Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has issued instructions to establish the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority. The purpose of this authority is to promote sustainable practices across various sectors, preserve biodiversity, and expand natural reserves and green spaces in Dubai. The ultimate goal is to create a strong foundation for the growth of a green economy, while also enhancing Dubai’s role in the global fight against climate change.
To lead this new entity, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has appointed Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani as the Director-General.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, highlighted Dubai’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s most environmentally resilient cities and setting an example for sustainable urban development. The establishment of this authority aligns with the UAE’s objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Sustainable urban development
Dubai aims to be a global leader in sustainable urban development by integrating economic, social, and environmental sustainability into its growth strategies. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has emphasized the city’s dedication to balancing rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability and resilience to future challenges. Dubai aspires to become a benchmark for cities worldwide, demonstrating how sustainable practices can drive prosperity, improve quality of life, and contribute to the global effort against climate change.
Future preparedness
The newly launched authority has been entrusted with the task of enhancing Dubai’s preparedness for the future by ensuring the highest standards of sustainable development and biodiversity preservation. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has expressed Dubai’s ambition to be ranked among the top 10 cities globally in leading environmental and resource sustainability indices by 2033.
Sustainable resource programs
The authority will also implement strategic programs to strengthen the sustainability of natural resources in Dubai, optimize the use of local resources, preserve the emirate’s biodiversity, accelerate the development of the green economy, and reduce the carbon footprint. It will also assist decision-makers in formulating development policies, planning processes, and strategic performance metrics to ensure biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and improved food security.
Climate change and food security
Moreover, the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority aims to achieve the emirate’s environmental goals by increasing green cover by 100 percent and expanding protected areas and natural reserves by 60 percent by 2040. Water resource conservation and sustainable waste management policies will be prioritized. The authority will further address climate change and food security as its highest priorities, introducing resilient plans for Dubai’s infrastructure and services that incorporate eco-friendliness and sustainability. Furthermore, these initiatives aim to protect the community from the adverse effects of accidents, disasters, and natural calamities.
The authority’s focus also extends to initiatives and policies aimed at achieving Dubai’s strategic environmental objectives, including a complete transition to clean energy by 2050 and a 90 percent improvement in air quality according to WHO guidelines by 2033.
Green economy boost
Moreover, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, the establishment of the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority aims to increase the contribution of the circular and green economy to the emirate’s GDP. Additionally, the authority will promote green finance initiatives and incentivize the financial sector and banks to prioritize and support green projects in collaboration with key financial and economic organizations.
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