Abu Dhabi, UAE-- Abu Dhabi has succeeded in curbing the use of plastic bags by around 95 percent since the banning of the single-use bags in June 2022. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) claims it has prevented over 172 million bags from entering the environment. In 2020, EAD...

ABU DHABI,  UAE - A high-level UAE delegation at the 66th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) said the country believes in promoting a safe and sustainable outer space environment. The UAE delegation is headed by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign...

Three major chemical manufacturers announced that they will pay nearly $1.2 billion to settle claims that they contaminated water sources across the United States with harmful "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. Chemours, DuPont and Corteva said that they had "reached an agreement in principle to resolve all PFAS-related drinking water...

In an unprecedented salvage plan, the UN has purchased a super-tanker to remove the oil from the vessel in the Red Sea. The actual pumping will start in about 10 days to two weeks, said Gressly. The 47-year-old Safer has not been serviced since Yemen's civil war broke out in...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - The European Investment Bank (EIB) lending to circular economy projects has consistently increased over the years, amounting to US$3.6 billion (€3.4 billion) over the past five years, with a record level of US$1.18 billion alone in 2022. The figures were released ahead of the World Circular Economy...

SHARJAH, UAE - Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) organized multiple workshops for legal purposes and a number of investors and owners of economic establishments operating in the emirate attended the events. The workshops were on “Real Beneficiary Procedures and their Administrative Penalties” as well as “Anti-Money Laundering Procedures, Required Documents...

ABU DHABI, UAE -  The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has launched an ambitious program to develop and sustain beekeeping and honey production in the Emirate. The program is based on scientific, applied studies and research to develop the best methods and practices suitable for the UAE...

Leveraging DMCC’s strong regulatory framework and reputation within Indian business circles, the office will provide a one-stop solution for Indian businesses looking to expand through Dubai and help them establish a presence in DMCC.

DUBAI, UAE -  The UAE has topped several global labor market indices issued by international entities and institutions in a new accomplishment that reflects UAE’s pioneering global model for development. The UAE ranked first globally in the Talent Attractiveness Index as per the Global Prosperity Index 2023, issued by the...

The cost to secure thousands of inactive oil and gas wells in the US Gulf of Mexico could top $30 billion, as per research published weighing potential environmental damage against estimated price tag. With new US government funding available for plugging old fossil fuel wells, the authors focused on offshore...

The EU environmental agency said that air pollution is responsible for causing more than 1,200 premature deaths a year in under 18's across Europe and raises the risk of chronic disease later in life. It said that in spite of recent improvements, "the level of key air pollutants remain stubbornly...

NEW YORK, US -  UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement calling for urgent action to protect the environment and combat climate change on the occasion of International Mother Earth Day. Guterres highlighted the crucial relationship between humanity and the natural world, stating that our health and survival depend on...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - EU lawmakers this week adopted new laws boosting Europe's climate change fight, but a parallel drive to protect biodiversity in bills to be finalized before the end of next year looks to be on shakier ground. Negotiations between the European Commission, EU member states and the European Parliament...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - Environmental groups lodged a lawsuit against the European Commission on Tuesday to challenge its definition of natural gas as a "green" energy source. In addition, one other non-governmental organization, Greenpeace, sued the EU executive separately for deciding that nuclear energy was worthy of its sustainable investment label. The legal...

SHARJAH, UAE- Arada is investing in a new research and development (R&D) facility here, bringing a new form of sustainable water treatment to the UAE, and the Middle East, for the first time. Arada's joint venture agreement is with Hungarian water tech firm Biopolus, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park...

Sapporo, Japan--G7 allies kicked off two days of "difficult" climate talks in northern Japan on Saturday, facing pressure to show progress on key fossil fuel commitments in an example to other major economies including China. Campaigners have warned climate and environment ministers from the group of developed countries against backsliding on...

Successful business leadership requires that we innovate and embrace change. This means a commitment to seek paths untrodden, embracing new technologies, willingness to take risks, experimenting with new ideas and strategies, and focusing on creating sustainable, long-term growth, he adds.

ABU DHABI, UAE - The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has introduced the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) planning program in line with UAE's Year of Sustainability. SEA will aid in evaluating environmental impacts and guiding the investigation of alternatives and potential mitigation and monitoring efforts associated with strategic projects,...

Washington, USA - International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved SDR 3.7262 billion ($5 billion) on a two-year arrangement for Morocco under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL). Morocco has benefited from four Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) arrangements since 2012, each totaling about $3 billion. The first PLL was approved on August...

DUBAI, UAE -  Over 300 prominent wealth and asset management (WAM) firms have established themselves in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC). This milestone reinforces DIFC's position as the leading financial center for WAM companies in the Middle East Africa South Asia (MEASA) region. With an industry size of US$450 billion,...

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The WTO’s annual Public Forum 2023 will focus this year on how trade can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. The Forum will examine in particular how the services sector, digitalization and inclusive trade policies can support global environmental goals and help combat the climate crisis....

Haute couture has given way to upcycled outfits, sourced entirely from used clothes, as the models strut, pause and pivot on the runway, a sign of the growing popularity of chic, environmentally friendly vintage wear among young Iraqis. "We don't want overproduction of clothes, we have to reuse them," said...

SHARJAH, UAE - Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) participated in a discussion on modern and innovative technologies in water desalination and their contribution to achieving sustainability. The discussion was a part of the Water Desalination Projects Forum in the Middle East and North Africa, held in Abu Dhabi....

Moscow, Russia -  The UAE and Russia have agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of innovation, environment, and education to promote sustainable economic growth. This was decided during the 11th UAE-Russia Joint Committee meeting focusing on the economic and technology sectors. The meeting was held in the Russian capital,...

Dubai, UAE -- Mashreq Bank, the oldest privately-owned bank in the UAE, has facilitated $15.5 billion in sustainable finance, Joe Van Dusen, Group Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Mashreq, said on Tuesday. In a statement in January, the bank said that the finance was facilitated between Jan 2021...

DUBAI, UAE - The UAE Regulations Lab has issued a license for an electric cargo aircraft to promote eco-friendly transportation and enhance the sustainability of the air cargo industry in the country. The license is aimed at reducing carbon emissions by encouraging the adoption of clean energy and leveraging technology...

BASRA, IRAQ -  Iraq's prime minister on Sunday announced a campaign to combat the severe impacts of climate change on the water-scarce country, including by planting five million palms and trees. Oil-rich but war-battered Iraq suffers from extreme summer heat, frequent droughts, desertification and regular dust storms, problems that are all...

Dubai, UAE-- The UAE and Oman have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in order to preserve environment and encourage sustainable development. In this connection, a UAE delegation, headed by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, paid a visit to Oman to enhance cooperation in...

RABAT, MOROCCO - UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) highlighted the critical role of parliaments in addressing the repercussions of climate change, by passing laws that preserves the environment and promote the use of clean energy. The FNC's Parliamentary Division made this statement during the intervention by Aisha Mohammed Al Mulla,...

PARIS, FRANCE - A French court on Tuesday dismissed a landmark case against TotalEnergies for a massive oil project in Uganda and Tanzania after several NGOs filed a suit to suspend the controversial project. The six NGOs argued the development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) failed to adhere...

Creating a coherent ESG policy is perhaps one of the biggest challenges for the region, which is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, says an expert.

ABU DHABI,  UAE - The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued a policy on sustaining marine water quality that reviews the current situation and main challenges related to marine water in the emirate. The policy is part of EAD's efforts to maintain and sustain Abu Dhabi's marine waters...

The UAE has a long and established history in the field of sustainability, which began with the initiatives launched by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who provided a vision for the UAE's future in sustainable development, he adds while speaking at the 26th UAE National Environment Day.

More dams are being built in the region to shield the residents against floods, offer a lifeline during drought and work towards food sufficiency by enhancing agriculture output.

Containing the fallout of climate change, addressing related damage and losses, and meeting the relevant needs of developing countries are among the major global challenges related to climate action, which will be addressed at COP28, adds Sheikha Shamma during an interview.

It will target Qatar-based small and medium enterprises.

The country will also focus on environmental sustainability and showcasing the UAE’s commitment towards fostering a global collaboration for innovative environmental solutions.

The World Economic Forum launched the Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA), to help unlock the US$3 trillion of financing needed each year to reach net zero, reverse nature loss and restore biodiversity by 2050. The GAEA is a global initiative to fund and grow new and existing public, private...

DUBAI, UAE - The Chairman of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Fadel Al Ali Monday announced the publication of the DFSA’s Business Plan for 2023-24. The Business Plan has been developed to foster an enabling environment for firms as Dubai and the UAE continue to grow its reputation as...

DAVOS-KLOSTERS, SWITZERLAND  – As part of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023, this year’s Open Forum Davos from January 16-20 will focus on the environment and climate change. The theme at the Open Forum is Our Environment: Lessons, Challenges and Opportunities. This would be the Open Forum’s 20th year...

"The [energy] landscape in 2023 will have much of the same volatility we've seen in 2022. The difference is the Chinese economy is going to come back because of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, but at the same time Europe and the United States are going to be slowing down,”...

Abu Dhabi, UAE--The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) has planted one million mangrove seeds using drones as part of the first phase of a drone mangrove plantation project. The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was announced in February 2021 during Prince William's visit to the UAE. This initiative, which is...

At present, the data center industry as a whole uses approximately 150 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is about 3 percent of the world’s electricity usage.

The country profiles -- arranged in alphabetical order -- summarize recent data, presenting statistical narratives of a country that include economic, political, sociological, environmental, and cultural factors. The profiles also include their performance in 2022 and estimations for 2023.

ABU DHABI, UAE - The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has imposed 32 administrative fines, totaling US$89,312 (AED328,000) since last April. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD had last April taken the decision regarding...

MONTREAL, CANADA -  UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment  Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri participated in the High-Level Segment (HLS), the second part of the 15th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), that took place in Montreal, Canada. The HLS, which took place from December 15-17, 2022, aimed to enable participating...

SHARJAH, UAE - The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) announced an increase in participation in the 11th session of the Sharjah Sustainability Award for 2022-2023. There were 485 entries from university students, colleges and government, private and foreign schools from different regions of the country, and youth...

The Gulf countries have highlighted the importance of coordinating and unifying the stances of the regional bloc in all international environmental forums.

Canadian-based TC Energy, which operates the pipeline, detected the leak Wednesday night in Kansas and immediately halted the flow of oil through the pipeline.

LONDON, UK - The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and the Transport General Authority (TGA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual recognition of maritime certificates issued in the two countries. The move is in line with their shared vision to...