Both sides will also explore the possibilities of executing projects in various areas of economic and technical cooperation…reports Asian Lite News
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Enterprise Armenia has signed a cooperation agreement to foster economic and trade relations between their members, form positive partnerships, and transfer technology, expertise and best practices.
Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, signed the agreement on behalf of the chamber, while Aram Vardanyan, Investment Director of Enterprise Armenia, signed the document on behalf of his organisation, at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Vahan Kerobyan, Armenia Minister of Economy, and a number of Emirati and Armenian officials attended the signing ceremony.
Abu Dhabi Chamber signs cooperation agreement with Enterprise Armenia (WAM)
The newly signed agreement states that both sides shall share information about their respective markets and the policy, principles and laws on trade and investment for the benefit of both parties. Both sides will also explore the possibilities of executing projects in various areas of economic and technical cooperation.
Abu Dhabi Chamber signs cooperation agreement with Enterprise Armenia (WAM)
Commenting on the newly signed agreement, Al Mheiri said that the agreement asserts the continuous efforts of the chamber in cementing its partnerships with regional and international entities.
“The past few years, our relations with Armenia witnessed considerable development on all levels and that helped increase trade exchange and investments between Abu Dhabi and Armenian businesses,” he said, noting that the agreement will encourage exports and imports between the two sides.
Vardanyan expressed his pleasure at signing the agreement, emphasising the importance of exploring new mutual prospects of cooperation in diverse developmental sectors by increasing positive cooperation and seizing all the available investment opportunities of common interest.
He added that Armenia views Abu Dhabi as an attractive destination for its entrepreneurs, pointing out that the new agreement would open the doors for cooperation between the two countries. (WAM)
Abu Dhabi Chamber signs cooperation agreement with Enterprise Armenia (WAM)Abu Dhabi Chamber signs cooperation agreement with Enterprise Armenia (WAM)
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has signed a cooperation agreement with the Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDB) to further deepen the economic and trade relations between Mauritius and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News
The agreement also aims at serving the business environment as a world system for positive partnership, share experiences and best practices between businesses.
The signing of the new document comes during a meeting held between Abdullah Mohamed Almazrui, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and Dr. Renganaden Padayachy, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Mauritius, at EXPO 2020 Dubai.
Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber, attended the meeting from the Emirati side, whereas Harvesh Kumar Seegolam, Governor of Bank of Mauritius; Issa Soormally, Vice Chairman of EDB; Ken Poonoosamy, CEO of the EDB; and Shaukat Ali Soudhan, Non-resident Ambassador of Mauritius to the UAE, attended from the Mauritian side.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the cooperation between businesses in Abu Dhabi and Mauritius to explore the best means of increasing trade exchange and serve their common interests. Both parties stressed on the importance of strategic agreements aimed at attracting capital and facilitating investors’ work to benefit from the investment opportunities offered by both countries, especially that Abu Dhabi is a top destination for doing business thanks to its unique capabilities, ambitious vision and advanced economic services. On the other hand, Mauritius is a country that seeks to provide an open and stable environment for businesses and investment funds to attract more foreign investments.
Abu Dhabi Chamber signs agreement with EDB of Mauritius
Almazrui commented that by signing the document, Abu Dhabi seeks to deepen the cooperation of Emirati businesses with their counterparts around the world. He pointed to the awareness of the chamber to form strategic partnerships with many countries and international financial institutions with the aim of developing its economic and financial relations and enhance the position of Abu Dhabi on the world economic map.
The agreement will establish a framework for developing stronger business relations between the parties and cooperation procedures to enhance the achievement of their respective economic objectives in addition to forming successful partnerships, coordinate trade delegations and visits between the two countries. The agreement also states that both Parties will cooperate for the purpose of promoting trade in their respective countries, exchange information on trade opportunities and investment potential, organise prospective business missions, study trips, commercial events, trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars and training sessions for the mutual benefit of businesses.
Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber, signed the Cooperation Agreement on behalf of the Chamber, whereas Ken Poonoosamy, CEO of the EDB, signed the agreement on behalf of his organisation. (WAM)
The event was held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth; the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, reports Asian Lite News
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth; the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, hosted the first official International Holocaust Remembrance Day observation in the Gulf on Thursday, at the Academy’s premises.
The event featured remarks by Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, Director of Research and Analysis Department, AGDA; His Excellency Amir Hayek, Ambassador of Israel to the UAE; Sean Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the U.S., and Tad Stahnke, Director, International Educational Outreach, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The programme also featured the premier screening in the UAE of the documentary, Righteous Among the Nations: Lost Stories of the Holocaust in Arab Lands, which was followed by a panel discussion, that shed light on the importance of the annual commemoration. On the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the UN urges every member state to honour the millions of Jewish and other victims, and to develop educational programmes to help prevent future genocides.
Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said: “We would like to mark this International Holocaust Remembrance Day as an occasion to pay our respects to the victims of the Holocaust, and an occasion to pledge, as an international community, to be reminded of this crime that shook all of humanity, and resulted in atrocities that no peace-loving person will accept. The Holocaust was a crime against humanity that had far-reaching consequences and cannot be condoned.”
Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi speaking during the event
Her Excellency stressed the importance of the resolutions adopted by the United Nations in the past years, which aimed to raise awareness about the Holocaust and reminding the world of it. “Humanity should stand in solidarity to prevent such crimes from taking place in the future. The onus lies on us, all the peace-loving countries and people, to commemorate the innocent lives that were lost in these horrendous events and to inform the world of the catastrophe that befell them.”
Her Excellency pointed out that it’s thanks to the vision of the country’s wise leadership that the UAE has become a beacon of hope to establish tolerance, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence in the world. “We value the importance of logic and reason to promote tolerance and move away from the cycle of violence. We believe in spreading the message of religious tolerance that encourages love and harmony and calls for respect of one and all”, she concluded.
His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, said: “AGDA is honoured to co-host this special event, to honour and commemorate the millions of lives lost during the second world war. This gathering is a reminder to re-commit ourselves to the battle against genocide, extremism, hatred, intolerance, and racism – that unfortunately still takes place, right before our eyes.”
“This event is especially paramount for our aspiring diplomats. As future diplomats – it is imperative to be in touch with reality – and possess immense knowledge about the dark human tragedies that took place throughout our history – as well as the callous and brutal acts that still occur today, in many parts of the world,” he added.
During his welcome remarks at the event, His Excellency told AGDA’s students: “Your roles as future diplomats not only mean you will have the honour to serve your country’s foreign policy objectives, strengthen its relations and build bridges of peace, dialogue and cooperation with the international community – but also – to use the righteous spirit within you, to stand up for humanity.”
Sean Murphy, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States, said: “It is an honour for the U.S. Embassy to join the UAE Ministry of Culture, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day by remembering the six million Jewish and other victims of Nazism.”
“The UAE’s leadership to promote interfaith tolerance and coexistence set the stage for today’s important event. Today is also a day to educate and keep real the promise of ‘never again,’” he pointed out.
Speaking on the importance of the documentary, Murphy said: “The film, Among the Righteous: Lost Stories from the Holocaust in Arab Lands, epitomises this important goal of combating genocide through education, by celebrating the courageous Arabs that stood up to hatred and division. May their bravery recommit us to build a world in which the lessons of the Holocaust are taught and in which all human lives are valued.”
Tad Stahnke, said: “The Holocaust’s timeless lessons about the dangers of extremism, intolerance, and hate resonate with people worldwide.”
The USHMM is the United States’ official memorial to the Holocaust, which provides documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. The museum aims to raise global awareness that confronts hatred, prevents genocide and promotes human dignity.
“We are honoured to work with the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and AGDA, to host this historic event,” added Stahnke.
Bio-convergence has been recognised as the latest technological trend of the 21st century for the healthcare sector…reports Asian Lite News
On the side-lines of its participation at Arab Health 2022, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, and the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA), announced a collaboration in an effort to promote cooperation on technological innovation in the fields of health and bio-convergence.
Bio-convergence has been recognised as the latest technological trend of the 21st century for the healthcare sector. It is a transdisciplinary field that merges engineering and life sciences and is set to revolutionise the health-tech industry. Bio-convergence fuses life sciences with different technologies from fields such as mathematics, engineering, and physical and computational sciences, creating a sum far greater than the total of all its parts.
In attendance of Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH, the Declaration of Collaboration was virtually signed by Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of DoH and by Dror Bin, CEO of IIA. This partnership will focus on the formation of an alliance to promote collaborative Health Innovation projects in areas of strategic importance, such as bio-convergence inviting entities from both Abu Dhabi and Israel. With a focus on the development of an innovative healthcare ecosystem, both entities will organise joint seminars and meetings to promote cooperation in Health Innovation, including opportunities for proof-of-concept projects and clinical trials, between companies from Abu Dhabi and Israel.
Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of DoH said: “Thanks to the directives of our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi continues to adapt the latest healthcare innovations and collaborate with leaders in the industry in an effort to preserve the, health and safety of all members of our community. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi looks forward to joining forces with the Israel Innovation Authority and collaborate on key healthcare topics such as bio-convergence. This is another step towards enforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a life sciences hub and incubator for innovative technologies and solutions.”
DROR BIN, CEO, IIA: “The agreement between the Israel Innovation Authority and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is a unique opportunity to leverage Abu Dhabi’s advanced and booming healthtech ecosystem and Israel’s innovation capabilities in the area of healthcare. It is also an opportunity to advance a multidisciplinary innovative approach of Bio Convergence – merging between the field of life sciences and medical technologies and engineering and AI. We look forward to creating new bridges between both our ecosystems to shape together the healthcare of the future, in the Middle East and worldwide.”
This collaboration comes on the heels of Plug and Play Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi HealthTech accelerator partnership, which provided a global program for DoH to build international innovation bridges through public and private events. The most recent being held with the Israeli Innovation Authority, in which Plug and Play Abu Dhabi facilitated two private HealthTech events that brought together Israel & Abu Dhabi based health stakeholders, investors & startups to connect and identify the best collaboration pathways between the two countries, ensuring that both health ecosystems work closer.
The National Technological Innovation Authority in Israel launched the bio-convergence program, in an effort to accelerate technology transfer, build frameworks that will advance academic knowledge and knowledge exchange. The technology will strengthen the healthcare sector through attracting foreign investment, supporting start-ups and establishing additional collaborations with local and international leaders in the healthcare industry. Additionally, bio-convergence is focused on applied (and basic) multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in Israeli academia in order to preserve a global scientific advantage and advance the local innovation ecosystem towards the field of Bio-convergence.
Arab Health is the largest medical exhibition in the Middle East and is taking place this year at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 24 to 27 January 2022. Exhibition visitors can visit DoH’s stand number C10 at hall no. 5 for an opportunity to explore the latest innovations in the healthcare industry.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) in partnership with Canada and the Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) today hosted the “Canada Advancing Clean Energy – Hydrogen and Decarbonisation” forum in Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News
Held on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit, and during Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Goals theme week, the event brought together stakeholders from the UAE and Canada to reach their shared target of achieving net zero by 2050.
The event was opened by the Honorable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development for the Province of Saskatchewan, and Jean-Philippe Linteau, Consul-General of Canada in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and gathered industry experts from Canada and the UAE to foster closer collaboration in the hydrogen and decarbonisation space.
Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar, Chairman, DoE, said, “We are delighted to join this event to discuss Canada and the UAE’s key achievements in energy diversification and investment in new clean technologies, such as hydrogen, to expand decarbonisation for sustainable future growth. Building on the strong trade and economic ties between our two nations, we foresee exclusive prospects for cooperation and partnerships to advance our clean energy capacity while minimising climate impacts.”
Ahmed Mohammed Belajer Al Rumaithi, Under-Secretary, DoE, gave a keynote speech outlining the role of hydrogen in driving Abu Dhabi’s future energy transformation plans, and underscored that, “Like many countries around the world, Canada and the UAE stand at a crossroads on energy and climate change, with national development plans focused on restructuring our operations and renewing our energy systems towards sustainable, low-carbon economies. Hydrogen is emerging as a viable clean energy option and Abu Dhabi has distinct advantages to unlock the decarbonisation potential of this green fuel. The emirate is an excellent base for both blue and green hydrogen production due to its high level of predictable solar radiation, land space, low levelised renewable energy cost, significant reserves of hydrogen-bearing compounds and due to its industrial capacity across the energy value chain, advanced infrastructure and experience in export of flammable materials, strategic location between large demand markets, and importantly due to its significant financing abilities and enabling foreign investment regulatory frameworks.”
The exchange between the public and private sector industry experts in Canada and the UAE provided an unprecedented opportunity to discuss the recent developments, challenges, and opportunities in hydrogen and decarbonisation in Canada, the UAE, and wider MENA region, and to forge future partnerships. The private sector expert speakers included; Carbon Connect, CCS Knowledge, Edmonton Global, Kent PLC, Hatch, and Sacre-Davey Engineering, from Canada, and Masdar, Mubadala, Qamar Energy, and TransEngy from the UAE.
Today, Canada is home to the largest green hydrogen plant in the world and a leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cells. Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy aims to develop the clean fuel economy worth $50 billion, and reach its net-zero targets by 2050 by supporting the low-carbon hydrogen value chain, from hydrogen production through to storage and transport technology, as well as end-user application advances.
Honorable Jeremy Harrison said, “Significant room exists for cooperation between our two nations and for Canada to share our clean energy expertise in a number of areas including carbon capture, utilization and storage; hydrogen production; the development of small modular nuclear reactors; and supplying uranium to the UAE’s nuclear energy industry. Together we can develop pathways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.”
To mark the closure of the event, MENA Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) and the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to stimulate cooperation between Canada and the MENA region in the development and deployment of zero-emission hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
“We are very pleased to enter into a cooperation agreement with the CEBC,” said Mark Kirby, CHFCA’s President and CEO. “The agreement will lead to opportunities for Canadian and UAE companies to partner in offering clean hydrogen solutions to help meet the decarbonisation objectives of both countries.”
Jean-Philippe Linteau said, “Canada is a leader in hydrogen development and commercialization. Today’s event is a catalyst for partnerships between Canada and the UAE to advance our respective decarbonisation goals.”
The mortal remains of the two Indians killed in an oil tanker blast, carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, in the UAE on January 17 will reach to India on Friday…reports Asian Lite News
All formalities for repatriation of mortal remains were completed by the Indian embassy in the UAE on Thursday.
“@IndembAbuDhabi completed all formalities for repatriation of mortal remains of 2 Indians deceased in Jan 17 incident. Remains reach Amritsar tomorrow morning. Highly appreciate the fullest support extended by Govt of UAE & @AdnocGroup . Tied up with Punjab Govt for local support,” tweeted Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
The mortal remains will reach Punjab’s Amritsar and will be handed over to the families of the deceased.
Three people, including the two Indians, were killed in the blast in three oil tankers in a suspected Houthi drone strike on Monday, January 17 in Abu Dhabi.
The oil tankers belong to ADNOC company, the leading energy producer of UAE. Six others also got injured, including two Indians, who were admitted in hospital and later discharged the same day.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed solidarity with the UAE in face of such “unacceptable” acts in a phone call with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
UAE on Monday condemned the Houthi attack in the capital Abu Dhabi that killed three civilians, including two Indians. (ANI)
The US Defence Secretary reaffirmed his country’s condemnation of the attacks and emphasised standing by the UAE in the face of threats to its security and territorial integrity…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, and the US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, have deliberated the strategic relations between the UAE and the US across various levels, with special emphasis on military and defence fields.
This came during a telephone call today, where Sheikh Mohamed and Austin also reviewed a number of international and regional issues of interest.
The talks also touched on the recent Houthi terrorist militia attacks on civil facilities in the UAE and the threat they pose to regional security and stability, as well as the need for a decisive international stance in the face of such practices.
Earlier this morning, I spoke with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince @MohamedBinZayed of the United Arab Emirates, where I reiterated our commitment to the security of the UAE. We stand united with our Emirati partners in defending against all threats to their territory. pic.twitter.com/aVl23HDVzf
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) January 19, 2022
The US Defence Secretary reaffirmed his country’s condemnation of the attacks and emphasised standing by the UAE in the face of threats to its security and territorial integrity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Austin also discussed military and security cooperation between the UAE and the United States and means of boosting defence coordination, in the light of the recent terrorist attacks that took place in the UAE.
Earlier, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received a phone call from the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
During the phone call, Blinken affirmed the US’ condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist attack of the terrorist Houthi militia on civil areas and facilities in the UAE.
He also expressed his condolences to the UAE over the victims of this terrorist act and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has announced that the fourth edition of its landmark Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF) will be a carbon-neutral event and platform…reports Asian Lite News
ADGM will collaborate with AirCarbon Exchange (ACX) to obtain its carbon neutrality status through an offsetting programme. This is done by purchasing carbon credits from a project that works to reduce or absorb carbon emissions.
The ADSFF is a purpose-driven and collective effort platform by the UAE’s financial sector to advance sustainable finance and investment of projects and initiatives that augment the country’s national climate goals and ambition towards a better and more sustainable future.
The ADSFF is a strategic extension of ADGM’s undertaking in supporting the UAE’s Net-Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiatives and commitment towards a thriving and sustainable economy. The Forum will convene international government decision-makers, top global institutional investors, regulators, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and innovators to share best practices and discuss industry challenges.
Abu Dhabi
The Forum will also facilitate and spark new areas of cross-border collaborations to increase efforts that foster sustainable financing and accelerate the flow of capital towards sustainable investments and projects.
Commenting on the forum, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, “It is ADGM’s mandate and one of its key priorities in facilitating sustainable financing and responsible investments, as well as, addressing climate change and sustainability concerns that affect the financial sector, the economy and the long-term well-being of the UAE. The UAE has always been proactive and forward-thinking in its engagement and actions towards sustainability as demonstrated by its Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and being the convener of COP28.
As the progressive international financial centre in Abu Dhabi, ADGM will continue to heighten its efforts in supporting the Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification agenda and the UAE’s commitment towards a sustainable future for its people and country. Lowering ADSFF carbon footprint is not only the right thing to do, but also a sensible business decision.”
The 4th ADSFF is a much anticipated forum that features key industry thought leaders and entrepreneurs including, Ban Ki-moon, President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute, Eight Secretary-General of the United Nations; Younis Al Khoori, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, UAE; Mohamed Ali AL Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Mohammed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC); Dr. Maryam Al Suwaidi, Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA); Mary Shapiro, former Chair of the US SEC and Vice Chair, Glasgow Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ); Jean Lemierre, Chairman, BNP Paribas; Maria Ferraro, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Financial Officer, Siemens Energy AG, to name a few.
The themes of ADSFF include how regulations support sustainability, innovations, connecting investors to opportunities, the use of Islamic finance to support climate mitigation and adaptation and more.
The new mangrove initiative will allow the introduction of new water channels to increase natural tidal flow conveyance into the surrounding wetland areas, reports Asian Lite News
In solidarity with the UAE government and Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency, Jubail Island Investment Company, today announced it will support the UAE’s efforts to expand mangrove forest cover in the emirate by planting one million mangrove trees on the island within the next 10 years.
To date, 350,000 new seedlings have already been planted on Jubail Island and over the next decade, a total of 1,000,000 additional new mangroves will be planted in support of the country’s ambition to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030; representing an increase from 30 million, which was announced during this month’s COP26 Conference in Glasgow.
The announcement by JIIC reaffirms its ongoing efforts to promote socially and environmentally responsible development, in addition to actively implementing programmes to protect and enhance the island’s biodiversity.
Jubail Island to expand urban green space
The new mangrove initiative will allow the introduction of new water channels to increase natural tidal flow conveyance into the surrounding wetland areas.
Ponds, labelled as ‘Biodiversity Genesis Zones’, have also been created within the new channel system and will improve the flushing of the channels to enhance the overall water quality within the wetland system. These new littoral zones have been shaped adjacent to existing areas of the mangrove forest and saltmarsh and will also create additional habitat for native species.
In addition to the 350,000 seedlings already planted, Jubail Island has partnered with Etihad Airways to plant another 182,000 mangrove trees in the next five years at Jubail Island.
Mounir Haidar, Managing Director of Jubail Island Investment Company, said: “We extend our sincere thanks to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi for their continued support and guidance throughout our environmental initiatives, and for their strenuous efforts to work with partners with the common goal of protecting biodiversity and preserving the quality of life in the UAE for a sustainable future. At Jubail Island Investment Company, we are determined to develop Jubail into a prominent landmark destination that sets the standard for community development which will protect the natural environment and preserve the flora and wildlife that inhabits the island.
“Mangrove forests are an important part of the UAE’s natural assets, providing a haven for wildlife while also helping to reduce overall carbon emissions, releasing oxygen and reducing erosion and pollution in our waterways and coasts. It is only right that we support the UAE’s forward-thinking initiative by planting 1 million mangrove trees over the course of 10 years right here within Jubail Island. This planting initiative will further enhance Jubail Island’s position as a hub of ecotourism in Abu Dhabi as well as being an integral element of our overall landscaping plan for the island, which will be home to more than 10,000 residents when completed in late 2023.”
Nestled among the breath-taking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the mangroves, and covering more than 2,800 hectares, Jubail Island is perfectly situated between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, and will become Abu Dhabi’s leading sanctuary designed to appeal to wellness and nature enthusiasts.
The UAE is keen to seize the economic opportunities presented by the energy transition…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE is keen to seize the economic opportunities presented by the energy transition, according to Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).
Dr. Al Jaber made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and awards ceremony of the Zayed Sustainability Prize at Expo 2020 Dubai, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Delivering the opening address at the first major global sustainability event after COP26 (the UN Climate Conference), Dr. Al Jaber appreciated the wise leadership’s keenness to ensure the safety of UAE citizens, visitors and residents. “Thanks to the efforts and vision of the leadership, the UAE has become the most vaccinated country against COVID-19 in the world, and we have also strengthened our resilience while extending a helping hand to more than 135 countries in need.”
Speaking to a live audience that included heads of states, ministers and policymakers, Dr. Al Jaber went on to detail how the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, laid the foundation for the country’s progressive approach to climate change and sustainability and explained that the country is well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities created by the energy transition.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber
“As the UAE celebrates its Golden Jubilee, we have seen 50 years of incredible progress. Our founding father, Sheikh Zayed, invested the wealth of a nation in the health of a nation. He balanced economic development with environmental responsibility. He believed that sharing made good nations great and guided the UAE to become one of the world’s leading humanitarian donors. And, more than this, he taught the people of this nation to aim for the stars, so that one day we would explore Mars, Venus and beyond.”
Dr. Al Jaber noted the world has also been transformed for the better over the last 50 years but this has posed fundamental questions of how to keep moving forward, while turning back the clock on emissions and how to enhance global prosperity.
“Finding the answers to these questions has been the mission of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Zayed Sustainability Prize. A mission that builds on the UAE’s position as a pioneer in clean energy. When we began investing in the renewables space more than 15 years ago, our leadership had a theory of the future that has been proven right over time. Today, the UAE is home to the largest and lowest cost solar plants in the world.”
Dr. Al Jaber added, “Globally, we see a bright future for the renewable energy sector as at least $3 trillion will be invested in renewable energy over the next 10 years. Through Masdar, we have invested in solar and wind energy projects in 40 countries around the world. Last month, under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, three of the largest energy companies in the UAE entered into a strategic partnership to consolidate Masdar’s position and turn it into a global leader in the field of clean energy.
“Thanks to this partnership, Masdar doubled its total renewable energy capacity, and our ambition is to build on these solid foundations and reach 100 gigawatts, and then double it to 200 gigawatts. This represents a massive opportunity, and the UAE and Masdar extend an open invitation to all our partners, public and private, to join us on this ambitious journey. This growth will contribute to creating job opportunities, new sectors and skills, and opening a new door of hope for present and future generations.”
As the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to announce a Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE is adopting a low carbon pathway to a high growth destination and is keen to accelerate progress on this journey as hosts of COP28, according to Dr. Al Jaber.
Expanding on COP28, which is set to be held in Abu Dhabi in 2023, Dr. Al Jaber took the opportunity to thank President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea and the Asia Pacific Group for their support in confirming the UAE as hosts. He went on to provide an insight into the UAE’s approach.
“The UAE is looking forward to playing its role as host of COP28 and we take on this role with humility and a sense of great pride and responsibility. We will work closely with the COP presidencies of the UK and Egypt and build on their momentum. We will take a practical approach, that moves from pledges to action, focused on commercially viable climate solutions.
