“Sustainability is at the heart of development.” This has been the UAE’s approach for years, and this is what the UAE confirms in its practices, which was the focus of the year 2023, during which the country hosted the activities of the most prominent event in global climate action.

On March 27, 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, reviewed the ongoing preparations to host the Conference of the Parties in The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at its twenty-eighth session (COP28).

On that day, His Highness the President of the State, may God protect him, affirmed the UAE’s keenness to place climate action at the heart of its development strategy aimed at achieving sustainable social and economic growth, coinciding with its commitment to its responsibility towards the environment and future generations.

His Highness the President reiterated this in his historic opening speech of the “Global Climate Action Summit,” when he announced the establishment of a $30 billion fund for climate solutions worldwide, which was designed to bridge the climate financing gap and stimulate the collection and investment of $250 billion by the year 2030.

UAE approach

In his speech, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, affirmed the UAE leadership’s belief in sustainability since the era of the founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, who established among his people an authentic approach to preserving and preserving natural resources. And ensuring its sustainability, which always stressed that the true wealth of countries lies in their children.

On this path, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that the UAE’s approach to climate action is based on providing innovative and practical opportunities to achieve common prosperity and sustainable development.

The activities of the Conference of the Parties were held in Expo City, Dubai, and the UAE succeeded at all levels in producing an exceptional version of the event, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said. He welcomed the announcement of the UAE’s final agreement for the “COP28” conference, and His Highness valued international cooperation and global consensus for the success of the conference, which was able to produce a set of global declarations and pledges that were made for the first time. His Highness added: “The event was able to raise $85 billion to launch a new era of global climate action.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid continued: “We thank all the participating countries, with their leaders, delegations, and specialists, who worked as one global team to make the conference a success, which established new standards in climate action and consolidated the UAE’s position as a major player in building a sustainable future for the planet.”

A fateful battle

While His Highness welcomed world leaders coming to the UAE to participate in the Conference of the Parties (COP28), His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “In the UAE, we welcome more than 70,000 guests from 198 countries… heads of state, government leaders, ministers, and officials.” “Companies, international organizations, academics, and media professionals have descended on our country to discuss one issue: preserving our planet for future generations. The task is great. .

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that the UAE is moving, under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, towards a more prosperous and sustainable future through the initiatives and projects it launches aimed at enhancing environmental work and preserving… On natural resources, and establishing a sustainability approach in various work streams.

Leaders meetings

The “COP28” event was an opportunity for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, to meet with a number of kings and presidents of brotherly and friendly countries, and heads of international organizations and bodies participating in the work of the Conference of the Parties, in the city of «Expo Dubai».

His Highness met separately with: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, and Najib Mikati, Prime Minister. His Highness also met with Kristalina Georgieva, Director General of the International Monetary Fund, in addition to a number of heads of state and government participating in the most important global conference in the field of climate action.

Climate Neutrality Charter

Before COP28, on March 6, 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed the signing of the Charter for Climate Neutral Governments 2050 in the United Arab Emirates, as part of the country’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality through integration of plans with the goals of the national path. Climate neutrality, which was launched within the twenty-seventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In accordance with the Charter, the UAE government, represented by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the governments of the seven emirates of the country, will work in effective cooperation within the axes of planning, harmonization and following an approach of excellence in implementing and following up on initiatives and measures to mitigate the repercussions of climate change on biodiversity, the environment, biosecurity and public health, to ensure the achievement of economic prosperity. And social.

New vision

Before the conclusion of the COP 28 conference, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced, on December 11, 2023, a new vision for Expo City Dubai, to be based on sustainability.

His Highness stressed that the United Arab Emirates, since it gained the trust of the world to bring together countries at Expo 10 years ago, has continued to work towards the goal of achieving a connection of minds to create a better future for all.

His Highness added: “Expo City Dubai will be a headquarters for companies, a platform for constructive partnerships, and a center for launching initiatives concerned with preserving and sustaining our planet. It is a free zone that operates entirely with clean, renewable energy, and a destination for pioneers of this sector, including major international institutions and emerging companies, in addition to universities, organizations, and specialists.” In the creative sector, those concerned with sustainability.”

“Etihad Train” is an important station in the UAE’s development process

The year 2023 witnessed the announcement of the launch of one of the most important development projects in the Emirates, namely the Emirates National Railway Network, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, on Thursday, February 23/ February 2023, with the launch of the railway network, at the main control and maintenance center in the Al Faya area, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

His Highness stressed that the national railway network is an ambitious project that contributes to strengthening the UAE’s preparations for the future. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “The Etihad Train Project is a new brick in the edifice of the Etihad and an important station in the UAE’s development process.”

His Highness added: “We are proud of our sons and daughters who have worked over the years to build an ambitious strategic project that will take our national economy to new heights. Connecting the emirates of the country to a national train network increases our capabilities, enhances our competitiveness, and consolidates our unity.”

The network is an ambitious development project that connects the seven emirates with a single railway network, which constitutes one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region. Operations of the freight train have been launched across all the emirates of the country.

During the inauguration ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail Company, which is implementing the project, said: “Thanks to the citizen human element that the leadership was keen to support and empower, and who proved his worth in all fields, We won the bet, and we have reached this day when we open a train network with international standards extending to about 900 kilometers, across the Emirates.” His Highness announced the operation of the goods train throughout the Emirates with a fleet that includes 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 vehicles capable of transporting all types of goods, indicating Until the completion of the Etihad train according to the approved schedule and cost would not have been possible without the solidarity of the sons and daughters of the Emirates to serve their country.

The railway network will contribute to consolidating the strength of the Union for the next fifty years, by supporting the national economy with a value of 200 billion dirhams.

The project supports the UAE’s sustainable development goals and contributes to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as it will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by 21% in the country’s land transport sector, and reducing per capita land transport emissions by 40% by 2050.

Mohammed bin Rashid: We are at the forefront of those seeking a more sustainable future

On June 18, 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, inaugurated the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest solar energy park in one location in the world, Its production capacity will reach 5,000 megawatts by 2030, with investments amounting to 50 billion dirhams, and will contribute to reducing more than 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions annually. This phase, with a capacity of up to 900 megawatts, according to the independent energy producer model, will provide clean energy supplies to about 270,000 homes in the Emirate of Dubai, contributing to reducing 1.18 million tons of carbon emissions annually.

On this occasion, His Highness stressed that the UAE always takes the initiative to be at the forefront of countries in the world seeking to create a more sustainable future for humanity by continuing to diversify energy sources while expanding reliance on clean and renewable energy sources, within the framework of the country’s commitment to applying a rational approach that consolidates the foundations of sustainability and contributes to In preserving the environment, and keen to support international efforts aimed at combating the consequences of climate change and reducing emissions, with the state recognizing the value of nations and peoples joining forces in achieving this strategic goal linked to the future of man and his quality of life.

His Highness said: “We are aware of our responsibility towards the environment and towards future generations, and we do not delay in fulfilling the obligations imposed on us. The sustainability file is at the top of our priorities. We are keen to participate with the world in the success of its goals with initiatives, projects and ideas that serve sustainable development and preserve the environment. Adopting energy solutions. Clean and renewable is a strategic choice… and we are working with our partners around the world to spread the benefit and disseminate best practices.”

The Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Energy Park is the largest of its kind in the world, and constitutes one of the main pillars of Dubai’s clean energy strategy, which aims to generate 25% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, leading to 100% complete reliance on renewable energy by The year is 2050.

His Highness added: “Dubai Clean Energy Strategy is for Dubai to be a role model in laying the foundations of a green economy and to confirm its position among the most sustainable cities in the world. We appreciate the contributions of the private sector as an influential partner in a process that aims to provide a development model that balances the needs of the present and the aspirations of the future. Sustainability concepts and practices are at the forefront of its goals, with innovative ideas and creative methods that ensure the good for all.”

Mohammed bin Rashid: An honorable development in our capabilities and defense industries

On February 22, 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, visited the International Defense Exhibition and Conference “IDEX 2023” in its 16th session, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, where His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that the high level reached by the UAE’s defense capabilities, and the remarkable progress it has achieved in the field of defense industries with innovations and products that have received global appreciation, is the result of a clear approach that the UAE has followed since the establishment of the Union, in the constant pursuit Towards establishing the elements of security and peace, and creating guarantees to achieve the highest levels of protection for the homeland, its people, and its gains, by possessing a deterrent force capable of confronting all forms of challenges, so that the UAE remains proud of its people and their achievements in various fields, to whom the world has witnessed the excellence and merit of participating in shaping the future.

His Highness said: “The UAE is a state of peace, and it calls for peace in all forums and occasions. The honorable development that we see today in its defense capabilities, and the progress it has achieved in the field of related industries, is nothing but the result of a vision that spares no effort in providing all the requirements necessary to spread The components of peace, and ensuring its consolidation and sustainability in the face of various challenges.”

His Highness congratulated the organizers of the IDEX exhibition on the occasion of three decades since the launch of its first session, and His Highness praised the distinguished Emirati participation in the exhibition through more than 180 national companies, constituting 16% of the total international exhibiting companies, while the Emirati pavilion is considered the largest. The exhibition area is approximately 24 thousand square meters.