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  The UAE leadership and its people are proudly celebrating their 53rd National Day , also called Eid al-Etihad. In recent years, the country has made great progress in legislation, space exploration, sustainability, housing, infrastructure and education. The UAE has been reinforcing its global trade relationship by concluding approximately 18 comprehensive economic partnership agreements this year. The country’s non-oil foreign trade is nearing Dh1.4 trillion in just six months. In 2024, the Emirati leadership amplified their commitment to sustainability, designating the year as the ‘Year of Sustainability’. The UAE has a notable focus on climate action. Expo City Dubai hosted the COP28 Summit in 2023, convening participants from more than a hundred countries. The UAE’s tourism sector is also something that needs to be highlighted. Millions of people flock to the country each year to explore it. The revenues generated by hotel establishments in the country surpassed...

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its second annual list of the region's top sustainability leaders, recognizing individuals whose initiatives and innovations hold the promise of a better future. The list includes 107 leaders from 12 corporate sectors and 105 companies, with the UAE dominating the rankings with 54 entries. Saudi Arabia follows with 20 entries, while Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman come next with 10, 8, 5, and 3 entries, respectively. The Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders 2024 list underscores the increasing financial commitment to sustainability initiatives in the region, highlighting a growing focus on environmentally responsible business practices. The UAE hosted the COP28 Summit last year at Expo City Dubai, drawing thousands of participants. The event achieved a major milestone on its first day, as countries agreed to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund to address climate-related consequences. Emirates NBD has been a trailblazer in this space, facili...

UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrived in Egypt on Thursday, where he was warmly welcomed by his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in Cairo. This visit is significant for strengthening the long-standing ties between the two nations and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Sheikh Mohamed signed the VIP guestbook, expressing his delight in attending the ceremony with his Egyptian counterpart and his hopes for ongoing progress in Egypt. The two leaders also took part in a flag-raising ceremony. Later, they attended a graduation ceremony for students from the country’s military academy and colleges. The UAE and Egyptian leaders regularly meet to support their decades-long friendship. Recent engagements between the UAE and Egypt include a private visit where Sheikh Mohamed and El-Sisi explored prominent landmarks and development projects along the Mediterranean coast. In March, the leaders engaged in detailed discussions aimed at enhancing their economic, developmen...

The UAE's ambitious $23 billion investment in next-generation energy solutions, particularly hydrogen and ammonia, marks a significant step in its energy transition strategy. By aiming to capture 5% of the global clean hydrogen market by 2030, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging clean energy landscape. The dual approach of producing blue hydrogen, derived from fossil fuels, and green hydrogen, sourced from renewable energy, underscores the UAE's strategy to balance its existing fossil fuel operations with sustainable energy innovations. The plan to convert both types of hydrogen into ammonia for easier transport aligns well with global demand, particularly from countries like Japan and South Korea that are actively seeking ammonia imports for energy purposes. Additionally, the UAE's commitment to capturing and storing up to 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually by 2030, building on existing capacities, reflects a comprehensive approach ...

  The  COP28 conference in the UAE , held from November 30 to December 12, has concluded, marking significant milestones in the fight against climate change. The agreement adopted enables an irreversible transition away from polluting fossil fuels, marking the first time since nations started meeting three decades ago to address the climate crisis. The UAE and the EU demonstrated collaborative leadership, with shared dedication to emissions reduction goals and ambitious timelines for achieving net-zero emissions. However, there is still much more work to be done. The COP28 outcomes will serve as a foundation to strengthen UAE-EU relations, fostering deeper cooperation in sectors such as trade, security, and cultural exchange. Ambassador Al Sahlawi emphasized that the work is far from complete and that the path ahead requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration. He trusts that the EU and the UAE will continue to work hand in hand.

  Dubai has announced plans to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by the end of the decade, in line with the Paris climate agreement. The announcement is part of the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future both locally and globally. The UAE unveiled an ambitious strategic initiative in 2021 to  reduce carbon emissions  by the middle of the century, aiming to invest Dh600 billion ($163.37 billion) in clean and renewable energy sources over the next 30 years. The UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasized the country’s intention to play a global role in combating climate change. The Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative made the UAE the first Gulf country to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement. The initiative supports key economic sectors in the country and their efforts to benefit from green growth opportunities. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and then-UK Prime Minister...