HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), chaired the 84th meeting of the Council, which was held virtually in the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE.
The meeting was also attended by HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Council, and board members HE Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; HE Abdulla bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Juan-Pablo Freile, General Manager of Dubai Petroleum; and Muna Al Osaimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
During the meeting, the Council reviewed the annual carbon emissions inventory, which revealed a 29% reduction. This figure highlights the effectiveness of current measures under Dubai’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.
Dubai continues to be a global leader in controlling emissions and linking them to a range of programmes and projects implemented by entities under the Council, including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, EGA, ENOC Group, Dubai Petroleum and RTA.
“In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a net-zero economy by 2050, and enhance the Emirate’s globally leading position in sustainable growth and green economy, the Council has evaluated future carbon emissions with the participation of relevant entities in Dubai. This will help identify the necessary steps to mitigate emissions and chart a road map to achieve net zero by 2050. The Council is committed to establishing an effective regulatory framework to ensure the success of ongoing projects and programmes over the past decade,” said Al Tayer.
“The ongoing projects and programmes in solar energy, water and electricity conservation, green mobility and operational efficiency in factories and facilities have played a significant role in achieving the annual emission reduction. During the meeting, the Council approved a programme to involve the private sector in the development of electric vehicle charging stations to support the infrastructure and increase the number of stations across Dubai,” added Al Tayer.
Al Muhairbi said: “Dubai began collecting carbon emissions data in 2013 and then comparing it with annual reduction targets. The implementation phases are reviewed with performance indicators to ensure annual carbon emissions reduction targets.”
Dubai has been hosting several international environment related events to boost tourism. The COP 28 was a huge success. Visitors can also benefit from the tourism options while in Dubai. Desert Safari Dubai and overnight desert safari are extremely popular. A trip to the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa is also a popular destination.