Dubai to slash carbon emissions by 5 million tonnes

The Dubai Green Economy Partnership today held their second seminar to discuss the role of strategic partnerships in establishing and growing Dubai's own Green Economy. Established in May, 2012 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the Green Economy Partnership aims to make Dubai a global gateway for green investment and trade by accelerating the transition of Dubai to a green economy across local, regional and international markets.

Inspired by the long-term national green economy strategy “Green Economy for Sustainable Development” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, in 2012, the Green Economy Partnership aims to develop and facilitate the long-term, sustainable and green growth of Dubai’s economy, establish Dubai’s position in the growing global green economy value chain and accelerate the adoption of green technologies, products and services that are both economically feasible and ecologically viable.

At today’s Green Leadership Series event hosted by Tecom Investments’ EnPark, 150 delegates listened as the panelists addressed the potential challenges that collaborative efforts of public-private partnerships, international investors and financial institutions can experience, suggesting practical solutions to overcome these issues through the development and adoption of policies designed to inspire green growth and sustainable development.

As the first multi-stakeholder partnership to promote the transition to a green and low-carbon economy in the Middle East, the Green Economy Partnership is driven by global public-private partnerships, collaboration and cross-sector participation, which reflects stakeholders’ leadership and commitment to reduce carbon emissions in all activities from power and water to transportation and built environment.

Chairman of the Green Economy Partnership, Waleed Salman, EVP Strategy & Business Development, Dewa, said: “The Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 aims to reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent and carbon emissions by over 5 million tonnes. Collaborations such as the discussions in today’s session help bridge knowledge gaps and shape the agenda of future initiatives. For example, following our inaugural event in October, we established the region’s first World Green Economy Summit, the second of which will be held in Dubai in April 2015 in association Dewa and World Climate Ltd.

“Dubai’s success in reducing carbon emissions and developing sustainable economic growth will help shape the Global Climate Action Agenda that will next meet in Paris in 2015.”

Wider members of the Green Economy Partnership include: Dewa, Tecom Investments Sciences Cluster (EnPark), Dubai FDI (with Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Dubai FDI as General Secretary of GEP), Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Roads &Transport Authority, Dubai Department of Economic Development, S.S. Lootah Group, Pacific Controls, Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence and Etihad Energy Services.

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