The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a global leader in the protection of environment and sustainable development and strive towards a green economy. In 2015, the UAE started the implementation of its Green Agenda 2030, with the following objectives: increase the UAE’s GDP by 4 to 5 percent; increase its exports by about AED 24 to 25 billion; and reduce the country’s emissions to less than 100 kilowatt-hours. The UAE launched its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative in October 2021, marking the first such commitment in the Middle East North Africa (MENA). On the sidelines of a cabinet meeting of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held on March 6, 2023, a landmark Net Zero Charter 2050 was signed by the government and the seven Emirates. The pathway defines the country’s climate ambition with an absolute emission reduction target of 18 percent compared to the UAE’s updated second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement by 2030, 60 percent by 2040, and 100 percent by 2050, compared to 2019.
Through the successful organisation of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) since 2015, the UAE has consolidated its position as a cornerstone for achieving the sustainable development goals and the transition to a green economy. The summit has successfully kept pace with the UAE’s leading and relentless efforts in supporting global climate action.
The role of the UAE as a pioneer in promoting green economy was again reflected in the 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) held on October 1 and October 2, 2025, at World Trade Centre (WTC), Dubai. The theme of 11th WGES was “Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy”. The event was organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO).
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of WGEO, stated in his opening speech stated that the summit continues the UAE’s pioneering role and continuous efforts in global climate action. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer emphasised that innovation is the key driver for developing efficient and sustainable solutions that address climate challenges and achieve sustainable climate practices that anticipate and shape the future. He stated that the UAE was ranked second globally and first regionally in AI in 2025, according to a recent report by the Technology Resource Group (TRG), a US-based data centre solutions provider. AI is expected to contribute approximately AED350 billion to the UAE economy by 2030, equivalent to 14% of its GDP. This underscores the importance of providing robust, resilient and sustainable infrastructure. He highlighted how Dubai has become a global leader in clean energy, with 21.5% of its power now coming from renewable sources. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest, will exceed 8,000 MW by 2030—raising clean energy’s share to 36% and cutting carbon emissions by 8.5 million tonnes yearly.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The World Green Economy Summit 2025 reflects the UAE’s commitment to translating the outcomes of COP28 into practical steps that support the transition toward a sustainable green economy. It also serves as a leading international platform for dialogue and partnership-building, through which the country – guided by its wise leadership – continues its pioneering role in promoting investment in clean energy, reducing emissions and developing innovative solutions that strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, ensuring a more prosperous future for coming generations.” Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, remarked that the World Green Economy Summit powerfully affirms the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future. The green economy presents a substantial economic opportunity, alongside its environmental imperative. By strategically deploying capital into sustainable projects, we overcome environmental limitations, concurrently generating new industries and employment. This transformation demonstrates how sustainability and economic growth advance in concert, as evidenced by frameworks like Net Zero 2050 and our Circular Economy Policy.
