Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al-Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, explained his country’s plan and new policy in the environmental field to ensure that the UAE is free of harmful carbon emissions by 2050.

This environmental policy is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to preserve global ecosystems and promote economic diversity and prosperity.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate developed the new policy in cooperation with its partners, and the Cabinet approved the environmental policy to keep pace with local and global developments in it.

“Protecting the environment is a priority for the Emirates,” said Dr. Al Nuaimi, “Over the past 49 years, environmental protection has been at the forefront of the UAE’s priorities and an integral part of its cultural heritage.” He added, “In line with the visions and future directives of its wise leadership, the country’s environmental efforts included establishing a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework, and launching many initiatives, programs and projects aimed at protecting the environment, preserving its natural resources and ensuring the sustainability of its biological diversity.”

The 3.2 billion dirham “Noor Abu Dhabi” project in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, is part of the country’s initiative to improve energy security. The project includes about 3 million solar panels installed over an area of ​​eight kilometers and is the largest single solar PV project in the world. The capacity of the project is 1.2 gigawatts of electricity, which is used to illuminate the house to cover the needs of 90,000 people.

The project includes the Abu Dhabi government, a consortium of the Abu Dhabi Energy Company, Japanese Marubeni companies, and China’s Ginko Solar Holding Company. The project is supported by the government, as it will increase reliance on renewable energy, reduce the quantities of natural gas used in generating electricity, and thus reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing 200,000 vehicles from city streets.

Although oil represents the predominant percentage in the energy consumption mix in the UAE, the interest in implementing renewable energy projects confirms the state’s tendencies to move to a sustainable future, and it will ultimately have a tangible impact on reducing global emissions.