The Middle East and North Africa region has high solar energy potential, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt receiving over 2,000 kilowatt-hours of solar radiation per square meter annually.

The UAE is investing $163.5bn in clean energy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt have set renewable energy targets, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060 and 42% of electricity from renewables by 2035, respectively.

The Benban solar park in Egypt is a $4 billion, 1,800-megawatt project.

The region's energy demand is expected to grow 1.8% annually, with solar energy playing a significant role in meeting this demand.

The cost of solar energy has decreased, making it viable for countries like Egypt, Algeria, Libya, and Turkey to compete in supplying Europe with renewable energy.

The UAE plans to invest up to $54.5 billion in renewable energy.

Saudi Arabia is transitioning to a circular carbon economy to reduce energy sector emissions, with set objectives and ongoing government and private solutions.

The region's average temperature has risen 1.5 °C and is projected to increase to 4 °C by century's end.

Egypt's renewable energy capacity is expected to reach 15,800 megawatts by 2025, 42,100 by 2028, and 68,500 by 2030.

The Eldavra photovoltaic power station in Abu Dhabi produces enough electricity to power 200,000 homes annually and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 2.4 million metric tons.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are transitioning to solar energy and diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on oil.

Middle East corporations are adopting ESG practices to promote sustainability and reduce emissions.

The MENA region has a $1.7 trillion climate-centered investment opportunity, with many cities shifting to renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Saudi Arabia aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewables and cut emissions by 278 million tons of CO2 by 2030.

The Middle East and North Africa region has high solar energy potential, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt receiving over 2,000 kilowatt-hours of solar radiation per square meter annually.

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World Future Energy Summit.
Green finance and climate change lead day 2
The second day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the UAE, kicked off today.
The summit is the premier annual forum for future energy and sustainability.
The day ’ s events focused on green finance, with Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stressing the urgency of correcting climate change and thinking outside the box, and providing inspiring views on the obstacles to investing in renewable energy and ways to develop it during a session entitled “Financing Global Approaches to Low-Carbon Economies ”.
“It takes a lot of in-depth social studies, practical solutions and a lot of financial support – governments around the world spend a lot of money to defend themselves against other governments, but we don ’ t spend that much money to fight everyone ’ s first enemy, climate change.
He believes that finding practical solutions requires a serious approach to financing and establishing an assembly line for simple renewable energy projects, so that tangible results can be achieved as soon as possible, which is not possible without setting aside the side issues that usually concern us or we will not be able to solve the problem for another 10 years.
Ahmed Bahieldin, General Manager and Commercial Officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at GE Vernova, an independent public company spin-off of GE ’ s energy, wind and electricity business, also joined the panel.
“Time is an important factor, especially as there is a lot of capital looking for projects in advanced markets, especially in the areas of renewable energy sources and new technologies, and regulatory reforms and the structuring of the revenue model give more room for growth.
The second day of the summit also saw the launch of the Solar Outlook 2024 report, officially released by the Middle East Solar Industry Association at the World Future Energy Summit.
The report highlights the growing contribution of solar energy to the MENA region ’ s ongoing energy transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables, amid continued manufacturing boom, population and economic growth, as well as concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability.
Solar Energy
According to the report, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region today has one of the highest levels of solar energy potential in the world, with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Egypt contributing on average annual solar radiation exceeding 2,000 kilowatt-hours per square meter per year.
While the regional solar growth trajectory is expected to continue, the report reveals that it is still well below the levels required to replace the current fossil fuel contribution of 87%, with solar providing just over 2% of the current energy mix in the MENA region.
Denisa Vines, Secretary General of the Middle East Solar Industry Association, said: “The COP28 pledge to increase renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency with the support of 124 countries has set ambitious targets to increase the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures by 2030, but we still face many challenges to achieve these goals, especially in the energy sector within the Gulf region. After 2030, a variety of technologies are expected to be market-ready, offering scalable solutions to decarbonize the energy sector, enabling a more effective role for renewables, energy efficiency and zero-emission technologies.
The broad pursuit of ambitious targets by 2030 is focused on public utility projects, which may overshadow the needs of the commercial and industrial sectors, and this underscores the importance of considering a balanced approach to energy deployment to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
COP28 Pledges
Speaking at the Solar and Clean Energy Conference, Dr. Ralph Blumenthal, Head of Networks Programs Middle East at Siemens, praised the ongoing discussions on digitization and the great importance of integrating renewables into smart grids to help achieve the goals of the COP28 pledge.
Batteries are key if we want to triple renewables by 2030, and increase them nine-fold by 2050. Batteries are not only storage, they are essential to grid regulation and reduce disruptions that may occur during renewable energy generation. Today, around 1,500 GW of renewable energy has been installed globally and is ready for deployment, but cannot be integrated into networks. It operates 100% on renewable energy, but national grids have not yet been able to effectively integrate renewables on a large scale.
Constructive discussions and sessions on global energy issues and solutions will continue tomorrow with the Electric Mobility Forum, which will comprehensively examine the role of clean and independent transport in changing the future of city design, and what is needed to unlock the potential of investing in expanding electric mobility.

The UAE is investing $163.5bn in clean energy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

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Content: World Future Energy Summit to focus on providing ‘sustainability blueprint’

The three-day event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 16 to January 18

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The 2023 World Future Energy Summit aims to provide a “crucial sustainability blueprint” amid a global focus on the energy transition and measures to boost investment in the renewables sector.

Energy industry leaders and policymakers from around the world will participate in the three-day event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 16 to January 18, organisers said on Wednesday.

The summit is the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global initiative championed by the UAE and Abu Dhabi's clean energy company Masdar to hasten sustainable development and advance economic, social, and environmental progress.

“This event has evolved just as the energy sector and our economies are transitioning,” said Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

“It has now morphed into the Middle East’s most important industry gathering, of which clean energy and infrastructure are key components.”

Countries in the Middle East such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and Egypt are boosting investment in the clean energy sector.

The UAE is investing Dh600 billion ($163.5bn) in clean and renewable energy projects over the next three decades as it aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

It is building the world’s largest solar plant with a capacity of two gigawatts in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region that is expected to be ready next year, as well as the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai with a capacity of five gigawatts.

Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s largest economy, also announced a number of new renewable energy projects as it seeks to become carbon neutral by 2060.

Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world, aims to derive 42 per cent of its electricity mix from renewable sources by 2035. The North African country is hosting Cop27 next month.

“This newly transitioned event profile is in the right place at the right time, underlining a much-needed shift towards reaching our clean energy goals, as well as achieving sustainable governance and adopting consumption and [the] production of natural energy methods that ensure the quality of life for current and future generations,” Mr Al Mazrouei said.

Renewable energy investment continued to rise amid green transition efforts globally. Capital investments in renewables are set to surpass oil and gas spending for the first time in 2022 as high power prices prompt countries to further diversify their energy mix, according to a report by Rystad Energy.

Investment in renewable energy is set to hit $494bn in 2022, outstripping upstream oil and gas spending at $446bn for the year, the Oslo-based energy consultancy said this month.

In addition to the focus on energy, water, eco-waste, solar, smart cities, climate and the environment, next year's event will also preside over the launch of a dedicated hydrogen innovation centre as demand for the clean fuel picks up globally amid green transition efforts, organisers said.

The event takes place at a time when the UAE is preparing to host Cop28 next year.

Updated: October 19, 2022, 10:41 AM
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Saudi Arabia and Egypt have set renewable energy targets, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060 and 42% of electricity from renewables by 2035, respectively.

The Benban solar park in Egypt is a $4 billion, 1,800-megawatt project.

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Economy: Benban and the Gulf of Suez are among the largest renewable energy projects
Economic Middle East magazine, which specializes in economics and energy, said that the Benban solar park and the Gulf of Suez wind project in Egypt are considered among the largest renewable energy projects in the Middle East.
Renewable Energy Projects in the Middle East
The Middle East has long relied on oil and gas, not only for revenue but also for power generation, but in the past years, the region has positioned itself as a leader in the renewable energy sector, boasting numerous renewable energy projects.
From 2023 to 2028, Mordor Intelligence expects the renewable energy market in the Middle East to grow by 13.43% annually.
The Arab Clean Energy Initiative was launched by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and during the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit of 2013, the League of Arab States adopted the initiative, with leaders pledging to increase renewable energy generation capacity in the region from 12 GW in 2013 to 80 GW by 2030.
Benban Solar Park
Located in Aswan, Egypt with a capacity of 1,800 megawatts, Benban Solar Park is valued at $4 billion and includes 41 solar power plants, one of the largest solar PV parks in the world, spanning 37 square kilometers and containing 7 million photovoltaic panels, this initiative is a component of Egypt ’ s Renewable Energy Feed Tariff (FiT) program, which was unveiled in September 2014.
Gulf of Suez Wind Power Project
In November last year, ACWA Power and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) signed a memorandum of understanding, and together they will invest in a 1100 MW wind power project in Jebel Zeit and the Gulf of Suez. The project is one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world, and aims to provide power to more than one million households and reduce annual CO2 emissions by 2.4 million tons.

The region's energy demand is expected to grow 1.8% annually, with solar energy playing a significant role in meeting this demand.

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Content: 900 exhibitors showcase their innovations at Middle East Energy in Dubai
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His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), inaugurated yesterday Middle East Energy 2023, the region ’ s leading energy event with over 900 suppliers from around the world showcasing their latest innovations and new technologies to the market.
The 48th edition of the exhibition, which runs until March 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and is attended by more than 35,000 energy professionals, will feature an exhibition and three separate conferences, including Intersolar Middle East, the Strategic Conference and Technical Seminars, which explore plans and policies to shape the region ’ s energy sector and inform attendees of its current reality.
During his tour, Al Tayer spoke to a number of leading exhibitors from the region and the world to take a closer look at the latest products and trends in the industry, including Fanar and the German National Pavilion.
Sibylle Bfaff, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai, stressed that Germany has been keen to participate in the Middle East Energy Show for years, and the German pavilion returns with the largest area in the history of the exhibition this year with the participation of 58 companies, reflecting an increase of 20% compared to last year.
She said: “We were delighted that His Excellency Saeed Al Tayer visited our stand, where he was particularly interested in energy efficiency and sustainability in line with the objectives of the UAE Year of Sustainability.
The UAE is our largest trading partner in the region and is a destination for companies looking to do business in the region and looking forward to the opportunities the region offers. ”
Future Expectations
Nicholas Daher, Principal Energy Analyst at The Economist Intelligence, opened the strategic conference by talking about the current state of energy consumption in the region and the world and the outlook for the future: “Fossil fuels in the Middle East and North Africa account for 98% of total energy consumption, with energy demand in the region expected to grow by 1.8% annually, making it the second fastest growing region in the world after Asia.
The Middle East needs to strike a balance between decarbonising efforts and meeting growing energy demand. ”
Change of Directions
At the Intersolar Middle East Conference, Ahmed Nada, President of the Middle East Solar Industry Association, highlighted the rapidly changing energy trends in the Middle East.
“The cost of solar energy was very high decades ago, and landowners across the region did not trust the vision of a world-leading solar ecosystem, as other fuels such as oil and gas were abundant at the time, ” he said.
But things have changed considerably faster than we can imagine, as the Middle East is now poised to make a real contribution to global energy security by replacing existing resources with renewable resources.
“Several countries like Egypt, Algeria, Libya and Turkey are competing to supply Europe with energy, and this cannot be achieved without coordinated efforts and cooperation.
The Middle East will certainly play a key role in enhancing energy security in the future, especially with regard to renewables.
We have also seen a shift in the supply chain away from reliance on China as the sole source, if the COVID-19 crisis teaches us that no single country can take over supply, prompting Europe to invest heavily in production processes while the United States has enough assets and high demand to rely on itself in domestic manufacturing.
The 48th Middle East Energy Show will see the return of the previously successful Global Buyers Programme, bringing together key industry stakeholders, investors and suppliers from around the world by connecting with more than 100 direct procurement influencers.
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The cost of solar energy has decreased, making it viable for countries like Egypt, Algeria, Libya, and Turkey to compete in supplying Europe with renewable energy.

The UAE plans to invest up to $54.5 billion in renewable energy.

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Content: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues have become increasingly prominent on the global stage as organisations recognise the need to integrate sustainability into their operations.

As the Middle East moves towards a low carbon future, sustainability has become a top priority for organisations and governments across the region.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai announced while launching the National Hydrogen Strategy that the UAE is to invest up to AED 200 billion ($54.5 billion) in renewable energy.

The launch of a AED 4 billion renewable energy plant in Dubai,  and the world’s largest waste-to-energy plant are proof of sustainability climbing the agenda.

With COP 28 being held in the UAE this year, there is a renewed sense of urgency on climate change action, and the net-zero carbon target is being prioritised through policies and actions.

After all, sustainability will boost the UAE’s economic competitiveness, drive innovative policy and improve investment opportunities.

The region has seen notable sustainability innovations, including Saudi Arabia’s rapid transition to a circular carbon economy, Bahrain’s state oil company refinancing a $2.2 billion sustainability-linked corporate finance facility, and Oman’s exploration of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.

However, the Middle East faces its own unique challenges in implementing ESG practices, especially around accurate sustainability reporting and implementing early regulations to fill in previous gaps.

Other challenges that hinder the progress of the region’s ESG agenda include the talent gap, how corporates in the region address the need to implement ESG practices, as well as data availability.

Regulatory frameworks

While standardised frameworks and reporting guidelines begin to form, the lack of clear regulations can hinder consistent measurement and disclosure of ESG performance.

Global frameworks have now become more widely adopted in the region such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the newly published International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

The gap in standardisation previously posed challenges for investors and stakeholders who relied on transparent and comparable ESG data for decision-making, however, we are starting to see drastic changes in this area.

Data availability

Many companies in the Middle East still face challenges in collecting, managing, and reporting ESG data, which can hinder their ability to effectively assess and manage their sustainability performance.

Data is the first step to measure any status, but also measure progress. Improving data collection mechanisms and investing in robust reporting systems will be instrumental in addressing this challenge.

ESG talent gap

Organisations need individuals with specialised knowledge and expertise in ESG practices to drive sustainable strategies effectively. Alongside this specialised knowledge, the industry also needs innovators, risk takers, agitators for change, mentors, and communicators in the field. There is however, a shortage of skilled professionals in the region with a deep understanding of ESG principles to drive innovative solutions.

Bridging this gap requires investment in education and training programmes to build a skilled workforce capable of integrating ESG considerations into business practices. Universities and training institutions are therefore increasingly offering courses and programmes on sustainability and ESG and businesses are partnering with academic institutions to develop tailored training initiatives and internships, nurturing a pipeline of talent equipped with the required knowledge and skills.

These efforts will cultivate a sustainable workforce capable of implementing and driving ESG practices in the Middle East.

Implementation by region’s corporates

Despite the challenges, corporations in the Middle East are embracing ESG practices, recognising the importance of sustainability and responsible business conduct. We see this through accelerated electrification and the increase of decarbonizing energy supply.

The GCC’s oil-producing nations have made efforts to diversify energy sources, transitioning towards net-zero carbon fuels for transportation. Investments in renewable energy, such as solar and wind, aim to mitigate environmental impacts and promote a low-carbon economic future transforming the economic system and supply chain.

Additionally, social considerations are gaining prominence. Companies are addressing social issues through initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and employee welfare.

Governance practices are also being strengthened to ensure transparency, accountability, regulatory reforms and ethical conduct.

While obstacles in integrating ESG practices persist in the Middle East, corporates in the region are proactively embracing sustainability and responsible business practices.

That the Middle East is emerging as a leader in ESG adoption is apparent through their fullfillment of the UN SDG goals which has driven positive environmental, social, and governance outcomes for businesses and society as a whole.

Saudi Arabia is transitioning to a circular carbon economy to reduce energy sector emissions, with set objectives and ongoing government and private solutions.

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Content: Middle East Climate Week looks at renewable energy transition and carbon reduction
During a panel discussion focused on the Kingdom ’ s high energy and efficiency records
The “Middle East and North Africa Climate Week 2023 ”, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in coordination and cooperation with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed on the third day the transition of renewable energy and the reduction of carbon emissions.
The panel discussion, entitled “Accelerating the Transition of Renewable Energy and Reducing Carbon Emissions ”, tackled carbon emissions mitigation and climate change, and the programs and initiatives adopted by the Kingdom to address climate change.
The speakers – Senior Sustainability Advisor to the Minister of Energy, Chief Negotiator of the Kingdom ’ s Climate Agreements, Dr. Khalid Al Meheid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy for Electricity Nasser Al Qahtani, SPPC CEO Mazen Al Bahkali, ACWA Power ’ s Vice Chairman and Managing Director Raad Al Saadi, and Saudi Energy Efficiency Center General Manager Nasser Al Ghamdi – discussed the objectives of the Kingdom ’ s energy programs, priorities, needs, resources and funding sources. and current solutions.
They addressed the Kingdom ’ s high energy and efficiency records, touching on hydrogen from manufacturing to strengthening regional and international supply chains, pointing to the vast areas that enable solar and wind energy projects and clean energy exports with international connectivity.
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The “Middle East and North Africa Climate Week 2023 ”, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in coordination and cooperation with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed on the third day the transition of renewable energy and the reduction of carbon emissions.
The panel discussion, entitled “Accelerating the pace of achieving the transition of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, ” dealt with the mitigation of carbon emissions and climate change and the programs and initiatives adopted by the Kingdom to face climate change.
The speakers, who are Senior Sustainability Advisor to His Highness the Minister of Energy, Chief Negotiator of the Kingdom ’ s Climate Agreements, Dr. Khalid Al-Muhayid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy for Electricity Nasser Al-Qahtani, SPPC CEO Mazen Al-Bahkali, ACWA Power ’ s Vice Chairman and Managing Director Raad Al-Saadi, and Saudi Energy Efficiency Center General Nasser Al-Ghamdi, discussed the objectives of the Kingdom ’ s energy programs, priorities and current government and private solutions....
They addressed the Kingdom ’ s high records in the fields of energy and efficiency, touching on the field of hydrogen from manufacturing to strengthening regional and international supply chains, pointing to the vast areas that enable solar and wind energy projects and the export of clean energy with international connectivity.
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Content: The Guardian: The Middle East is facing a ‘ resurrection ’
And Mecca may not be livable by the end of the century.
Friday 29 October 2021 05: 27 pm / Jerusalem time + 2GMT
London / Sama /
Titled “Resurrection Soon: A Reluctant Middle East Forced to Awareness of the Climate Crisis, ” The Guardian ’ s diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour said that Hurricane Shaheen hit Oman some time ago, the first tropical cyclone to reach this point west into the Gulf.
In Basra, southern Iraq, power has been cut off frequently as a result of this summer ’ s temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, forcing residents to move in their cars to get cold.
Kuwait broke the record for the hottest day of 2016 of 53.6 degrees Celsius, and this summer temperatures were very high, with floods in Jeddah and more recently in Mecca at a time when temperatures in Saudi Arabia have increased by 2 percent and the maximum temperature of 2.5 percent since the 1980s.
Qatar is the world ’ s highest emitting country and the world ’ s largest producer of liquefied gas (LNG), and public spaces are equipped with air conditioners.
In Tehran, pollution annually kills 4,000 people a year, and in Khuzestan province, citizens have blocked streets and burned tires due to drought as a result of mismanagement, U.S. sanctions and a deadly atmosphere.
In the United Arab Emirates, the climate crisis is estimated to cost $6 billion a year, the highest in terms of health costs.
The salinity of the Gulf increased with the proliferation of desalination plants by 20%, which affected marine life and biodiversity.
Conditions are expected to worsen at a time of rising temperatures, humidity and sea levels.
Warming rates in the Middle East are twice as high as in the world.
By the end of the century, if the dangerous predictions are correct, Mecca may not be fit for life, making the Hajj season dangerous if not catastrophic.
Large swaths of the Middle East have come to resemble the Afar region of Ethiopia, a vast area without human settlement that pushes towards the Red Sea.
The glittering cities of the Gulf may face the dilemma of rising water levels themselves.
We do not speak of the day of judgment, but of the day of judgment.
Jim Crane, an energy researcher at Rice University in Houston, said: “This is really a difficult topic because the interests of the ruling elites are at odds with the interests of the citizens.
The ruling elite depends on oil resources for the survival of their regimes.
They want to keep the oil trade in order to keep them in power.
Their system is based on oil leasing, but the population ’ s ultimate interests lie in a sustainable climate. ”
Zeina Khalil Haj, founder of Greenpeace in the Middle East, believes that the region is suffering from double pressure: “With increasing demands for energy change, a region that relies on fossil energy, oil and carbon for its economic survival, but cannot continue this dependency.
There will be no oil market but with climate change, they are required to increase efforts to survive.
The extreme climate is changing people ’ s lives on a daily basis and there is no choice but to go green. ”
The West ’ s persistent appetite for fossil energy has led the region to build car-based cities, shiny skyscrapers filled with air conditioners and shopping malls.
It must look for ways to avoid self-destruction, and it must be, according to Thomas Friedman, the Prometheus moment for the Middle East and the search for creative and creative ways.
In fact, the region has been reminded for a decade that it has to make the transition from oil.
Although the moment when oil demand will reach its highest point remains controversial, and depends on a number of assumptions about regulation, technology and customer behavior, the point I mentioned is 2040, after which demand will decline.
But the International Energy Organization ’ s “Net Zero ” report sees the peak as 2050 and by comparison suggests a reduction in oil demand from 88 million barrels per day in 2020 to 72 million barrels per day by 2030, and 24 million barrels per day in 2050, a 75% decline between 2020-2050.
The report argues that the Gulf has three factors underpinning the transformation: capital, sun, and vast, empty spaces.
Until recently, the Gulf states, including Iran, did not feel the desire to shift away from fossil energy to this extent.
When asked, Saudi Oil Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said it was “a sequel to La La Land, ” meaning that the report and its writers do not know what is happening.
"If I wanted to worry about the IEA's expectations, I would be on Prozac all the time," he said.
Qatar ’ s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said reducing oil and gas production levels would affect the supply process and laughed at “the enthusiasm surrounding the transition. ”
The Organization of Petroleum Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) forecasts that the process of oil demand will increase significantly through 2045 and the share of oil in global energy demand will fall from 30% to 28%, which is not a green revolution.
Gulf states still rely on gas and oil exports, accounting for 70 percent of goods exported from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Oil resources account for more than 70% of the total resources of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
In Vision 2030, published by Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, he promised to turn the country into an important industrial hub.
World Bank figures show that Saudi Arabia relies on 75% of its oil resources for its budget.
Aramco, which is making its mark on global carbon emissions, is not diversifying at the same pace as Shell or BP.
Instead, it announced it would increase crude oil production capacity from 12 million barrels per day to 13 million barrels per day by 2027.
Haj believes that the shift away from oil may require a psychological shift from the consumer mentality, “The Gulf has not yet reached this kind of discussion.
If you see the way of life in the UAE and Qatar, it is based on inexhaustible consumption, and I fear we are still a long way from that in terms of politics and readiness. ”
Iran is the largest country in the world in terms of carbon emissions by population, followed by the UAE in second place and Saudi Arabia in 13th place.
Of course, Gulf rulers at events such as the Glasgow climate conference can defend themselves by saying that their region is not the primary source of carbon emissions, and historically, collectively, accounts for 4.7% less than carbon emissions and pollution from the United States, Europe and China.
The Middle East exports oil, but pollution is the responsibility of those who import it.
But the region ’ s leaders have come to grips with the problem not because of Western pressure but in response to citizens ’ demands, the goose has realized that the eggs, the oil, are no longer golden but brown.
The UAE is the first country to say it has moved to ratify the Paris Treaty and is the least dependent Gulf state on oil for its government resources.
Last week, she announced the “Net Zero by 2050 Initiative ” with an initial investment budget of $163 billion and appointed the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Maryam Al Muhairi.
The announcement came after the government ordered awareness sessions in all its ministries since June for 80 days.
It was the first country in the Gulf to adopt a net zero domestic consumption policy.
The plan is still in its infancy and some of its features are unclear, but the direction is clear.
It promised to rely on renewable and nuclear energy by 50% to generate electricity by 2050.
Abu Dhabi ’ s national oil company said it would get 100 percent of its electricity from the nuclear reactor and solar power.
The Mohammed bin Maktoum Solar Park will be the largest in the world with a capacity of 5,000 megawatts.
Gulf states are competing with each other, with news reports that Qatar has appointed a climate minister, Bahrain aiming for net zero carbon by 2050 and Kuwait announcing a plan to reduce carbon emissions.
Saudi Arabia does not like to be late.
It announced that it would increase the proportion of renewable energy from 0.3% to 50% by 2030.
The plan is to plant 10 million trees in the coming decades.
Over the weekend, the kingdom organized a summit of the Green Middle East Initiative, attended by John Kerry and Britain ’ s Prince Charles.
It promised to reach net zero carbon emissions in its territory by 2060.
The main reason the Gulf states have been slow to shift away from oil and its commodities is that they have made them rich and helped them anesthetize their citizens.
Their loyalty was bought through a series of subsidies for water, electricity, fuel and tax breaks.
These dynamics were different from Iraq, Lebanon and to a lesser extent Iran, but the situation is changing with the emergence of local environmental groups.

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Content: Amazon: Collective innovation is key to building a sustainable future in the region
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Amazon Middle East and North Africa Chief Operating Officer Prashant Saran said that collective innovation is the most important factor for building a sustainable future in the Middle East and North Africa.
He said: With the challenges related to climate change increasing at an accelerated pace in today ’ s world, it is increasingly important to take serious action to combat it, which requires cooperation and joint action from all stakeholders around the world. With the recent conclusion of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2022, which brought together the world ’ s leading sustainability leaders, we find the opportunity to launch a constructive global dialogue on sustainable development.
As governments develop their plans for sustainable development, businesses, consumers and innovators can collaborate and take action to achieve a sustainable future. This underscores the need for private sector companies to adopt sustainable long-term business models and practices that are aligned with the government ’ s social, economic and environmental sustainability goals.
At Amazon, we are committed to a sustainability strategy for the Middle East and North Africa that supports our global goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, in line with the sustainability agendas of the region ’ s governments.
We are also taking action to reduce the environmental impact of our operations at all stages, from the network of buildings to packaging, transportation and delivery to the final destination.
However, no company or state can tackle the climate crisis alone, without cooperation and collective action.
Climate change, whether because of its scale or speed of development, requires unified and simultaneous action at the level of communities, companies and countries, so we must work together to bring about radical and tangible changes, including innovative technologies and business models, and public policies that support innovation, and urge companies to adopt and implement these changes in their core strategies, as well as push consumers to change their behaviors and habits.
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, we are fully aware of the scale of this challenge, and the choice of Egypt to host COP27 and the UAE for COP28 is a clear international tribute to the region ’ s efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
Today, government agencies in all the countries in which we operate are seeking solutions to overcome the region ’ s climate challenges, with many governments announcing their ambitious sustainability agenda aimed at diversifying energy sources, including Saudi Arabia ’ s Zero Neutrality target 2060, Egypt ’ s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
Financial support for this is provided by institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Mubadala Investment Company and others that are integrating sustainability into their investment decisions. Mubadala ’ s Masdar Company has invested US $20 billion in renewable and sustainable energy projects globally, including the first wind farm in Saudi Arabia. As well as driving change that helps achieve climate goals.
Amazon ’ s sustainability strategy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is focused on creating a highly energy-efficient infrastructure, radically transforming the company ’ s transportation network, and reducing waste from packages.
As the company invests heavily in this field, we also call for collaboration with innovators from across the region. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and start-ups, and there are many examples globally of such collaboration, benefiting all stakeholders.
In 2019, the company signed a partnership with electric truck startup Rivian after realizing the potential of its skateboard-like, customizable chassis, and the two companies worked together to develop a unique delivery vehicle, 100,000 electric vehicles have been ordered, some of which are currently delivering products in the United States, while 10,000 more will join the company ’ s fleet in 2022.
Amazon ’ s Climate Pledge Fund is investing in new and innovative infrastructure companies, such as Carbon Cure, that manufacture technologies that consume carbon dioxide in concrete during production, permanently sequester carbon dioxide, and enable reduced cement content in mixtures without impacting performance.
Amazon will use this technology to help reduce the impact of many of its new buildings, including the HQ2 building in Virginia.
He stressed that it is important that the innovators of modern technologies in the Middle East and North Africa region take inspiration from and benefit from these global examples.
Green solutions not only protect the environment but deliver value through cost savings, new revenue streams or improved supply chain resilience, and we encourage local entrepreneurs, startups and innovators to join us to help deliver solutions that combat climate change and develop innovations tailored to the unique climate conditions of our region.
He called on all innovators working to develop outstanding innovations that will help address the challenges of climate change to connect with us; collective innovation and collaboration among individuals, companies and governments will inevitably contribute to building a system of change and ensuring a more prosperous future for societies around the world.
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Content: New technologies to achieve sustainability goals and address climate change
Science and Technology
Huawei
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Existing renewable energy initiatives in the Middle East are strengthening their role in supporting international efforts to address climate change.
In particular, the region is one of the largest contributors to the oil and gas sector globally, and at the same time is the cradle of a number of major and ambitious initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the reliance on clean energy.
In the UAE, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the world ’ s largest IPP solar site, and the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant is being built as the world ’ s largest solar power plant with a capacity of 2 GW.
Masdar City is the most sustainable urban community in the world.
ADFD is committed to funding innovative projects to accelerate access to sustainable energy as part of a joint initiative with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
In Saudi Arabia, Neom recently launched The Line, the world ’ s first car-free, carbon-free city with 100% renewable energy.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) leads green energy projects designed to manage the recycling of grey water for reuse for plant irrigation and other purposes, and also has large area photovoltaic panels that produce clean electricity.
In Egypt, hydropower is the second source of energy after thermal, wind and solar, and the country has developed a number of future projects that seek to exploit solar energy and replace non-renewable energy.
Other green projects in Egypt include the cities of Jebel Galala and El Alamein.
The Bahrain World Trade Centre is one of the world ’ s leading examples of sustainable architecture, taking the lead in being the first skyscraper in the world to introduce wind turbines to provide total energy consumption.
Morocco, famous for its huge and world-leading solar arrays, has made a big name for itself as a leader in the fight against climate change, renewable energy makes up nearly two-fifths of the country ’ s electricity, and the country implements some of the world ’ s largest clean energy projects.
Since 2012, Jordan has turned to solar power to generate electricity and government policies have pushed citizens and investors to turn to renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by offering financial facilities to investors and reducing the electricity bill.
Sustainability initiatives in the Arab countries contribute effectively to building a diversified digital economy that achieves the national visions of these countries, and the green economy initiative launched by the UAE, and the Saudi Green Initiative is a good example of this.
Today, the ICT sector is increasingly playing a role in achieving sustainability through new technologies such as 5G, cloud computing and artificial intelligence that will play a key role in implementing clean energy initiatives as they enhance productivity, improve efficiency, reduce costs and waste, evaluate business systems, analyze waste, track problems and develop solutions.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) says ICT will contribute to achieving the UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals and improving the quality of life.
According to the United Nations, ICT can be relied upon in two ways: reliance on clean information and communication technology, and clean energy generation based on information and communication technology.
In the first scenario, ICT solutions that contribute to environmental safety and carbon reduction are designed.
In the second scenario, ICT solutions such as those in grids, buildings, smart logistics and industrial processes help promote sustainability and energy efficiency.
The sustainability efforts of tech companies have been recognized globally, Huawei is an example of companies that have adjusted their business in line with sustainability goals, and recently received an award from the International Mobile Phone Association for their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through mobile devices.
The company aims to rely on innovative technologies to drive clean development across various sectors and industries, and in 2021 it used more than 300 million kWh of electricity produced from renewable sources, an increase of 42.3% compared to 2020.
Huawei ’ s digital power solutions have generated 482.9 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy and reduced electricity consumption by 14.2 billion kilowatt-hours, equivalent to 230 million tons of carbon emissions.
In parallel with efforts to promote a sustainable approach to technology, the ICT industry must not lose sight of the issue of enhanced security.
Technology providers should focus on protecting user privacy when working to provide modern, seamless technology and communications.
Certainly, we will not be able to grow the business and ensure its sustainability if we do not provide safe and reliable technologies to protect cybersecurity, which is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders involved in sustainability.
The current digital divide could isolate millions of people around the world from contributing to the development of a clean economy.
Tech companies can contribute to making technology accessible to all thanks to their technical capabilities and resources.
Through initiatives such as TECH4ALL, Huawei has relied on digital technologies to implement programs aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of more than 110,000 people in 2021.
The digital divide in global talent could undermine sustainability efforts, so greater emphasis should be placed on redressing it and priority should be given to strengthening collaboration between tech companies, academia and government institutions in order to bridge the digital skills gap.
By investing in programs to prepare local technical cadres, hone skills and enhance practical experience, more bridges of cooperation between the public and private sectors can be built to prepare the future generation of sustainability leaders with the help of technology.
Huawei has established 163 ICT academies in the Middle East.
More than 3,500 students participated in the Seeds for the Global Future program, while more than 37,000 students received Huawei certifications.
The company has also provided training to more than 120,000 ICT talents in the region who are expected to contribute to the advancement of sustainability in the countries of the region by making the most of technology.
In light of the increasing challenges of reducing carbon emissions facing various countries around the world, we all have a responsibility to strengthen cooperation and work together to build a sustainable and prosperous future for future generations.
By: Ammar Taba, Huawei Vice President for Public Relations and Media in the Middle East
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Content: Contribution ｜ Explore Hong Kong ’ s role and opportunities in the development of renewable energy in the Middle East
Author: 01 More Voices
Published: Updated:
In recent years, Hong Kong has actively promoted the development of renewable energy and launched a number of related products in the financial market.
In addition, more and more Hong Kong enterprises have also started to participate in the development of this industry, especially in the financial market, and launched a number of financial products to support the development of renewable energy.
At the same time, many countries in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey, are also actively engaged in various large-scale projects to promote the development of renewable energy, and expect to see a different energy mix and economic development model in 2030 or 2050.
For Hong Kong, China and other countries, the development opportunities of the Middle East market cannot be ignored, and Hong Kong ’ s participation in this area cannot be underestimated.
Submitted by: Kwong Cheuk-wui
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in several seminars on economic and energy development in the Middle East, and have in-depth exchanges with government representatives in charge of foreign affairs and trade from various Middle Eastern countries and Azerbaijan.
These exchange experiences provide the author with a wealth of insight.
After many in-depth talks, to understand the interest and momentum of the development of renewable energy in many countries in the Middle East, the author synthesized the information from various parties and came to the following insights: The reason why the major oil producers in the Middle East are actively developing renewable energy is to achieve economic diversification and get rid of dependence on oil and related industries.
They hope to turn the country ’ s surplus renewable energy into new, dependable foreign revenues (i.e., revenues generated from natural resource exports; “Rents ”) through innovative technologies.
For other non-oil producing countries, they want to achieve economic sustainability through the development of renewable energy, reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels or electricity imports, and convert renewable energy into new external rental income to boost the country ’ s economic development.
From this, it can be seen that the Middle East countries are very concerned about the development of renewable energy, but also hope to complete the energy transformation as soon as possible, and look forward to renewable energy can produce more and greater economic benefits, create new dependent income, promote economic diversification and modernization, but also benefit thousands of people.
As a result, many countries in the Middle East have invested heavily in and promoted energy transformation and clean energy development.
Although many countries have made extraordinary achievements in driving renewable energy development, they also face many challenges.
Jordan, for example, has a wealth of renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal and bioenergy, as well as state-of-the-art renewable energy laws, regulatory mechanisms and development frameworks.
Earlier this year, Jordan successfully achieved its national roadmap, originally set for 2030, with renewable energy accounting for 31% of total energy.
The Jordanian government also plans to increase this target to 50%, and is committed to building the country into a regional renewable energy development center and exporting environmentally friendly power to neighboring countries to increase the country ’ s foreign revenue.
However, like other Middle Eastern countries, Jordan faces a host of challenges.
These challenges include lagging energy infrastructure, imperfect grid planning, an over-concentration of resources on solar and wind with less focus on geothermal energy, and a lack of energy storage systems and foreign investment.
In addition, there is the debt problem of the national power company.
These difficulties not only affect Jordan ’ s progress in developing renewable energy, but also act as a barrier to modernizing and diversifying the country ’ s economy.
Some Jordanian officials and scholars are concerned about whether the development of renewable energy is progressing as expected.
They are concerned that if the development of renewable energy and its core economic development model are not carried out smoothly, or if the newly set targets are not successfully achieved, the country ’ s economic sustainability will be adversely affected.
At the same time, it can undermine the credibility and governance of the government.
In particular, those political forces that have been opposed to the use of renewable energy to promote economic development and diversification may take the opportunity to launch opposition actions, further endangering the political stability and regional security of the country and the Middle East as a whole.
It is worth noting that these challenges are not only in Jordan, but also in Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco and Egypt.
Other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also made great efforts to develop solar and wind power in recent years, but in addition to the above concerns and challenges, there are also concerns that the development of renewable energy will have some impact on the high dependence of these countries ’ economies on oil and gas markets, which may affect existing incomes and lead to economic and social instability.
Other factors include the huge demand for capital, the need for foreign technology and talents, the need for talent training, economic feasibility, etc. These are also issues of concern to the officials of these Middle Eastern countries.
These challenges are in fact a valuable development opportunity for Hong Kong.
The key is to make good use of our strengths, especially in the Belt and Road Initiative, to work with the Middle East countries to promote renewable energy and green economy development.
This not only helps these countries diversify their economies, but also creates development opportunities for Hong Kong businesses and governments, and indirectly promotes the development of other industries.
I suggest that Hong Kong can establish cooperation platforms and channels of communication with transnational organizations in the Middle East and North Africa, such as the Arab Parliamentary Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Turkic Parliament and the Arab Maghreb Union.
Such a platform could be used to explore free trade agreements and to help Middle Eastern countries provide services such as finance, advisory, legal, education or training, and energy infrastructure.
This will not only help Hong Kong consolidate its leading position in the professional services sector and the financial sector, but will also directly or indirectly create many development opportunities, especially in Islamic finance.
Finally, Hong Kong can consider providing financial support to the Middle East countries by assisting in the issuance of Islamic financial bonds to promote the development of renewable energy, and can also take the opportunity to develop Islamic finance in Hong Kong as a new financial center outside the Islamic world.
Of course, Hong Kong should not only cooperate with major countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates or the above-mentioned multinational organizations and platforms, but also consider other regions with development potential and worthy of investment, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Morocco, etc.
This diverse collaboration will help Hong Kong expand its international presence and contribute to global sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
The author, Mr Kwong Cheuk-rui, is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Group of Ideas, a Master of Arts from the Australian National University, and has worked at the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
The article is only the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of Hong Kong 01.
Please email us at 01view @ hk01.com.
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Content: The Climate Summit
The Middle East ’ s ambition to adopt green building models
Mishal bin Amira
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With the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, it should be noted that the construction industry in the Middle East is witnessing a shift towards more sustainable construction as part of a wider effort to counter the high levels of hydrocarbon gases.
In the Middle East, where this industry is flourishing, everyone is aware of the serious implications of carbon emissions, and the Kingdom, in its leading role, recognizes the need to take effective measures to reduce this phenomenon through concerted international efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, while striving to make the construction industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly by focusing on renewable energy. His Highness the Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, confirmed that the Kingdom is seeking to diversify the energy mix used in the generation of electricity in the Kingdom, to produce 50% of electricity in the Kingdom using renewable energy sources by 2030 and reduce emissions by more than 278 million tons. Carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 is a dual action by diversifying renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
In order to understand the impact of the construction industry and its contribution to increasing carbon emissions, it is enough to say that it accounts for almost 40% of the total emissions globally. At the same time, the annual production of cement alone is estimated at more than 4 billion tons. In addition, innovation in building technologies has recently been high on the agenda of specialists, with Saudi Arabia setting a target to build 1.5 million homes using innovative technologies such as 3D printing and robotics by 2030, all in tandem with the modern construction initiative launched by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing to promote the growth of the real estate development sector.
The American Green Building Council identified some projects last year, including the King Salman Energy Park in the Eastern Province, the completion of the first phase of the Red Sea International Company for the same classification, as well as the experience of the Marriott Diplomatic Quarter hotel, which received the LEED Gold certificate for leadership in energy efficiency and environmental design.
Today, the largest sustainable building engine in the region is the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy through the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, an ambitious effort to diversify the hydrocarbon-based economy. To achieve these goals, the strategy adopts a wide range of renewable energy and environmental conservation projects, as well as promoting green building design in new properties, infrastructure and urban areas.
According to a Honeywell survey of 300 business leaders and decision-makers in the Kingdom, UAE and Egypt, 84% of respondents said that energy and sustainability management is of utmost importance to their organizations, and many said that its importance has increased recently. A priority, which achieves a distinctive present and a promising future for the planet and future generations.
* Quoted from the "Riyadh" newspaper.
Disclaimer: All published articles represent the opinion of their authors only.
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The region's average temperature has risen 1.5 °C and is projected to increase to 4 °C by century's end.

Title:

Content: Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
I'm sorry.
Mohamad Elbaz
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
I'm sorry.
Mohamad Elbaz
Urgent...
Drought, desertification and storms.
Climate change is a threat to the Middle East
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average temperature in the Middle East has risen by 1.5 ° C since the beginning of the last century and is expected to increase to 4 ° C by the end of the century.
Precipitation is expected to decrease by 20% in the same period.
These changes are exacerbating the problem of drought and desertification in the region, which is the world ’ s most water-poor region, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 12 of the 17 most vulnerable countries in the world are located in the Middle East.
Studies suggest that the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the main sources of water in Syria and Iraq, may disappear completely during this century due to lower water levels and increased evaporation.
North African countries also face the threat of sea-level rise, which could inundate some coastal cities and affect millions of people.
Increased emissions and weak commitments by countries in the region
Much of the responsibility for climate change is due to anthropogenic emissions, especially in the energy sector.
The Middle East is one of the largest producers and consumers of fossil fuels in the world, with this sector forming an important part of their economies.
According to international reports, countries in the region are responsible for the production of 3.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, representing 8.7% of the world ’ s emissions.
Saudi Arabia and Iran are the ninth and seventh largest emitters of this gas.
Although some countries in the region are committed to international agreements on climate change, such as the Paris climate agreement, this commitment has not yet been translated into effective action to mitigate their emissions.
These countries face many challenges in developing the renewable energy sector, such as solar and wind energy, which is a less harmful alternative to the environment.
According to a World Bank report, the contribution of renewable energies to electricity production in the countries of the region does not exceed 7%.
The impact of climate change on security and peace in the region
The impact of climate change is not limited to the environment and natural resources, but extends to security and peace in the region.
Climate change increases the risk of conflicts over water and agricultural resources among countries in the region, especially with disputed water borders.
An example of this is the dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the Renaissance Dam, which threatens Egypt ’ s share of the Nile River water.
Climate change is also exacerbating the problem of migration and internal and external displacement, with millions of people forced to leave their areas because of poor living conditions.
This phenomenon exacerbates tensions and conflicts in host communities and places a burden on basic services.
Given these challenges, countries in the region need to take urgent action to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
These include increasing investments in the renewable energy sector, implementing policies to rationalize water and electricity consumption, improving the efficiency of agriculture and soil management, strengthening regional and international cooperation to resolve water conflicts, and providing protection and support to migrants and displaced people affected by climate change.
In this way, the States of the region can preserve their environment, security and peace in the face of this imminent threat.
World leaders in the face of climate change
At the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, leaders and officials from different countries addressed various global issues, including climate change, which is a major challenge for humanity.
The leaders stressed the need for cooperation and commitment to reduce the effects of this phenomenon, especially before the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted by the UAE in November.
Gutierrez: We must make up for the time lost due to inaction and greed
In his speech at a climate summit on the sidelines of the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that “time is running out ” to tackle climate change, noting that“ heat is rising and disasters are increasing. ”
Guterres criticized the “blatant greed ” of fossil fuel interests and called for a shift to renewables.
He called for increased funding and support for the countries most affected by climate change, especially in Africa and small islands.
Von der Leyen: It's a matter of trust
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU ’ s commitment to agreements and targets on climate change, noting that it is “the first region in the world to be greenhouse gas neutral by 2050. ”
Von der Leyen stressed the need to meet the goal of raising $100 billion a year to finance the fight against climate change in developing countries, saying it was a matter of trust.
She announced that the EU will send $27 billion this year as part of this contribution.
Macron: We support agricultural development and education in rural areas
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to support agricultural development and education in rural areas affected by climate change by investing in the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the UN Global Fund to Support Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises (Education does not wait).
Macron said France would host and organize IFAD ’ s replenishment, contributing $150 million to the fund and €40 million to the Education Not Waiting Fund.
He added that these initiatives aim to "give young people and women in rural areas an opportunity to get education, training and income."
Biden: We must fight climate change together
For his part, US President Joe Biden expressed concern about the effects of climate change on security and stability in the world, saying that "this is a crisis that threatens every person on the planet."
Biden said his administration was prioritizing the fight against climate change and had rejoined the United States in the Paris climate agreement.
Biden called for “working together ” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent this decade and increase the use of renewable energy sources.
Biden promised that "the United States will be a reliable partner" on the issue.

Egypt's renewable energy capacity is expected to reach 15,800 megawatts by 2025, 42,100 by 2028, and 68,500 by 2030.

Title:

Content: Friday 29 December 2023
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
Abdurrahim Ali
Editor-in-Chief
Dalia Abdul Rahim
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editorial Board
Abdurrahim Ali
Editor-in-Chief
Dalia Abdul Rahim
NEWS
Hassad 2023 | « Electricity »: New renewable energy projects under construction with a total capacity of 1700 MW
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The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy confirmed that the green hydrogen projects to be established will provide 44,000 direct and indirect jobs and 220,000 temporary jobs, in addition to eliminating 37 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually in Egypt.
Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker announced that there are 3,500 megawatts under construction and implementation to produce electricity from renewable energy, with investments of up to $4 billion and 400 million.
He added that this comes within the framework of Egypt's keenness to expand renewable energy projects to increase its reliance on electricity generation to provide the quantities of fuel used.
He stressed that the total capacity generated from renewable energy in the national electricity grid in 2025 is expected to reach 15,800 megawatts and reach 42,100 megawatts by 2028.
Total capacity generated from renewable energy will reach 68,500 MW by 2030.
He added that there is a reference plan that aims to rely on renewable energies by 50% by 2040 of the total capacity of the national electricity network with a total capacity of 142,000 megawatts.
Regarding the so-called “Green Plan ”, the minister explained that the state aims to rely on renewable energies by 57% by 2040 with a capacity of 159 thousand megawatts.
He pointed out that Egypt is keen to implement its plan to shift to green energy by amending the renewable energy strategy in Egypt to target reliance on renewable energies by 42% by 2030 instead of 2035.
He pointed out that renewable energy projects in Egypt have become a source of other investments such as green hydrogen, electric cars and water desalination.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Musa Omran, CEO of the Electricity and Consumer Protection Utility Authority, said that the Authority is keen to overcome any obstacles facing investors in the sector, and speed the completion of licenses for investors and procedures within 15 days.
He added that there are also many legislations for new and renewable energy, and there is an exemption of up to 10 megabytes in the field of integration, and there is progress in net metering projects.
As for consumer complaints, he said that the door is always open to quickly end any problems, explaining that in the framework of developments, the investor can build a sales terminal for the consumer directly without the need to sell the network, which facilitates investment in this sector.
He stressed that the Authority is keen to open the competitive market for the private sector to produce renewable energy and sell it to the private sector and draft bilateral agreements between the private sector to create a favorable environment to attract private investment, which is one of the priorities of the Egyptian government.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Electricity confirmed that the memorandum of understanding signed between the New and Renewable Energy Authority and one of the leading Chinese companies in the field of renewable energy will be investments of up to $10 billion and include the establishment of solar power plants with capacities of up to 10 gigawatts. The participation of renewable energy in the national electricity grid to 42% by 2030, pointing out that Egypt has a huge potential in the field of renewable energy unlike any other in the world, and that the project will produce about 29,784 GWh of clean energy annually, which will contribute to reducing about 14 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The ministry pointed out that the largest gathering of solar power plants in Egypt and the Middle East is Benban solar complex with a capacity of 1465 megawatts, noting that the memorandum of understanding signed aims to establish plants with a capacity of up to 10,000 megawatts that can be divided into two or three complexes to become the largest gathering of solar power plants in the future.

The Eldavra photovoltaic power station in Abu Dhabi produces enough electricity to power 200,000 homes annually and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 2.4 million metric tons.

Title:

Content: People 's Network > > International
The Middle East: Struggling between reconciliation and conflict
December 25, 2023, 16: 10 | Source: Xinhua Network
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Xinhua News Agency, CAIRO, December 25, (International Watch) The World's Seven Regions 2023 Review | The Middle East: Struggling Between Reconciliation and Conflict
By Xinhua reporter Chen Mengyang
Reconciliation and cooperation, disasters and conflicts, growth and decline … The Middle East presents a complex picture in 2023, reflecting the coexistence of hope and challenges, vitality and hardship in the region.
Reunification of Shay leads to regional reconciliation
In 2023, reconciliation and cooperation are the salient features of the situation in the Middle East, indicating the growing autonomy of the Middle East countries.
Under the mediation of China, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed in March to resume diplomatic relations after severing diplomatic ties for seven years.
This has shocked the world by reviving old enemies in the Middle East.
Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to hold a joint summit of leaders of the Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh on November 11, the first visit by an Iranian president to Saudi Arabia since 2012.
In 2023, the Middle East countries made a series of progress in the regional reconciliation process: Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed their first free trade agreement with Arab countries; Turkey and Egypt sent ministerial officials to exchange visits for the first time in years; Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced the resumption of formal diplomatic relations; Syria was suspended for more than a decade.
Speaking at the 32nd Arab League summit on reconciliation and unity, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed said that peace, unity, cooperation and construction are in the interest of the Arab peoples. "We will not let this region become a zone of conflict," he said.
In 2023, the role of Middle East countries in international and regional multilateral organizations and cooperation mechanisms will continue to increase.
Iran officially joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran were invited to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism.
Zou Zhiqiang, a scholar at the Center for Middle East Studies of Fudan University, believes that the situation in the Middle East in 2023 has shown an unprecedented momentum
Although the Middle East peace process has been suspended due to the outbreak of a new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it will not continue, and the general trend of relaxation and local instability will not be fundamentally changed.
Serious consequences of conflict
In 2023, there will be many serious natural disasters and armed conflicts in the Middle East, which will seriously affect regional stability and development prospects.
On February 6, a powerful earthquake hit Turkey's southern border region near Syria, killing more than 50,000 people and leaving millions homeless. Damage in Turkey alone amounted to about 100 billion U.S. dollars. On September 8, a powerful earthquake hit Morocco, killing more than 2,900 people and injuring more than 5,000 others.
Many people have been unable to return to their homes since the two major earthquakes caused huge loss of life and property.
The armed conflict has cast a shadow over the Middle East in 2023. On April 15, fierce clashes broke out in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, and the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces exchanged fire, which has continued to this day. On October 7, a large-scale armed conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has caused huge casualties.
The Palestinian-Israeli issue has once again become the focus of great attention of the international community.
The new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict has turned the situation in the region into chaos, disrupting the process of reconciliation between Israel and other Arab countries and Turkey.
In addition, unstable factors such as the Iranian nuclear issue, the civil war in Yemen, the conflict between Lebanon and Syria and Israel, and Turkey ’ s cross-border attack on PKK militants continue to plague the Middle East.
Multinational economic development in the doldrums
In 2023, due to multiple internal and external factors, in addition to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, economic growth in many countries in the Middle East is weak and depressed.
Recently, the world's largest single photovoltaic power station, Eldavra photovoltaic power station, was completed in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
The plant produces enough electricity to power 200,000 homes each year and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.4 million metric tons.
This project once again demonstrates the determination of the UAE, an oil and gas rich Gulf state, to diversify its energy and green development.
Saudi Arabia ’ s Vision 2030, which aims to move away from dependence on oil revenues and diversify its growth, is gradually turning from a blueprint into a reality.
According to a recent IMF report, Saudi Arabia is in a period of strong economic growth and is in good financial condition.
At the same time, other countries in the region, such as Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, suffered from sharp currency devaluations, high inflation and soaring unemployment.
The exchange rate of the Lebanese pound, the Egyptian pound, the Turkish lira and other Middle Eastern countries has reached record lows against the US dollar.
In addition, the new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict has hit the economies of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran and other neighboring countries hard.
Forecasts released by the World Bank in October show that economic growth in West Asia and North Africa is expected to decline sharply in 2023, from 6% in 2022 to around 1.9%.
Zhao Jun, associate professor of the Middle East Research Institute of Shanghai Foreign Studies University, believes that due to factors such as low oil prices leading to oil production cuts, global financial environment tension, sustained interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, and the continued price rise of commodities and raw materials such as food due to the Ukrainian crisis, coupled with local turmoil continues, the economic downturn in many countries in the Middle East is unlikely to be reversed in a short time.
(Editor: Liu Ye Ting, Xu Xiangli)
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The UAE and Saudi Arabia are transitioning to solar energy and diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on oil.

Middle East corporations are adopting ESG practices to promote sustainability and reduce emissions.

The MENA region has a $1.7 trillion climate-centered investment opportunity, with many cities shifting to renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Content: Monday, 27 June, 2022, 1:59 AM
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Greener cities are critical to regional sustainability

Published : Monday, 27 June, 2022 at 12:00 AM  Count : 73
SARA AL-MULLA

From megacities to metropolises, cities of all kinds are experiencing an unprecedented spectrum of threats associated with climate change, necessitating a serious debate on the importance of transitioning toward greener cities in order to remain sustainable and resilient.

Currently, those living in urban areas make up just over half the global population. But this figure is projected to increase exponentially to a whopping 68 percent by mid-century, according to the UN. The modern urban landscape poses complex challenges for cities, as they are vulnerable to climate-induced hazards that threaten their economies and infrastructures and the well-being of their residents.

An influential 2018 report titled "The Future We Don't Want" - published by C40 Cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors, Acclimatise and the Urban Climate Change Research Network - revealed the manifold threats that cities are facing and will continue to face in greater intensity as a result of climate change. The report stated that 70 percent of cities are already feeling the wrath of climate change in the form of heat waves, rising sea levels, wildfires, storms and droughts. The fact that 90 percent of urban areas are coastal also poses a significant vulnerability to flooding due to rising sea levels and mass destruction from tsunamis.

By 2050, more than 45 percent of the global urban population is projected to live in cities with extreme summer temperatures of at least 35 degrees Celsius, leaving residents susceptible to dehydration, heatstroke, sleep loss, stress, cardiovascular disease and even death.

Many cities are currently counteracting these challenges, such as the case with Seoul, which implements a number of successful interventions when temperatures reach 33 C for two consecutive days. They include advisories to residents with practical advice and guidance to employers about allowing their outdoor workers to take breaks. The city has also installed shaded cooling centers in public locations, planted 16 million trees and expanded its green space by 3.5 million sq m.

The urgency of addressing climate change in the Middle East and North Africa has never been more critical, with UN experts projecting an urbanization rate of 59 percent by 2030. The region is already fraught with high temperatures, droughts, limited rainfall and scarce agricultural lands, and it is considered among the most water-stressed regions in the world. Climate-induced water scarcity alone is projected to cost MENA countries as much as 6 percent of their gross domestic product by 2050, according to the World Bank.

All of these challenges have important policy implications for city governments on how to balance economic growth while reducing environmental impacts and maximizing population well-being. The International Finance Corporation estimates the climate-centered investment opportunity for the MENA region to be $1.7 trillion.

Many cities have already implemented a vast range of interventions to bolster their resilience and successfully transition into greener cities. Chief among these actions is establishing a dedicated agency to plan, coordinate and manage climate-related strategies across the country. Regular extensive assessments of vulnerabilities and climate-related risks will inform decision-makers on the urgent and critical interventions needed.

Cities should also upgrade their infrastructure to ensure resilience in the face of extreme climate events, such as the flooding of drainage systems. Shifting to climate-smart infrastructure is an important step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources. For example, a number of cities are currently relying on renewable energy and solar energy to power large buildings.

Meanwhile, the government of Dubai has issued regulations for "green buildings" that elaborate on a number of climate-friendly solutions, including creating vegetated rooftops, reducing hazardous waste, limiting pollution and improving energy and water efficiency. Many cities are also experimenting with vertical forests, whereby a variety of plant species are grown on buildings, such as the ones in Milan, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Utrecht.

Investing in climate-efficient public transportation and promoting the uptake of hybrid or electric vehicles will offer cleaner alternatives to fuel-reliant vehicles that amplify air pollution. To illustrate, the city of Santiago in Chile invested in electric-powered public buses, which do not generate emissions and cost a remarkable 70 percent less to operate than diesel-fueled buses. In tandem, guidance should be issued to enterprises on how to decarbonize their operations and shift toward electrification and digital solutions.

Launching mass greening and reforestation projects across cities can yield a number of benefits, such as cooling them during summer months and improving biodiversity. This can be done by planting trees to line streets and boulevards and creating gardens, grassy areas, public parks, flowery meadows, miniature urban forests and allotments. For instance, many cities offer allotments for urban farming and recreational gardening projects managed by residents, with an abundance of evidence pointing to improved physical and mental well-being, in addition to the growth of local, seasonal and organic produce.

Additionally, many countries, such as the UAE and Singapore, are capitalizing on vertical farming projects to maximize agricultural yield while relying on climate-friendly solutions to efficiently utilize water and energy.

City governments should also be creative with their public education campaigns to nudge the desired behavioral changes by residents, focusing on recycling, metered consumption and the reduction of wastage. Furthermore, MENA countries should invest in cutting-edge research and innovations related to climate change, which will empower cities to navigate an uncertain future and adjust their climate action plans accordingly.

When imagining the cities of tomorrow, a rather ambitious idea should be explored to include sustainability. By transforming its cities into greener cities, the MENA region can navigate the coming decades with enhanced resilience and competitiveness.
Source: ARAB NEWS

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Saudi Arabia aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewables and cut emissions by 278 million tons of CO2 by 2030.