Dubai sets out roadmap to make public transport emission-free by 2050

Dubai has created a roadmap to make public transport emission-free by 2050.

The initiative, confirmed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, is in line with the UAE’s commitment to climate action.

Chaired by @HamdanMohammed, The Executive Council approves a roadmap to make public transport in #Dubai emission free by 2050https://t.co/MbAIZjupZH pic.twitter.com/LyxrZvj8zx

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 16, 2022

“Humanity expects each of us to contribute to saving the future. The UAE spares no effort to be on the frontlines of preserving the sustainability of our planet’s resources. A series of green economy initiatives have led to Dubai becoming a role model for sustainability,” said Sheikh Hamdan, during a meeting of the Executive Council on Wednesday.

“Our initiatives for the future will help ensure that the UAE continues to set an example for the world in promoting innovation and creativity. We look forward to welcoming the world to COP 28 to be held at Expo City Dubai.”

The roadmap, which was approved during the meeting, included the completion of the transition to zero-emission transportation in Dubai by 2050. Policies for licensing early-education centres in Dubai, and activating and stimulating non-profit organisations in the emirate were also approved.

Zero-emission transportation
The initiative to achieve zero-emission public transport by mid-century is based on a set of initiatives related to the infrastructure, circular economy and green mobility. The target will be achieved by avoiding nearly eight million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of planting 132 million trees. It also equates to financial savings of Dhs3bn by 2050.

The deployment of clean energy vehicles will gradually increase under the initiative. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will add electric and hydrogen vehicles to its fleet of public transportation buses, school transport, taxis and limousines. It will also rehabilitate the infrastructure and expand the use of clean energy to encompass buildings and facilities, in addition to recycling waste to support the circular economy.

The roadmap is in line with the UAE’s vision to morph climate change challenges into opportunities to advance economic diversification and achieve sustainable economic development.

Last week, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the importance of international cooperation to tackle climate change for the sake of future generations at the COP27 summit in Egypt.

“We meet here today at a critical time for our planet and our future generations. Our world is faced with complex and unprecedented challenges, most notable among them being climate change, which now affects the world’s stability and security – including food security,” Sheikh Mohamed had said.

Read: COP27: “We meet at a critical time for our planet and our future generations,” says UAE President

Read: UAE reveals Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative