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Sheikh Mohammed establishes Dubai’s climate change authority

The new initiative, which is aligned with D33, seeks to raise the contribution of the circular and green economy to Dubai’s GDP

by Gulf Business

March 22, 2024

Dubai sets up environment, climate change authority

Image courtesy: WAM

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has issued a law to establish Dubai’s environment and climate change authority.

The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority is tasked with further promoting sustainable practices across sectors, preserving biodiversity, and expanding natural reserves and green spaces in the city.

The initiative seeks to create a solid foundation for the green economy to flourish and enhance the emirate’s role in the fight against climate change.

“By deeply integrating the principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability into its growth strategies, Dubai seeks to be at the global forefront of sustainable urban development,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani was appointed the director general of the newly established authority.

The new entity is tasked with expanding Dubai’s green cover by 100 per cent and increasing the area of protected areas and natural reserves in the emirate by 60 per cent by 2040.

It will prioritise the conservation of water resources and the adoption of sustainable waste management policies.

Dubai’s environment authority will introduce resilient plans for the emirate’s infrastructure and services that integrate the principles of eco-friendliness and sustainability.

The authority’s areas of focus extend to initiatives and policies geared towards achieving the emirate’s strategic environmental objectives, including a 100 per cent shift to clean energy by 2050.

The new initiative, which is aligned with D33, seeks to raise the contribution of the circular and green economy to Dubai’s GDP. It will promote green finance and incentivise the financial sector to prioritise and support green projects in partnership with key financial and economic institutions.