UAE announces net zero strategic initiative by 2050

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate

  • “The UAE Net Zero Strategic Initiative is an open invitation to the world to collaborate with the UAE in developing practical solutions, boosting multilateralism, and creating opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development”

“Today’s announcement of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative epitomizes the vision and foresight of our wise leadership and continues the UAE’s tradition to contribute progressive solutions to global problems. 

Critically, we will leverage the development pathway to net zero as a vehicle to create economic value, increase industrial competitiveness and enhance the UAE’s standing as an attractive destination for investment, in line with the UAE’s vision of progress for the next 50 years. The UAE net zero by 2050 strategic initiative offers new opportunities for economic progress and also further establish the UAE as an ideal location to live, work, raise families and create communities.

The whole of government approach, combining the strategic thinking of key ministries together with the private sector, will leverage innovation and breakthrough technologies of the Fourth Industrial Age. In so doing, we will call on the contribution of our academic institutions, large scale industrial players and innovative SMEs to create solutions that both drive down emissions, while creating jobs and sustainable economic growth.

We will also partner with our friends and allies around the world to share knowledge, expertise and practical lessons so that our experience contributes to global progress and the UAE can benefit from best-in-class approaches from around the world.”

HE SUHAIL MOHAMED AL MAZROUEI, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

“The Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative charts a path to a dynamic green economy and future-proofs our energy and infrastructure sectors. We embarked on this journey 15 years ago, building state-of-the-art solar power plants and adopting affordable and energy-efficient technologies. Our solar energy tariff is the lowest in the world, while we have steadily increased the share of nuclear power and hydroelectricity in our energy mix. Our transport sector has been made more sustainable by pursuing electric and hydrogen technology adoption. There are limitless opportunities ahead of us.”

HE ABDULLA BIN TOUQ AL MARRI, Minister of Economy

“The socioeconomic case for bold and decisive climate action is clear: it will lead to direct global economic gains of US$26 trillion by 2030, according to the estimates of a report issued by the United Nations. The Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative will chart a prosperous and more sustainable future over the next 30 years, aligning to the Principles of the 50 that are guiding our country’s future as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee. The Ministry of Economy will actively support the government-wide effort to expedite climate action.”

HE MARIAM BINT MOHAMMED ALMHEIRI, Minister of Climate Change and Environment

“The UAE is focused on balancing the requirements of economic growth, social inclusion and cohesiveness and limiting the impact of climate change on our environment and natural resources. Our announcement of the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative is consistent with our drive to diversify and build a knowledge-based economy, adopt the principles of green and circular economy, protect the environment, attract foreign direct investment, and develop competencies in future growth areas.

HE SHAMMA BINT SUHAIL FARIS AL MAZRUI, Minister of State for Youth Affairs

“The Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative is our response to the demands of youth for bolder and concrete climate action. Young people are catalysts for a future-proof sustainable nation with purpose. We are determined to prioritize youth-oriented initiatives to grow the next generation of leaders, environmentalists and entrepreneurs.”

HE REEM EBRAHIM AL HASHIMY, Minister of State for International Cooperation

“The Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative will strengthen our multilateral and bilateral efforts to achieve sustainable development. We are committed to supporting other countries – in particular developing nations and small island states – in their climate action efforts, including by financing innovative renewable energy projects. There is no better launchpad than Expo 2020 which has sustainability at its core. With all eyes on Dubai for the world’s greatest show at Expo 2020, the vision for concerted climate action of this initiative will inspire all.”