World Energy Day on 22 October

During the World Energy Forum 2012 in Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, endorsed the World Energy Day initiative with representatives from 54 countries, as well as the UN, the League of Arab States and the African Union Commission. In the ‘Dubai Declaration – Energy for All’, all parties agreed to celebrate World Energy Day on 22 October each year.

Today, the UAE leads the global effort in clean and renewable energy through its strategies and investments in the field. In 2021, the UAE announced UAE Net Zero by 2050, a strategic initiative to invest over AED 600 billion in clean and renewable energy by 2050. This makes the UAE the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to launch such an initiative. The UAE has consistently supported global efforts to combat climate change by announcing effective solutions to create low-carbon sectors, as well as leading projects that support the country’s future strategies and aspirations, such as Masdar City in Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. The UAE is home to specialist international institutions in the green economy, such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi and the World Green Economy Organisation in Dubai, among other leading organisations.

Dubai is a leading city in developing the renewable and alternative energy sector in line with Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai’s Net Zero Carbon Strategy 2050, which aims for 100% of Dubai’s total electricity generation capacity to come from clean energy sources by 2050. World Energy Day is an important opportunity to highlight the UAE’s leading role in driving the transition to renewable and clean energy.

“Launched in the UAE, World Energy Day raises awareness of the importance of diversifying energy sources and increasing the share of clean and renewable energy, in addition to developing national policies and strategies that support sustainable development and promote more efficient energy production and use. This strikes a balance between development and environmental protection to combat climate change and protect the right of future generations to live in a clean, healthy and safe environment,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council for Energy.

“The UAE has developed a number of forward-looking plans to diversify energy sources and move towards clean sources, especially nuclear power. The commissioning of the Baraka peaceful nuclear power plant supports efforts to transition to clean energy in the UAE. It is a big step towards energy sustainability, diversification and security for decades to come,” said H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

“Energy is a major factor in economic and social development. The UAE attaches great importance to energy sustainability and supporting global efforts to combat climate change. This is achieved through effective solutions to support low-carbon local sectors and the implementation of innovative projects that support the UAE’s strategies and future aspirations. In Dubai, we are working to increase the share of renewable and clean energy in Dubai’s energy mix in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Clean Zero Carbon Strategy 2050, to ensure 100% of total electricity generation capacity in Dubai is from clean energy sources by 2050,” said His Excellency Syed Mohammed Al Thayer, Deputy Chairman of the Dubai High Energy Council and Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Authority

“The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is committed to promoting the concept of energy conservation and carbon reduction through World Energy Day. This will achieve carbon neutrality as part of Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai’s Net Zero Carbon Strategy 2050, which stipulates that 100% of all electricity generation capacity in Dubai will be from clean energy sources by 2050,” said H.E. Ahmad Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai High Energy Council.

“World Energy Day is a key opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources, developing renewable and clean energy sources and supporting a sustainable future for future generations. The EWEC is making a leading contribution to the UAE’s Clean Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, accelerating the energy transition through a growing portfolio of world-leading renewable energy, clean energy and low carbon reverse osmosis desalination projects that significantly reduce carbon emissions in both the energy and water sectors.” said H.E. Othman Al Ali, CEO of Emirates Electricity and Water Company (EWEC).

Source: Dubai Media Office

Follow our Telegram Chanel