The Executive Council approves the roadmap to complete the transition towards zero-emission public transport in Dubai by 2050

The main targets of the roadmap

• Eliminating 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions
• Achieving financial savings equivalent to AED 3 billion

The Executive Council approved:

• The licensing policy for early learning institutions  
• The policy to incentivize NGOs

 

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, confirmed that Dubai, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is moving forward in creating a roadmap for the Emirate of Dubai to shift towards zero-emission public transportation by 2050. The move is in line with the UAE’s voluntary commitment to climate action and based on the nation’s position as a global driver for the deployment and use of renewable energy, and a pioneer in the transition towards a green economy and sustainable solutions.

His Highness said: “Humanity expects each of us to contribute to saving the future. The UAE spares no effort to be on the frontlines to preserve the sustainability of our planet’s resources. Our initiatives for the future are ensuring the UAE will continue to be a global model for innovation and creativity, one that will host the world and share its experiences at next year’s COP28 at Dubai Expo City.”

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed added: “Mohammed bin Rashid’s directives are to tackle climate change from the frontlines, and we will not compromise on the right of next generations to make their own future. It is our duty to preserve resources for them and this requires us to work collectively to achieve this on the ground. We continue to implement green initiatives with a positive environmental impact to reduce climate change.”

The remarks were made during a meeting of the Dubai Executive Council, which was held today (Wednesday) in the Emirates Towers in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. During the meeting, the roadmap was approved, which included the completion of the transformation process towards zero-emissions transportation in Dubai by 2050, the adoption of a policy for licensing early-education centers in Dubai, and the policy of activating and stimulating NGOs in the emirate.

Zero-emission transportation

Dubai is making steady progress on its objective to reduce carbon emissions in the emirate by implementing its Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which falls under the umbrella of the emirate’s comprehensive plans. It also aligns with the Energy and Water Demand Management Strategy 2030, and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030, part of an integrated approach that ensures the participation of all local sectors in achieving the goals of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The landmark Net Zero pledge was made by the UAE during its participation in the COP26 in the UK as a pivotal step in its 2050 climate action.

The roadmap for achieving the transition towards zero-emission public transport in Dubai by 2050 is based on a set of executive initiatives related to infrastructure, the circular economy and green mobility, which would achieve the desired environmental impact by avoiding nearly 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 132 million trees. It also equates to financial savings equivalent to AED3 billion by 2050 in comparison to current activity.

Under the initiative, which is a part of an integrated strategy to contribute to adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the deployment of clean energy vehicles will gradually increase. The Roads and Transport Authority will add electric and hydrogen vehicles to its fleet of public transportation buses, school transport, taxis and limousines. It will also rehabilitate the infrastructure and expand the use of clean energy to encompass buildings and facilities, in addition to recycling waste to support the circular economy.

The roadmap is in line with the UAE’s vision to transform climate change challenges into opportunities to advance economic diversification and achieve sustainable economic development by developing new industries, technologies, skills and jobs that support environment protection and preservation. This will be achieved by striking a balance between sustainable development requirements and reduction in climate change effects through diversifying sources of income, building a knowledge economy, and shifting towards a green economy.

Early Learning

The Executive Council approved the policy for licensing early-learning institutions, which will contribute to enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness and competitiveness. It will be integrated with all government educational initiatives to encourage engagement at this important phase in children’s lives. Under the supervision of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA), the policy will operate through the incentives it provides in attracting experienced Emirati talent. It will encourage investment in this sector, especially by local entrepreneurs and major international organizations in the field of early childhood. Its goals include improving services to meet global standards and respond to diverse family needs and expectations, in addition to consolidating societal values ​​among youth while achieving the highest levels of excellence in accordance with the best international standards in the quality of education.

The policy will take into account a number of objectives, including the promotion of the Arabic language, Islamic education and the national identity of Emirati children, improving the quality of education and care services, and enhancing family and community awareness.

Insentivising NGOs

In the meeting, the Executive Council also adopted a policy to incentivise Non for Profit Organizations (NGOs) in Dubai to support quality of life priorities by activating the role of civil society in social development. The new policy will improve social services in the emirate through an integrated system of legislative frameworks, standards and initiatives to enhance continuous quality development. It will also direct the efforts of NGOs to achieve social development priorities and increase the efficiency of government resources that are allocated to the provision of social services.

The policy responds to the significant developments taking place in the NGO sector – which includes licensed non-profit associations and institutions – and the sector’s vital role in Dubai in regard to education, society and healthcare. There are 257 organizations licensed by the Community Development Authority and other licensing authorities in Dubai.

The approved policy will also enhance social services across the emirate through an integrated system of legislative frameworks. There will be government support for NGOs whose activities and objectives are in line with the emirate’s directives, and they will be given priority in support and guidance, in addition to raising the quality of their outputs.