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UAE Cabinet approves national energy and hydrogen strategies, establishes UAE Ministry of Investment

DUBAI, 3rd July, 2023 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Today, I chaired the Cabinet meeting in Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, where we adopted under the directives of the President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the establishment of the Ministry of Investment and appointed Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi as the minister. Our aim is to develop the investment vision of the UAE, and promote the investment environment and the competitiveness of this sector in the country.”

His Highness added, “As a result of the accelerated economic growth, we approved the updated UAE National Energy Strategy, which aims to triple the contribution of the renewable energy over the next 7 years, and invest AED150 to AED200 billion during the same period to meet the country’s growing demand for energy.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “We also approved the National Hydrogen Strategy, which has recently emerged as one of the most important types of clean energy. The strategy aims to promoting the UAE’s position as a producer and exporter of low-emission hydrogen over the next eight years through the development of supply chains, the establishment of hydrogen oases and a national research and development centre.”

His Highness noted, “We appointed H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairperson of the Quality of Education Centre. The Centre will be responsible of developing an evaluation system, monitoring the quality of education and setting targets and outputs for all levels and types of education in the country.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also said, “We approved the National Electric Vehicles Policy which aims to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers, organising the market of electric vehicles, promoting associated industries to ensure lower emissions, lower energy consumption and maintain the quality of roads.”

His Highness added, “We also adopted the first national preliminary approval for autonomous vehicle in the UAE for WeRide company. The company will begin testing all types of autonomous vehicles in the country, reflecting a change in the country's future mobility patterns.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “The Cabinet also approved a federal law establishing the Financial Stability Council, which aims to promote financial stability in the country, monitor associated risks, tackle and prevent financial crises, and develop proactive measures to manage and protect economic, financial and monetary systems in the UAE.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added, “The UAE is a global financial hub trusted by thousands of financial institutions and millions of investors around the world. Our goal is to maintain this confidence.”

His Highness concluded, “Today, we approved amendments to the law on combating human trafficking, including tightening sanctions, providing new services for victims including educational support, safe return to their home country, criminalising incitement to commit, and increasing the penalties for perpetrators.”

Ministry of Investment

Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Ministry of Investment, and appointed Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi as the minister.

The Ministry will support the UAE's business objectives, and investments policies and promoting its world-class infrastructure, as a global platform to attract investments in various sectors.

The ministry will be responsible of proposing the general investment policies of the UAE in coordination with the relevant authorities, in addition to preparing strategies, legislation, plans, projects and national programmes to promote the investment environment in the country and enhance its competitiveness.

Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed… Chairperson of Quality of Education Centre

The UAE Cabinet issued a decision appointing H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairperson of the Quality of Education Centre.

The Centre will be responsible for endorsing educational goals and targets across all levels of education in the country, and approving the overarching framework, policies, strategies, legislation, and educational systems for all stages of education, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and educational institutions in the UAE.

Also, the Centre will monitor the performance of the education sector and ensure the alignment of its outputs with current and future labour market demands.

UAE National Energy Strategy 2050

The Cabinet approved the updates on the UAE National Energy Strategy 2050, aiming at increasing reliance on renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and promoting the use of clean energy. The strategy will support research and development programmes in energy technologies, in addition to encouraging innovation and investment in energy sector.

The National Strategy will work on strengthening the country’s capacity to provide clean and sustainable energy, raising its global competitiveness in the energy sector and consolidating its position as one of the most countries attracting innovation and investment in the sector.

The strategy provides new investment opportunities in renewable energy, supports efforts to strengthen cooperation with international partners to achieve sustainability goals in the energy sector, and constitutes a long-term national programme to balance meeting energy needs with ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

The strategy aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy by 2030, to reduce the effects of climate change and achieve climate neutrality. The strategy’s objective is to achieve up to AED100 billion financial savings by 2030, and increase national energy investments between AED150 – 200 billion until 2030, in addition to raising the share of clean energy in the total energy mix to 30 percent by 2031.

National Hydrogen Strategy

Within the UAE’s initiatives and projects to invest in new clean energy sources, and as part of the country’s preparations to host COP28, the UAE Cabinet approved the National Hydrogen Strategy to support low carbon local industries, contribute to achieving climate neutrality and enhance the UAE’s position enhance among the largest producers of hydrogen by 2031, through 10 main enablers.

The strategy aims at accelerating the growth of hydrogen economy and enhancing the global position of the UAE among the world's largest producers of low-carbon hydrogen, through developing energy policies, and attracting investments in this sector.

National Electric Vehicles Policy

Also, the UAE Cabinet has approved a national policy on electric vehicles. It aims to develop cooperation with federal and local partners as well as the private sector, to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers that supports the needs of owners of electric vehicles and regulates its market in the UAE.

The policy will contribute in reducing energy consumption in the transport sector by 20 percent, through the Green Mobility Project, in addition to reducing carbon emissions by 2050, building a unified database of electric vehicle charging stations and contributing to raising road quality and maintaining the world's first rank in this index.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also granted a preliminary approval to the autonomous vehicle project for WeRide company that develops autonomous vehicles. The approval comes to support technological developments in the sustainable transport sector and to reduce carbon emissions.

Federal Law on Private Education

The Cabinet also adopted amendments to the federal law on private education, in line with the new structure of the UAE’s education sector, and defining roles for new education institutions, including the UAE Federal Agency for Early Education (FAEE), and the National Centre for Education Quality, in addition to the roles of the Ministry of Education and local educational institutions.

The meeting also adopted a new framework for governing federal bodies of higher education institutions to ensure the quality of local and international educational services, and outputs in the UAE.

Also, the Cabinet has adopted amendments to the law on combating human trafficking, including tightening sanctions, providing new services for victims including educational support, safe return to their home country, criminalising incitement to commit, and increasing the penalties for perpetrators.

The meeting approved a federal law establishing the Financial Stability Council, which aims to promote financial stability in the country, monitor associated risks, tackle and prevent financial crises, and develop proactive measures to manage and protect economic, financial and monetary systems in the UAE.

A decision regarding Tatmeen, the highly advanced track and trace platform for pharmaceuticals and medical products, has been approved during the meeting. Also, the Cabinet approved forming a trade agencies committee, the executive regulations of the federal law to promote the country's industrial sector, and technical regulations of the regulatory requirements of medical and labouratory measurement tools. The meeting approved the mechanisms of the application of VAT on electronic devices registered in the country.

The ‘Third Update of the Second NDC’ under the Paris Agreement

As per The Third Update of the Second NDC, the UAE aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 182 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) by 2030, in a decrease of 19 percent compared to the level of base year 2019. The level of emission reduction will be 40 percent compared to the business-as-usual scenario for the year 2030.

NDC aligns the UAE’s Nationally Determined Contributions with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris agreement. It shows the UAE’s active contribute to reducing emissions and limiting the global temperature increase in this century to 2°C.

Despite its classification as a non-Annex I country, in the Third Update of the Second NDC, the UAE adheres to base-year targets and fixed-level targets, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Also, the Cabinet approved a system for hosting international and regional conferences and events in the country, as well as adopting a policy that supports talents in federal government, and an updated document on professional ethics for employees in the Federal Government.

The meeting also reviewed the recommendations of the Federal National Council regarding the policy of the General Authority for Sports on supporting and developing the UAE’s sports sector, in addition to reviewing governmental reports, and approving a number of international agreements with friendly countries including Government of Saint Lucia and Republic of Tajikistan.

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Emirates

World Free Zones Organization Launches its New Corporate Identity

The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) has launched its new corporate identity, which coincided
with its 10th anniversary. The launch came during the 10 th World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) World Congress in Dubai held under the theme ‘Zones and the Shifting Global Economic Structures – Unlocking New Investment Avenues’, In conjunction with the launch of its new corporate identity, the World FZO announced its new vision, mission, and purpose. Its new vision focuses on driving global economic progress, sustainability, and inclusive growth through empowered free zones, setting the benchmark for economic advancement. As part of its new mission, the World FZO aims to engage with free zones from around the world by supporting them through knowledge
sharing, networking, advocacy, and consulting, enhancing their positive impact and contributions to economic and social development in their respective countries.
The World FZO reaffirmed its commitment to its core values while enhancing its approach by adopting the
latest practices and keeping pace with rapid global changes. This forward-thinking approach enables the
organisation to reshape prevailing perceptions and highlight its distinctive and innovative methods.
With its new identity, the World FZO also emphasise its dedication to launching purposeful and transparent initiatives that solidify its role as a catalyst for positive change on the global stage.
The organisation’s new corporate identity represents its three strategic pillars: Impact, Influence, and Trust. Its focus on Impact will drive sustainable growth and effectiveness, ensuring that free zones remain at the forefront of socio-economic development and innovation. Under its second pillar, Influence, it seeks to shape the future of global trade and investment by advocating for policies that foster growth and opportunity for businesses and communities. Furthermore, by building Trust, the organizations will reinforce its role as a steadfast ally, providing the advocacy needed to navigate an increasingly complex and evolving global landscape. The organisation’s key objectives for its new phase include opening new investment horizons and reinforcing social contributions by supporting net-zero initiatives.
The World FZO remains focused on fostering trade relations and partnerships between economic zones in its member countries, while broadening its activities to encompass emerging economic sectors. These sectors align with the demands of the era, including artificial intelligence, digital trade, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and advanced technologies.

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Emirates

Dubai Customs Launches Innovative Training Program to Enhance Emiratisation Efforts

– Specialized Vocational Program Under "Masar 33" Aims to Train and Employ 80
Citizens
– Sultan Bin Sulayem: Our Plans Align with National Vision and Goals
– Abdulla Mohammed Busenad: A Strong Commitment to Supporting
Nationalization Efforts in the UA

Dubai Customs is launching a significant initiative to train and employ 80 new high school graduates as “Customs Inspectors.”in line with the vision of the Dubai government and contributing to the goals of the Dubai Economic and Social Agenda, along with the leadership’s commitment to invest in citizens and increase Emiratisation rates.
This initiative is part of the department’s commitment to enhance the participation of citizens
in the economic development process and to support the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan goals
by investing in the youth and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to
keep pace with global changes. The department has allocated a vocational program in
customs inspection for candidates selected from Ru’ya Careers UAE 2024, providing them
with professional training for seven months both domestically and internationally before they
take up available positions. This initiative is part of the pioneering “Masar 33” program
designed to meet Dubai’s agenda goals by mobilizing all resources and development plans
to ensure the highest quality of life for citizens in the emirate. “Masar 33″aims to enhance
the competitiveness of Emirati talent through various initiatives, professional programs, and
scholarships, establishing Dubai Customs as a cornerstone for advancing the national
human development system, boosting its efficiency and productivity, and increasing its
participation in economic sectors to meet Dubai’s leading aspirations for the future.

Program Objectives:
The vocational program aims to nurture and train new high school graduates by enhancing
their professional skills in line with the Dubai government’s vision. It seeks to integrate
citizens into the labor market from early stages, ensuring their future success and
competitiveness. Additionally, it focuses on building the capabilities of customs inspectors on
scientific and advanced training foundations to address security risks and protect the
community and economy from customs evasion and smuggling, achieving a 100%
nationalization rate in customs inspection at Dubai Customs.

Active Participation:

H.E. Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports,
Customs and Free Zone Corporation, stated that the organization is committed through its
various initiatives and programs aimed at training and qualifying citizens to actively
contribute to the success of the UAE’s national vision, which is fundamentally based on the
Emirati workforce. He praised Dubai Customs for diversifying its projects in line with the
Dubai government’s plan and its social and economic agenda, enhancing the
competitiveness of citizens in the labor market for both the public and private sectors under
an ambitious strategy to encourage and promote nationalization policies.

Attracting Citizens:
H.E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, emphasized that
the department provides a range of specialized programs at the highest levels to attract
young citizens and involve them in the development process. Through “Masar 33” which
aligns with the objectives of the Dubai agenda and the leadership’s vision for enhancing
nationalization in both the public and private sectors, the programs enable citizens to gain
knowledge, field experience, and technical skills necessary for joining the labor market
through the approved career path. He noted that the initiative to train recent high school
graduates in customs professions builds upon Dubai Customs’ previous achievements in
qualifying citizens and the positive results attained through a series of diverse programs
covering the most in-demand job sectors. The department remains committed to enhancing
the efficiency of citizens and providing them with the professional opportunities they seek,
reinforcing its commitment to supporting nationalization efforts in the UAE.

Four Pillars:
Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director, Human Resources Division at Dubai Customs,
announced the opening of applications for the customs inspector training program during the
Ru’ya Careers UAE 2024 and provided the link to the official Dubai Government Jobs
website. The program is designed around four main pillars: digital skills programs, behavioral
programs, customs science programs, and security programs, alongside practical training in
the department’s customs centers and external training in collaboration with strategic
partners, which includes a comprehensive professional guidance program. He stated, “The
programs provided by Dubai Customs are increasingly popular among young citizens,
confirming the success of the department’ efforts in attracting national talent to shape future
leaders in customs work through various academic and specialized professional paths. This
offers new graduates the opportunity to qualify for roles in Dubai Customs, with 80 vacancies
allocated for graduates of the customs inspector training program.”

 

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Emirates

DCO Secretary-General commends Global Digital Compact at Summit of the Future

Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the
Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), said that “the digital divide the world faces today is
multifaceted, encompassing gaps in digital intelligence, computing capabilities, gender, and
skills,” in a speech at the Summit of the Future held during UNGA79 in New York.
In her speech, delivered after the UN General Assembly adopted the & Pact for the Future’ and the
‘Global Digital Compact’, AlYahya warned that “The AI and computing divide represents a
significant barrier, as some nations advance rapidly in AI innovation and deployment, while
others struggle to keep pace.
At the same time, the gender digital divide continues to limit women’s access to technology and
opportunities, and the skills divide leaves many without the digital competencies essential for
success in a fast-evolving economy. If we do not address these interconnected challenges, we
risk leaving entire communities behind.”
AlYahya praised the Global Digital Compact for “lays out an ambitious roadmap for an
inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe and secure digital future for all,” emphasizing that “It is a
bold vision, but the real challenge is translating these goals, principles, objectives, and
commitments into action, especially as we strive to achieve the SDGs.”
AlYahya highlighted that “at the Summit of the Future, the DCO proudly launched the Digital
Economy Navigator (DEN), an innovative tool that provides detailed insights on digital economy
performance across 50 countries. This initiative is just one of the many ways we are turning the
principles of the Global Digital Compact into action.”
She explained that “while DEN is a vital resource, it is only the beginning. In the spirit of
networked multilateralism, we must foster collective efforts to the GDC’s ambitious goals,
objectives, and commitments. I call upon every country, organization, and individual to join
forces in this critical endeavor.”
The Digital Economy Navigator (DEN) evaluates digital economy performance through three
intersecting dimensions: Digital Enablers, Digital Business, and Digital Society. Within these
dimensions, 10 pillars synthesize and summarize key aspects of countries’ digital economy, and
use of digital technology application from 102 indicators gathered from respected secondary data
sources, in addition to proprietary survey data of more than 27,000 participants across the 50
countries.
In addition to the launch of the DEN, on the sidelines of UNGA, DCO signed an agreement with
the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to enhance digital cooperation and accelerate
digital transformation across the world, to support efforts aimed at achieving the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
It also signed a memorandum of understanding with the League of Arab States (LAS) to
accelerate the inclusive and sustainable digital economy, enhance relations and exchange experiences and knowledge, and accelerate the process of digital transformation and economic development.

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