that can sense the surrounding environment and navigate without human intervention since they rely on mapping algorithms and data obtained from multiple sensors installed into them to determine the route of the road. The model sensors include radar-like technical systems and a stereoscopic vision system, GPS, Optical Object Recognition and Real-time Positioning Systems.
They also exchanged views on the latest regional and global developments, especially the situation in the Middle East…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has emphasised the strong and profound fraternal relations binding the UAE and Jordan at all levels.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated this when he received King Abdullah II of Jordan at Al Shati Palace today.
MBZ, King Abdullah discuss boosting ties
At the start of the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the King of Jordan in the UAE and conveyed to him the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and wishing further development, progress, and prosperity for the Jordanian people and more growth and progress for ties between the two sides.
The two leaders tackled all aspects of bilateral relations and ways to boost them in the coming period.
They also exchanged views on the latest regional and global developments, especially the situation in the Middle East.
The two sides confirmed their desire to continue coordination and consultations to benefit their peoples and the Arab region. They stressed the importance of enhancing development partnerships for the advantage of everyone in the region, achieving prosperity and sustainable development and providing solutions to the problems and challenges to safeguard the future of its peoples.
Among those who attended the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports Board of Directors; Humaid Obaid Khalifa Abushibs, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority; Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, and several officials.
Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Bishr Al Khasawneh; Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and several Jordanian officials also attended.
The King of Jordan left the UAE and was seen off by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The visit, which will include talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, is scheduled to take place as soon as Nov. 24…reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces will visit Turkey for the first time in years to strengthen relations, two Turkish officials told Reuters on Monday. This will be their first meeting in 10 years.
Crown Prince MBZ to visit Turkey for diplomatic talks
The visit, which will include talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, is scheduled to take place as soon as Nov. 24, the officials said. The talks will be a symbolic turning point after the UAE and Turkey agreed to improve relations last summer.
In August, Erdogan said Turkey and the UAE had made progress in improving ties, which could lead to significant investment in Turkey, after a rare meeting with UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Two weeks after their talks, Erdogan held a phone call with Sheikh Mohammed.
The two leaders will discuss bilateral ties, trade, regional developments and investments, one of the Turkish officials said on condition of anonymity. The second official said the final date had not yet been set.
“Sheikh Mohammed’s visit will contribute to bringing ties to a better place,” the second official said, adding that a “high-level visit” from Turkey would be on the agenda soon. The UAE foreign ministry declined to comment.
Asked about the planned visit, a spokesman for Erdogan’s AK Party did not specify a date but said talks between Ankara and Abu Dhabi on normalising ties would continue and that the progress made so far was positive.
“This rapprochement between the UAE and Turkey, this intense cooperation for the resolution of problems, is good,” Omer Celik told reporters, adding Ankara had a “comprehensive action plan and sincere approach” for resolving regional disputes.
“Dialogue, contacts, and negotiations for the resolution of various issues (with the UAE) will continue strongly.”
Last year Turkey accused the UAE of bringing chaos to the Middle East through interventions in Libya and Yemen, while the UAE and others criticised Turkish military actions. Erdogan had also threatened to break off diplomatic ties with the UAE after the Gulf state’s move to normalise ties with Israel.
Ankara’s efforts to repair ties come after similar overtures this year towards Egypt and Saudi Arabia which have yielded little public progress.
Turkey said it was in talks with the UAE over investments in energy, such as power generation. The UAE has said it seeks deeper trade and economic ties with Turkey, and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds have also made significant investments in Turkish online grocer Getir and e-commerce platform Trendyol.
Turkey and the UAE will also hold a business forum in Dubai on Nov. 23.
The summit comes in line with the Department’s strategic map and the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031…reports Asian Lite News
The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Smart City Summit is beginning tomorrow (Tuesday), bringing together more than 25 local and federal government agencies, and 400 specialists, experts, officials, leaders, strategists and policy makers, as well as governmental and private organisations.
The summit will discuss the best practices for developing smart cities and addressing challenges, contributing to enriching participants’ knowledge and developing action plans that will lead to smarter and more efficient solutions.
Abu Dhabi
Under the patronage of the Department of Municipalities and Transportation, (DMT) this year’s specialised regional physical gathering of high-level decision makers will be held under the theme “Shaping the Cities of the Future” on 23rd and 24th November 2021, at the Conrad Abu Dhabi – Etihad Towers.
The summit comes in line with the Department’s strategic map and the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which represents the new direction on which the country’s future services, sectors and infrastructure will depend. The summit will develop the frameworks and support ambitious plans for smart cities in the emirate and review the latest technological developments and innovations from the public and private sectors, in addition to ensuring the availability of a world-class infrastructure capable of supporting investments in modern technologies in roads, parks, recreational and infrastructural projects.
The organising committee of the summit said that the second edition will pave the way for strengthening cooperation between all sectors and emphasise the need for key players in the smart cities and artificial intelligence sector to focus on innovation in order to chart a better and more prosperous future, bring about the real changes needed for the benefit of societies and individuals, and strengthen the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global leader in investing in artificial intelligence across all sectors.
Key governmental partners will be part of the summit activities, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Interior, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi Department of Health, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, Abu Dhabi Global Market Authority, Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Center, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Ports, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Ain Distribution Company, Al Dhafrah Region Municipality (DRM), Masdar and Tadweer.
The summit’s key sponsors include Bayanat, Cisco, Huawei, Foresight Group, UBERBINDER, Streamax Technology, Software AG, Injazat, Tahaluf Al Emarat, Consent Group, EE Consulting AG and PTV Group.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, have deliberated the strategic relations between the UAE and the US across various levels, with special emphasis on areas of defence…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, have deliberated the strategic relations between the UAE and the US across various levels, with special emphasis on areas of defence.
Lloyd-Austin
This came as Sheikh Mohamed received Austin at Qasr Al Shati’ Palace in Abu Dhabi, where they also reviewed a number of international and regional issues of interest.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, the Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, and Major General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Megrin Al Ameri, Commander of Joint Operations.
US participation at Airshow
Almost a 100 US companies are taking part in this year’s Dubai Airshow, which is “about 25 percent more” than in the previous edition that took place in 2019, according to Sean Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
“This reflects the greater degree of comfort that the world is feeling coming out of COVID-19 and it’s a recognition that the UAE has done a great job in managing [the pandemic]. I think people feel very comfortable about coming to the UAE whether for the Dubai Airshow or for Expo 2020 Dubai,” Murphy told Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow 2021.
“That’s a tangible manifestation of both the importance of the Airshow itself, which is really one of the most important aerospace and defence platforms in the world, and the confidence that people feel in coming to the UAE knowing that all the issues that surround the pandemic are being appropriately addressed,” he added.
According to the US Embassy’s latest figures, the bilateral trade between the US and the UAE stood at more than US$16 billion in the first nine months of 2021. The total trade in 2020 amounted to US$18 billion.
“The UAE and the United States are both top investors in each other’s countries and they support thousands of jobs. Emirati investments in the United States, its purchases from our companies support tens of thousands of jobs. This Airshow is a tremendous opportunity for our companies to exhibit their products and services, do business and strengthen those economic ties that are foundational to our relationship,” Murphy said.
Strategic relationship is of equal significance, according to the US official. “The UAE and the United States are very close partners in securing peace and stability in this region and other parts of the world. Of course, the UAE has demonstrated its leadership in creating the condition for peace most tangibly and most recently in the Abraham Accords,” he said.
“It has shown leadership in those areas and an increasingly important area of collaboration [with the US] has to do with humanitarian operations,” he added, hailing the UAE’s evacuation efforts in Afghanistan.
“We are very grateful for the assistance that the leadership and people of the UAE have shown in Afghanistan’s evacuation operations. We know that the evacuees are very grateful for it as well.”
Murphy also congratulated the UAE for winning the right to host the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in 2023.
“It is an incredible accomplishment and a real vote of confidence in the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy and efforts to address climate change. It’s really a very exciting time in the history of the UAE during this year of the Golden Jubilee. And the good news just keeps coming.”
Abu Dhabi’s two energy giants will create a clean energy powerhouse, with a total generating capacity of at least 30 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2030…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), today launched a new global renewable energy and green hydrogen venture between ADNOC and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA).
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s two energy giants will create a clean energy powerhouse, with a total generating capacity of at least 30 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2030, that will position the UAE at the forefront of the energy transition and further advance its global leadership role in green hydrogen.
The new strategic partnership will focus on domestic and international renewable energy and waste-to-energy projects as well as the production, processing and storage of green hydrogen and ancillary activities. The new partnership will leverage ADNOC’s energy and hydrogen capabilities and TAQA’s renewables expertise, with bold aspirations for significant local and international growth.
Commending both companies for their visionary partnership, H.H. Sheikh Khaled emphasised how the UAE continues to proactively advance practical solutions and capitalise on opportunities to secure a lower carbon future as the nation works to achieve its ‘Net-Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative’.
The agreement was signed in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of TAQA at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC).
Speaking at ADIPEC, Dr. Al Jaber said, “Today’s strategic partnership between two Abu Dhabi energy giants future-proofs ADNOC’s business model, creating compelling business and commercial opportunities, as we fully embrace the energy transition. This innovative and collaborative venture is a bold new initiative, as it combines both companies’ respective areas of expertise and paves the way for our viable entry into the clean energy space. This platform will enable ADNOC to capitalise on the many renewable energy and hydrogen opportunities, both locally and globally. Building on ADNOC’s highly successful partnership and growth model, we invite other partners to join this promising new venture on its exciting journey.
Abu Dhabi launches global green energy venture
“As the UAE looks ahead to hosting COP 28 in 2023, our nation pledges an inclusive energy ecosystem, enabling sustainable future economic growth, for the benefit of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”
The landmark clean energy partnership brings ADNOC and TAQA’s green hydrogen development projects together by combining TAQA’s expertise in the development and optimisation of renewable power, in particular low-cost solar power and ADNOC’s ongoing efforts to create domestic and international hydrogen value chains.
Alsuwaidi said, “TAQA has set out to become a champion for low carbon power and water and is already a world leader in solar power. This partnership between TAQA and ADNOC will be a powerful catalyst to unlock significant potential for accelerating the green hydrogen market and rapidly expanding renewable energy. TAQA is supporting Abu Dhabi’s aim to be a green hydrogen hub using our expertise in low-cost solar PV and desalinated water: two critical elements for green hydrogen.”
The UAE offers several strategic advantages that provide a robust platform to enable this partnership, including being home to some of the largest and lowest-cost solar plants in the world. This partnership will also benefit from the availability of low-cost renewable energy in the UAE and the country’s proximity to significant future demand centers for hydrogen and its carrier fuels.
In October, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed launched a new clean energy partnership between ADNOC and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), which will see up to 100% of the ADNOC’s grid power supplied by EWEC’s nuclear and solar clean energy sources.
The partnership between ADNOC and TAQA envisages both parties entering into detailed joint venture arrangements as well as the completion of necessary transaction requirements, including obtaining relevant third-party and regulatory approvals.
OPEC chief Barkindo stressed the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is a pioneering model of employing advanced technology to produce low-carbon energy, and strengthen supply chains…reports Asian Lite News
Mohammed Barkindo, Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said the selection of the UAE to host COP28 in 2023 in Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone in the history of the event and a historic opportunity for the global energy sector to start a new glorious chapter of transition to clean energy and address climate change.
UAE to purchase S.Korean M-SAM missiles in $3.5bn deal
In his statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), on the sidelines of his participation in the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2021, Barkindo congratulated the UAE for being chosen to host COP28, which highlights its prominent global stature and supports its aspirations to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Hosting such a major international event in the UAE is a significant achievement that supports the country’s goal of leading international efforts in this strategic field, by implementing distinguished initiatives and making significant investments in low-carbon energy production, he added.
COP28 is highly important, not only for the UAE but for all OPEC and non-OPEC member states and players in the oil and gas industry around the world, he said, congratulating the UAE and its leadership and people.
Barkindo stressed the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is a pioneering model of employing advanced technology to produce low-carbon energy, most notably hydrogen and strengthen supply chains. During ADIPEC 2021, it signed two agreements with South Korea’s GS Energy and Japan’s Mitsui, along with Fertiglobe, to launch a joint project to produce low-carbon blue ammonia facility at the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in Ruwais, highlighting the fact the UAE is leading the international efforts to transform the energy sector.
Barkindo then highlighted the keenness of OPEC to benefit from the UAE’s efforts and expertise in energy transition, expressing his happiness at participating in the 37th edition of ADIPEC, and noting the event is the start of the post COVID-19 pandemic era and the resumption of international activities.
He then lauded the good organisation of the event and the UAE’s courage and professionalism in deciding to hold it in 2021 in Abu Dhabi to shape the future of the energy sector.
Dubai
Path-breaking initiatives at COP26
At COP26, the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) – a major new initiative led by the UAE and US with the support of over 30 governments – was officially launched. AIM for Climate announced an “early harvest” of US$4 billion of increased investment to accelerate innovation for climate-smart agriculture and food systems over the next five years.
The UAE has pledged US$1 billion of increased investment as part of this initiative, which aims to increase and accelerate agricultural and food systems innovation in support of climate action. AIM for Climate is focused on leveraging high-potential economic returns and job creation from innovation investment in a sector that employs over 2 billion people and feeds the world’s growing population.
The UAE also joined the Global Methane Pledge building on its position as one of the least methane intense nations in the world. The nation will share its capabilities and experience in best-in-class methane performance with signatories to the EU-US led initiative that aims to cut global methane emissions by 30 per cent by the end of the decade. The UAE has long acted as a regional leader in methane reduction.
Over five decades, the country has successfully reduced the volume of natural gas flared in the domestic energy sector by more than 90 per cent. In turn, the UAE’s hydrocarbon industry today holds one of the world’s lowest methane intensities of 0.01 per cent. The UAE will build on this foundation of ultra-low methane intensity in the energy sector to further improve its methane performance.
The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) also announced the Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap, a comprehensive national blueprint to support domestic, low-carbon industries, contribute to the country’s net-zero ambition and establish the country as a competitive exporter of hydrogen.
The road to COP 28 is a testament to the positive climate action initiated by the UAE for over three decades. The UAE was the first country in the Middle East & North Africa to ratify the Paris Agreement and commit to lowering its carbon emissions. It was also a pioneer in setting the region’s first renewable energy and biodiversity conservation targets to match its climate ambitions.
