Remarkable Strides made in the UAE on Sustainable Development

Adekunle Oludele
0
1.6K Views
Sep 13, 2021

Given the UAE's rapid economic expansion, the government recognizes that private sector assistance is critical to long-term viability. Open communication about objectives and problems, as well as timely support for each other's activities, are essential for future success.

Since joining the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals framework in 2015, the UAE has been committed to sustainable development. Since then, the country has achieved considerable progress via the development of the National Agenda, the establishment of dedicated government, and the implementation of different projects.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

A plan for a brighter and more sustainable future for all is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The international concerns addressed include poverty, injustice, climate change, ecological degradation, peace, and justice.

What is the UAE doing to guarantee environmental sustainability?

With Vision 2021, the United Arab Emirates is attempting to diversify its economical sources. A green economy for sustainable development, Sheik Mohammed launched in January 2012 the green economy idea. With its objective to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the country while simultaneously safeguarding the environment for future generations, The UAE wants to become a worldwide center and a triumphant model of the new green economy.

The UAE aims that via this initiative it will become a leading player as well as a hub for the export and re-export of green products and technologies, and will preserve a sustainable environment which will enable long-term economic growth while ensuring the environment.

In addition to new environmental and building rules, the effort comprises a variety of programs and policies in the fields of energy, agriculture, investment, and sustainable transportation.

UAE Green Growth Strategy

The 1st field of green energy is to encourage renewable energy generation and consumption.
Government policies targeted at encouraging green economy investments and facilitating the manufacture, import, export, and re-export of green products and technology make up the 2nd area.
The 3rd field is concerned with establishing urban planning strategies that protect the environment and improve the environmental efficiency of homes and structures.
The 4th field includes methods for addressing climate change's consequences, promoting organic agriculture, preserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecological equilibrium.
The 5th field attempts to reduce the consumption of water, power, and natural resources while also recycling trash.
The development and promotion of green technology is the 6th field.

Green Building Regulation Or Al Sa'fat- Dubai's Sustainability Plan

The newest effort pushing sustainable development in the UAE is Dubai's Sa'fat, which makes it necessary to include "green" measures when constructing new structures. Green Buildings Specifications, developed by the Dubai Municipality, were obligatory for new government buildings in 2011. These requirements become required for developers for all new structures in March 2014. These rules are largely focused on ensuring that the way buildings are created, as well as how they function once they are built, conserves resources and promotes the well-being of their occupants. The application of these principles has resulted in considerations of sustainability, such as the usage of solar power.

Examples Successful Sustainability Projects Executed in the UAE

1. Sustainable City Dubai

The AED 1.1 billion Sustainable Metropolis in Dubailand is the first construction of its magnitude in this global city, aligning with the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai a smart and sustainable city.

Sustainable city Dubai, which opened in 2015 and covers over 5 million square feet, is an eco-friendly project that focuses on social, economic, and environmental sustainability, encompassing all elements of energy conservation and providing a healthy lifestyle to its residents. Several architectural and technical improvements are included in the properties in Dubai's Sustainable City to ensure energy saving without sacrificing luxury. Rooftop solar panels, nature-inspired design, an abundance of green areas, and car-free zones are just a few of the features.

2. One of the world's largest solar parks Dubai's Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (Dewa)

The Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, led by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is the world's biggest single-site solar park based on the Independent Power Producer model, as well as one of the UAE's most ambitious sustainability initiatives. This AED 50 billion sustainable development project in the UAE seeks to improve sustainability in the UAE and is now in its third phase of development. When completed, this will be one of the UAE's most sustainable developments, producing 5,000 MW by 2030 and eliminating 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The first 13MW photovoltaic phase went live in 2013, with the second 200MW phase following in 2014.

With these developments and the implementation of several UAE sustainability initiatives, the rapidly developing country is undoubtedly moving in the right direction – ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the environment and that the UAE continues to pave the way for a more sustainable future.

All of these environmentally friendly initiatives in the UAE are a step in the right direction. You can help by going solar or taking little effort to make your home and offices more environmentally friendly.