UAE to host Irena global HQ

The UAE will host the global headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), news agencies reported yesterday.

"The second session of the Preparatory Commission of Irena in Sharm El Sheikh has voted Abu Dhabi to be the headquarters of Irena," said Wam.

"Seven ministers from the Emirates participated in the conference," the Mena news agency said. Representatives from 129 countries gathered for Irena's first working meeting, with the European cities of Bonn and Vienna also vying to host the Irena headquarters.

The global agency, which was launched in Bonn in January, will advise governments on technical and financial issues linked to renewable energy and promote such technology across the world.

The UAE's victory is a result of intense campaigning by the country's ministers and officials. The Irena's headquarters is likely to be located in environment-friendly Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.

The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan recieved a cable of congratulation from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, after the UAE won the bid to host Irena headquarters.

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