DUBAI – Retail businesses in the UAE should incorporate sustainability throughout their operations, elevate their climate goals, and in doing so, drive positive behavioral change among consumers, said Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
At the 13th National Dialogue for Climate Ambition (NDCA), a monthly stakeholder forum organized by the Ministry to enhance sectoral climate ambition and promote inclusive participation, she emphasized the pivotal role the UAE’s retail sector can play in achieving the nation’s goal of being Net Zero by 2050.
Held at the Dubai Chambers, the sponsor of the annual Retail Summit, a global assembly of retailers and industry experts, the Minister welcomed 13 more businesses to the UAE Climate Responsible Companies Pledge, bringing the total to 131. This pledge signifies a commitment to infuse sustainability into operations and inspire customers and partners to adopt sustainable actions.
Almheiri said, “To achieve our climate objectives, every segment of the economy, including retail, must work towards a greener future. The upcoming COP28 will see UAE businesses actively participating, not just observing. They will demonstrate that businesses are integral to the climate solution.”
Reports indicate that global retail supply chains account for 25 percent of global emissions and 40 percent of worldwide plastic usage. The global production of plastic has doubled in the last 20 years, with only 9 percent being recycled. The retail sector’s approach to emissions and plastic usage is crucial to the UAE’s strategic vision and climate objectives.
“Less than 20 percent of retailers are aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement. In the UAE, we have the advantage of strong leadership and a proactive business community ready to turn climate action into reality,” said Almheiri.
“Supporting consumers in their green transition is essential. By aligning retailers, consumers, and supply chains towards sustainability, everyone benefits. Businesses embracing this transition are reaping economic rewards. The UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 encourages sustainable business growth,” she added.
She emphasized the economic benefits of the green transition and urged businesses to seize these opportunities. The UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 promotes sustainable growth through initiatives like supporting green manufacturing, promoting alternative fuels, and offering green jobs to recent graduates.
The 13 new signatories to the UAE Climate Responsible Companies Pledge include Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Tristar, Transworld, Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), Future Glass, FIVE Holdings, HITACHI, IN2 Communications, M42 Mubadala Health, Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), AMEA Power, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), and Ricardo.
The NDCA, initiated by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), serves as a platform to define and elevate sectoral climate ambition and foster participation in the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The 13th session, titled ‘Shifting to Responsible Consumer Behavior in the Retail Industry’, covered topics like ‘Greening Retail’ and ‘Driving Retail Towards Net Zero: Opportunities, Incentives, and Challenges’. Speakers included Omar Khan, Head of Center for Business Studies and Research, and Mohammad Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers.