Hamdan stressed that Dubai leads global cities in promoting sustainable development focused on providing the highest levels of service for its citizens and residents….reports Asian Lite News
The Executive Council of Dubai, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, explored opportunities emerging in the circular economy and adopted a new Green Procurement Policy for Dubai government and a Shared Services function designed to enhance the efficiency of government services.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the Year of Sustainability announced by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, places greater responsibility on Dubai to support the environment.
“Today, the UAE has created the ideal conditions for promoting environmental protection and sustainability, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” Hamdan said.
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“We have also developed an agile legislative framework that allows us to keep pace with new developments and changes in the environmental sphere. The leadership’s support has also enabled us to raise our position as a business and investment destination that is at the forefront of promoting sustainability, encouraging green projects, and embracing the concept of the circular economy.”
He said Dubai has taken initiatives to ensure it is at the forefront of global efforts to overcome the challenges of climate change.
“Dubai seeks to set an example for an environment and people-friendly city that is committed to preserving the planet for future generations. We aim to strike a balance between economic growth and sustainability, as the UAE prepares to host COP28,” he added.
Hamdan stressed that Dubai leads global cities in promoting sustainable development focused on providing the highest levels of service for its citizens and residents. Dubai also benchmarks itself with the best in the world to continuously enhance economic growth and the quality of life of its people.
He further said: “The government is not alone today in this journey. The private sector is a strategic partner that significantly contributes to Dubai’s efforts to build an environment-friendly city and create an attractive business destination. We are all working hand-in-hand to serve our society and advance inclusive and sustainable development.”
Circular Economy Opportunities
The Executive Council approved plans to take advantage of opportunities in the circular economy by reducing the total demand for consumables, and limiting the disposal of these materials so that they can be reused on a regular basis. In addition, the meeting explored how the environmental footprint of various industries and key sectors like construction, food, packaging, and waste management can be reduced.
These efforts will build on the significant progress Dubai has made in reducing its environmental footprint and contributing to the circular economy. Since 2012, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s initiatives have helped raise the contribution of renewable energy sources to total production capacity to 9%.
The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy adopted the 2016-2021 Carbon Emissions Strategy to reduce emissions by 22%, and reduce energy and water consumption by 30%. In addition, the implementation of the single-use bag reduction policy was implemented in mid-2022, resulting in positive outcomes, apart from various other initiatives introduced by various government and private entities.
The Executive Council also approved the Green Procurement Policy, a key initiative to support the circular economy, which aims to stimulate the local supply chain, adopt more sustainable practices, broaden the use of sustainable materials, create a competitive environment, reduce the environmental footprint, and enhance financial efficiency, all of which will raise Dubai’s reputation as a city that uses its resources sustainably.
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