The United Arab Emirates’ leadership, in adopting policies and initiatives that spur sustainable development, has positioned Dubai firmly among global cities leading the transition to a green economy, according to His Excellency Mr Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). Al Qamzi reiterated that the UAE was the first country in the region to adopt a long-term national initiative to build a green economy.
An initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, under the slogan “A green economy for sustainable development” in January 2012. Al Qamzi’s comments were part of his opening remarks during the inaugural work group meeting of the members of “Dubai Green Economy Partnership”, a public-private programme launched in May 2012 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
Held at the DED headquarters at the Business Village in Dubai, the work group meeting was attended by representatives of the eight founding members of the programme, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Department of Economic Development, all operating entities under Dubai government. Representing the private sector were Energy and Environment Park (ENPARK), a member of Dubai Holding’s owned TECOM Investments, S.S. Lootah Group, Pacific Controls and Rubenius International.
A number of conclusions were drawn following His Highness the Crown Prince of Dubai directives to showcase Dubai’s green economy achievements and competitive advantages and highlighting its pivotal role in spurring the regional and global green economy transition. “The “Dubai Green Economy Partnership” aims are threefold: to support the long-term sustainable and green growth of Dubai economy, strengthen Dubai’s position in the global green economy value chain and accelerating the adoption of green technologies, products and services that has proven economic and ecological feasibility in the region” said Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Dubai FDI, the Foreign Direct Investment Office of DED.
“The meeting has further strengthened the synergies among the founding partners and a number of mechanisms were proposed to realize the vision of His Highness the Crown Prince of Dubai through market leadership, innovation and investment in human capital” added Al Gergawi.
Dubai FDI will act as a liaison point between local, regional and international founding partners and companies interested in the programme’s local and international events. “Thanks to the increased awareness of the local and global environmental challenges among both public and private sectors in Dubai, the transition to green economy has progressed with voluntarily adoption of green technologies and best practices in environment protection across key sectors from energy and transportation to buildings and resource management.”, commented Al Gergawi.
“This drive, inspired by sustainable development as a core value, coupled with implementation of one of the best information and communication technology infrastructures in the world, has empowered Dubai’s transition to a green economy that enjoys global recognition in energy efficiency, sustainable transport and a growing sustainable living movement”, Al Gergawi added.
The “Dubai Green Economy Partnership” will further strengthen Dubai’s position as a hub of sustainable businesses and the perfect test bed for emerging green technologies. With the increased number of Dubai’s green infrastructure projects yielding positive economic benefits, the programme also aims to strengthen sustainability guidelines that can reduce carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency and encourage water conservation. A hallmark of the transition to a green economy that will address regional development challenges with practical project management and financing models through collaboration with international investors, financial institutions and public Private partnerships.
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