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Officials and leaders from the UAE delegation at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2024 in New York affirmed the UAE’s strong commitment to enhancing international cooperation to achieve global sustainable development goals. In statements following their participation, they emphasised the importance of continued efforts to accelerate the implementation of these goals.
Rashid Al Mansouri: HLPF Provided a Platform to Highlight ERC’s Experience
H.E. Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), highlighted that the participation in the United Nations HLPF on Sustainable Development 2024 provided a platform to showcase the Authority’s sustainable development initiatives. These initiatives address social, economic, and environmental dimensions, optimise resource use to meet community needs, and aim to combat poverty, hunger, disease, and climate change; challenges that threaten societal stability and development. He emphasised that sustainability is crucial for mitigating these risks.
Al Mansouri stated that the Emirates Red Crescent implements initiatives that aim to create a lasting positive impact on people’s lives. The development projects focus on fragile communities and address key areas such as food sustainability, health, education, and essential services like electricity, water, sanitation, and clean energy. Additionally, the projects include infrastructure development, such as constructing housing units and facilities for refugees and displaced persons, and supporting their stability to enhance their productivity and integration into local communities.
Mohammed Al Suwaidi: UAE’s Historic Achievements in Advancing Development Goals
H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, stated that under the guidance of its wise leadership, the United Arab Emirates has achieved remarkable milestones in supporting sustainable development goals and fostering global economic cooperation. The UAE’s efforts have established a unique model for assisting developing countries in addressing economic and development challenges.
Al Suwaidi added: “The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development receiving the United Nations Small Island Developing States Partnerships Award 2024 exemplifies the Fund’s and its strategic partners’ forward-looking vision. This recognition underscores their commitment to finding innovative and effective solutions for accelerating the transition to renewable energy, empowering communities, and building capacities as key components of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development in developing countries".
H.E. Dr. Alanoud Alhaj, Assistant Under-Secretary for Green Development and Climate Change at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, emphasised that the UAE’s climate action is centred on achieving sustainable development goals. These include ensuring access to adequate and affordable food, quality education, health care, and the optimal use of resources.
Dr. Alhaj added: “The UAE is dedicated to enhancing food security and advancing towards SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Through strategic planning, innovative solutions, and international collaboration, we are making significant progress in eliminating hunger, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture on a global scale".
She further noted that, amid the challenges of climate change, such as global warming and environmental degradation, it is crucial to recognise their impact on economic, social, and health outcomes. To address these challenges, a unified strategy for sustainable development is essential. Specifically, SDG 13 (Climate Action) is closely connected to goals addressing water scarcity, hunger, health, economic growth, and other critical issues.
Dana Al Marzooqi: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals as a Pillar of the UAE’s Vision and Mission
Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Interior, said: “The UAE has long recognised the vital connection between sustainability, security, and climate action. Therefore, we, together with our partners at the United Nations and beyond, are committed to leading global efforts to ensure that everyone can live a life of dignity".
Mohamed Al Ramahi: Committed to Climate Action Through a Just Energy Transition
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), stated that Masdar is committed to climate action through a fair and equitable energy transition and by supporting countries and communities in achieving their net zero targets. With global partnerships and projects spanning over 40 countries across six continents, Masdar is committed to increasing renewable energy production capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2030. This goal aligns with the UAE’s historic agreement to triple global renewable energy production capacity by the same year.
The UAE Government Knowledge Exchange Office organized as part of the activities of the UAE delegation at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024 in New York. A pivotal session on the central role of the principle of building and expanding bilateral strategic partnerships at the international level in accelerating the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations for the year 2030 with a global consensus, where the UAE delegation presented the country’s pioneering model in concluding partnerships whose sustainable impact is reflected in developing the work of governments and supporting the growth paths of economies and societies. The session, titled ‘Building and Strengthening Impactful Partnerships to Accelerate the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals’, addressed the UAE’s efforts at the level of international cooperation in exchanging experiences and successful models with the seventeenth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Partnerships to achieve the Goals".
The session showcased the UAE government’s knowledge-sharing partnership approach with more than 37 countries and governments around the world.
The session was organized with the aim of documenting the global impact of the government knowledge exchange program and its role in achieving The objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 17, which is concerned with activating global partnerships for sustainable development, including governments, the private sector and civil society, as this documentation of achievements will contribute to enriching academic institutions with the information and data required to measure and monitor the progress of partnership development and their direct and indirect contribution to the achievement of other sustainable development goals.
The session was attended by His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Knowledge Exchange and Competitiveness and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Her Excellency Dr. Alanoud Al Hajj, Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change, Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Interior, Hashem Al Attas, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at Masdar, in addition to experts, academics and makers. Decision, and government officials from Rwanda, Mongolia, Serbia, Malaysia, Malta, Uzbekistan and Fiji.
The session was moderated by Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow, Institute for Foreign Policy at the College of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
The session discussed the value of influential partnerships in promoting progress towards achieving sustainable development goals, through government modernization, supporting positive transformations, and consolidating partnership concepts that support countries, governments and societies in achieving sustainable development goals and transforming future challenges into opportunities. The roundtable session then turned into a workshop on the future of partnerships in accelerating the achievement of the five goals focused on the 2024 edition of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development: Goal 1 to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere, Goal 2 to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, Goal 13 to support climate action and call for urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions, and Goal 16 to promote peaceful societies. inclusive of all categories to achieve sustainable development, provide justice for all and build effective and efficient institutions; Goal 17, which focuses on global partnerships to promote the implementation of development goals.
The participants were distributed from Academics, researchers, government officials and experts in groups, each group discussed one of the sustainable development goals under discussion, where they prepared in brainstorming a series of practical recommendations to promote accelerated international partnerships to achieve sustainable development for the future, foremost of which is the call for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, the sharing of best experiences and practices, and inter- and international cooperation at the level of governments, UN organizations, international institutions and development programs to reach the goal of sustainable development and preserve the planet’s resources for future generations.
The first group included H.E. Dr. Alanoud Al Hajj, Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change, H.E. Ambassador Ernest Rwamusio, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations, H.E. Chinokhai Pat Ardenni, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations, and H.E. Mohamed Raslan, First Secretary for Agricultural Affairs at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington.
The group discussed the achievements of the government knowledge exchange program and its impact on the first two development goals of eradicating poverty in all its forms. The second goal is to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Participants in the first group addressed the role of technological innovations in efforts to combat poverty, and the importance of investment and policy development to increase the contribution of education and health care to reducing global poverty levels.
The session also touched on global trade policies and market movement and their impact on food access to all countries and their role in reducing hunger and improving global food security.
The second group addressed Goal 13, which supports climate action and calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions, and included Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Interior, Her Excellency Marta Arsowska Tomovska, Advisor to the Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Serbia and Special Envoy for Expo 2027 in Belgrade, Joseph Caruana, from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and the Grand Port Renovation in Malta, and Hashim Al Attas, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at Masdar.
The second group discussed issues of importance Current globality, such as the role of governments in leading the transition to alternative energy sources, the responsibility of advanced economies in this area and the possibility of playing a greater role in reducing carbon emissions, and ways to support societies to withstand the effects of climate change.
The third group discussed Goal 17, which focuses on global partnerships to enhance the implementation of the SDGs, and was attended by His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, His Excellency Shukrat Vavayev, Executive Director of the Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development, and His Excellency Viotti Kisonyo, from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations.
Participants addressed the role of global partnerships in making rapid progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of multilateral financial institutions and the role of concessional loans in supporting sustainable development, and the prospect of partnership between public and private sector institutions in this regard.
The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the main platform. Since its establishment in 2012, it has played a pivotal role in following up and reviewing what has been implemented at the country level in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This edition of the International Forum was held under the theme "Promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: Effectively Implementing Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative Solutions".
The Ministry of Interior stressed the importance of global peace and security in achieving the sustainable development goals and the UAE’s keenness to achieve a balanced and comprehensive development path that does not only affect the national level, but also benefits all countries of the world. This came during the participation of Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Interior, as part of the UAE delegation in the activities of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development of the United Nations held in New York, organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs until July 17, in which the Ministry of Interior reviewed its international initiatives in climate action and community security. Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi noted the UAE government’s keenness to continue raising and enhancing global peace and security levels through law enforcement institutions, national security strategies, and modernizing the legislative system in line with the growing requirements of societies to achieve sustainable development goals worldwide. She said that our wise leadership realized early the importance of achieving the 16th goal of the sustainable development goals to achieve the rest of the goals, which requires the implementation of a comprehensive approach to make leaps Quality in the levels of achievement of all seventeen sustainable development goals, it is important to have strong and effective institutions, and a governance system, which will address and address various social, economic and environmental challenges, and the interest reflects the state’s keenness to achieve a balanced and comprehensive development path that does not have an impact only at the national level, but also to provide an effective development model that reaches its benefit to all countries of the world. She stressed that the State of U.A.E. continues as a leading model in achieving the sustainable development goals of 2030 and 2045. During her intervention at a session on the sixteenth goal on promoting peace, justice and strong institutions and its interrelationship with the rest of the sustainable development goals, she stressed that there is a need for more police cooperation at the international level, and issued an invitation to join in cooperation for a safer world. In her intervention, she referred to the International Law Enforcement Initiative for Climate (I2LEC), launched by the Ministry of Interior at the World Government Summit in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime last year 2023, which aims to establish a joint approach to inter-agency law enforcement action. International organizations and governments to develop global frameworks aimed at building the global research capacity of law enforcement agencies to address crimes that affect the environment. During its first year, the initiative achieved many results, including the support of more than 60 law enforcement agencies around the world, while joint international operations under the umbrella of the initiative contributed to the seizure of more than $ 32 million in environmental crime proceeds and the training of more than 270 law enforcement officials from more than 40 countries around the world. She stressed that such an initiative reflects the UAE’s belief that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring the safety and stability of all societies, and strengthening cooperation and partnership globally. Al Marzouqi reviewed the latest developments in the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations Regional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), which aims to provide protection for children using artificial intelligence applications to facilitate the fight against crimes against children and conduct the necessary investigations to detect and prosecute perpetrators. Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has announced projects that have a prominent role in disseminating working methods that have an impact on making the lives of the world’s children. Safer The entities participating in the initiative reached more than 580 entities from 106 countries around the world who benefited from 80 artificial intelligence applications that serve the protection of children around the world, including reducing the time to detect child victims. Among the most prominent projects launched by the initiative is a set of training courses for all those working in areas related to law enforcement. In May 2023, the first specialized training courses in the field of artificial intelligence for safer children began, and to date, 7 training courses were held, in which 415 officers and employees of executive agencies from 20 countries participated. She pointed to the UAE’s role as a responsible global partner in achieving the sustainable development goals through its pioneering efforts in the global humanitarian system, where it provided material and development assistance and exchange of experiences to regions suffering from conflicts, climate-related disasters and other humanitarian disasters. Participating in a session on gender balance, climate, peace and security, held in collaboration with UN Women and the Permanent Mission of Australia to the UN, Lieutenant Colonel Dana Al Marzouqi said: "The relationship between sustainability As the world faces the climate crisis and its growing impacts, we must work to address and reduce environmental crimes such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and dumping of toxic waste, which, according to all studies and reports, have far-reaching consequences beyond environmental damage, undermining sustainable development efforts and exacerbating poverty and corruption levels, and often the effects of this on the levels of women’s participation in economic and societal advancement, and lower levels of equality and gender balance Consequently, development in those societies is disrupted. The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the main platform of the United Nations on sustainable development issues, and since its establishment in 2012, it has played a pivotal role in following up and reviewing what has been implemented at the country level in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This edition of the International Forum is held under the theme "Promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: Effectively Implementing Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative Solutions". Delegates participating in this year’s edition of the Forum are working Throughout its session, it has been conducting in-depth reviews of five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal (1) to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere; Goal (2) to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; Goal (13) to support climate action and call for urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions; Goal (16) to promote peaceful and inclusive societies to achieve sustainable development, provide justice for all and build effective and efficient institutions; and Goal (17) which focuses on Establish global partnerships to promote the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Follow Ajman News on Google News
UAE – 06 November 2025: The UAE Government has launched the Unified UAE Numbers, the comprehensive national platform dedicated to AI-powered data and statistics aimed at providing accurate, real-time and trusted data to support decision making and drive the UAE’s readiness for future shifts. The launch took place at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025.
The Unified UAE Numbers platform is being developed in partnership between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center (FCSC) and the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and in coordination with relevant federal and local entities. The platform will be hosted on the UAE Government Federal Network (FedNet) to ensure maximum security.
The platform is an outcome of the Economic Data Retreat, where extensive discussions focused on strengthening the national statistics system, its governance, and data exchange between entities. It will create a unified, smart national ecosystem that enhances the quality and reliability of national data, driving the UAE’s transformation toward smart statistics.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade said: “This day marks our transition from a phase of compiling data to one of managing knowledge. From traditional statistics to smart statistics. This strategic transformation is embodied by the Unified UAE Numbers platform, which opens new horizons for decision makers to harness the power of data to drive development, national economy’s competitiveness and the UAE’s global status.”
His Excellency Al Zeyoudi added: “This platform shows how the UAE’s statistics ecosystem has matured to become capable of providing accurate, trusted and real-time data to help read economic trends and guide policies and investments. Ultimately it will strengthen the UAE’s ability to respond to global shifts and shape the future of vital sectors.”
Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State, General Secretary of the UAE Cabinet and General Supervisor of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), said: “The launch of the Unified UAE Numbers platform embodies our leadership’s vision for a future government driven by data and AI. This platform represents a major step in the government’s digital transformation, fostering a unified approach and empowering entities to make swift, precise decisions backed by trusted, real-time data.”
Her Excellency Al Hammadi added: “By establishing a smart national statistics infrastructure, we are building a foundation to inform public policy, bolster the UAE’s competitiveness, and accelerate economic growth across all sectors.”
Her Excellency pointed out that the platform is an outcome of the Economic Data Retreat, which brought together 28 national entities in the first phase to establish 380 economic indicators and lay out a unified framework for GDP data, as well as balance of payment and investment.
She highlighted the essential role of data in formulating policy, setting priorities, measuring impact, and monitoring performance, noting that ultimately, this platform ensures that governance is data-driven, thereby strengthening the UAE’s readiness for AI adoption, achieving seamless integration of national databases, and creating an agile regulatory environment that champions both innovation and sustainability.
AED 929 billion: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the national economy
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) announced that the UAE’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 in the first half of 2025, reaching AED 929 billion, compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, the non-oil GDP recorded a growth of 5.7%, amounting to AED 720 billion during the same period. Non-oil activities accounted for 77.5% of the UAE’s real GDP, while oil activities contributed 22.5% in the first half of 2025.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, affirmed that, under the guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, the country has adopted a proactive approach that keeps pace with economic developments and trends locally, regionally, and globally. This approach is reflected in the development of competitive economic strategies and legislations, enhancing global economic openness, and creating a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation in the growth of non-oil sectors. It also includes the localisation of technology and digital transformation across vital and advanced economic sectors, contributing to positioning the UAE as a pioneering model in economic diversification and supporting its future vision to become a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.
He added: “The positive results achieved by the national economy during the first half of 2025, particularly the 5.7% growth in non-oil GDP, reflects the strength and competitiveness of the UAE’s economic performance and the efficiency of the economic policies implemented by the government. It also underscores the continued progress in reducing dependence on oil, promoting national non-oil industries, and advancing the economic objectives of the We the UAE 2031 vision.”For her part, H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that the strong performance of the UAE’s GDP during the first half of 2025, reaching AED 929billion, reflects the resilience of the national economy and the continued growth momentum driven by non-oil activities such as trade, manufacturing, and construction. She stated: “The rise in the contribution of non-oil sectors to 77.5% confirms the success of the country’s economic diversification policies and its ability to create a flexible and sustainable productive environment based on knowledge and innovation, in line with the UAE’s vision of developing the economy of the future.”
Fastest-Growing Economic Activities
The financial and insurance activities recorded the highest growth among all economic sectorsduring the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, recording an 8.3% increase. This was followed by the construction sector, which grew by 7.9%, the manufacturing sector by 7.0%, and real estate activities by 6.5%.
In terms of contribution to non-oil GDP during the first half of 2025, the trade sector ranked first, accounting for 16.1%, followed by financial and insurance activities at 14.0%, and manufacturing at 13.8%. The construction sector contributed 11.8%, while real estate activities accounted for 7.8%.It is worth noting that the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries recorded growth during the first half of 2025, with the UAE achieving the highest growth rates, supported by the strong performance of its non-oil sectors. This reflects the impact of strategic initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing economic diversification in the UAE and contributes to supporting the collective GCC economic trajectory, promoting balanced progress that strengthens economic stability in the region.
The insurance sector in the UAE continued its positive performance in 2024, recording a 22% growth in total underwritten insurance premiums, reaching AED 65.1 billion, compared to AED 53.4 billion in 2023, according to data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) and the Central Bank of the UAE. Data on the country’s insurance sector indicators for 2024 also showed a notable increase in property and liability insurance premiums, which grew by 26.6% to AED 26.3 billion, compared to AED 20.8 billion in 2023. Health insurance premiums rose by 21% to AED 31.3 billion, compared to AED 25.9 billion in 2023, while personal insurance and wealth creation premiums increased by 12% to AED 7.5 billion, up from AED 6.7 billion in 2023.
Total Number of Insurance Policies
According to 2024 statistics, the total number of insurance policies rose to 17.2 million, compared to 15.6 million in 2023, marking a 10% growth. The highest growth rate was recorded in health insurance policies, which saw a record jump of 60%, increasing to 2.2 million policies from 1.4 million in 2023. Meanwhile, the total number of property and liability insurance policies reached 14.6 million, compared to 13.9 million in 2023, registering a 5% growth. The total number of personal insurance and wealth creation policies stood at 305,900, a slight increase from 302,500 in 2023, reflecting a 1% growth.
Technical Provisions
Total technical provisions that insurance companies are required to maintain to meet their financial obligations across all insurance branches rose by 20.9%, reaching AED 92.2 billion in 2024, compared to AED 76.3 billion in 2023. This increase was driven by a 44.9% rise in property and liability insurance provisions, reaching AED 37.6 billion, a 24.1% increase in health insurance provisions to AED 17.0 billion, and a 2.8% rise in personal insurance and wealth creation provisions to AED 37.7 billion in 2024.
Claims Paid
Regarding claims paid, which represent the total amounts disbursed by insurance companies in the UAE to policyholders and beneficiaries during the year for settling insurance claims, statistics indicated a 32% increase in total claims across all insurance branches for both domestic and foreign companies in 2024, reaching AED 41.6 billion. This total comprised AED 28.9 billion paid by national companies and AED 12.7 billion by foreign companies, compared to AED 31.6 billion in 2023, which included AED 21.8 billion paid by national companies and AED 9.8 billion by foreign companies.
This increase was attributed to an 83% rise in claims paid for property and liability insurance, particularly in fire and motor insurance, a 14% increase in health insurance claims paid, and a 26% rise in claims paid for personal insurance and wealth creation policies.
As for incurred claims, which include the total value of claims paid as well as other costs borne by insurance companies during the year, statistics indicate a 45% increase across all insurance branches for both national and foreign companies in 2024, reaching AED 53.3 billion. This total comprised AED 39.1 billion for national companies and AED 14.2 billion for foreign companies, compared to AED 36.6 billion in 2023, which included AED 25.1 billion for national companies and AED 11.5 billion for foreign companies.Invested Assets
Statistics showed an increase in total invested assets in the UAE insurance sector for both national and foreign companies in 2024, representing the total assets held by insurance companies for investment purposes. The total rose by 10% to AED 84.9 billion, comprising AED 48.6 billion for national companies and AED 36.3 billion for foreign companies, compared to AED 77.1 billion in 2023, which included AED 42.1 billion for national companies and AED 35.0 billion for foreign companies. Investments in securities and debt bonds accounted for the largest share of total invested assets at AED 36.3 billion, followed by cash and deposits at AED 25.0 billion. The remaining value was distributed across other categories of invested assets, including real estate investments, loans, and other assets.
The number of air quality monitoring stations operating across the UAE reached 57 in 2024, marking a 46% increase over the past decade, compared to 55 stations in 2023, according to the latest data issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).
Of the total stations, 32 stations (56%) are located within populated areas, ensuring continuous monitoring of air quality in residential communities across the country.
Data from all monitoring stations indicate that the average concentrations of key air pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) remained low compared to previous years and within the limits set by the UAE National Air Quality Standards.
Air quality remains a national priority for the UAE, given its direct impact on public health and quality of life. The UAE Government has embedded air quality as a key performance indicator (KPI) under the “We the UAE 2031” Vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 Strategy, both of which aim to promote social wellbeing and a sustainable economy. In addition, air quality is one of the eight core policy priorities within the National Environmental Agenda led by MOCCAE.
According to FCSC data on the geographic distribution of monitoring stations in 2024, Abu Dhabi recorded the highest number with 21 stations (37%), followed by Dubai with 14 stations (25%), Ajman with 7 stations (12%), Fujairah with 6 stations (11%), Ras Al Khaimah with 4 stations (7%), Sharjah with 3 stations (5%), and Umm Al Quwain with 2 stations (3%).
In terms of functional distribution, residential areas account for 56% of all stations to ensure comprehensive coverage of inhabited regions, followed by roadside locations at 23%, industrial and commercial areas at 14%, while the remaining stations are distributed across other locations in the UAE.
Air quality monitoring stations play a vital role in detecting substances released into the atmosphere, directly or indirectly which may alter air composition in ways harmful to human health, living organisms, natural resources, or populated areas. The stations provide accurate daily, monthly, and annual measurements of major air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone, and inhalable particulate matter.
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in cooperation with the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals Academy, has launched the “2030 SDGs Leaders Program”, aimed at empowering national, regional and global government leaders with modern tools, expertise and skills in leading efforts to achieve the SDGs.
The program seeks to enable participating leaders to integrate sustainable development principles into government strategies by developing future leadership skills, strengthening strategic thinking, and building capacities in international cooperation and partnerships for sustainable development. This will enhance integration among government entities and contribute to improving institutional performance.
Implemented under the supervision of experts from the UAE Government, the program includes knowledge visits to leading government entities, workshops and interviews with 17 Emirati experts. It brings together 32 government leaders from 14 countries, including 13 international participants and 19 participants from the UAE, representing senior leadership levels such as ministers, directors-general and undersecretaries. Among them are a minister from the Republic of Maldives, an assistant minister from the Republic of Serbia, and an assistant undersecretary from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Abdulla Lootah: Strengthening the UAE’s position as a Global Hub for Experience in Sustainable Development
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, affirmed that the launch of the “2030 SDGs Leaders Program” comes as part of the UAE’s efforts to support the achievement of the SDGs nationally and globally, thereby strengthening its position as a global hub for experience exchange in the field of sustainable development and in support of the 2030 Global Agenda.
Lootah stated that the program represents a practical platform for developing national and global competencies concerned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, through interactive sessions and applied workshops that enhance thinking in the design and implementation of sustainable initiatives and projects; and support the building of impactful partnerships between government and international sectors in the fields of development, environment and society.
Jeffrey Sachs: Supporting government leaders to address major challenges
For his part, Jeffrey Sachs, President of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), said: “The SDGs Leaders Program helps support government leaders in addressing the major challenges of our time. Achieving sustainable development requires leaders who think systemically, plan effectively, and build trust across borders and sectors. This program in the UAE strengthens these capacities and builds a generation of leaders who will achieve SDGs and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous world. The SDG Academy of the United Nations SDSN is honored to support the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office and the UAE National Committee on SDGs in this distinguished program.”
Sustainable development and future leadership
In its first track, the program featured intensive dialogue and interactive sessions over five days, addressing key pillars of sustainable development and future leadership. The first and second days focused on leading transformation and governance for systemic change through presentations, case studies and thinking labs aimed at developing leadership capacities, strengthening institutional integration and expanding the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.
The sessions also focused on innovation, financing and strategic partnerships, and on anticipating the future of development through digital transformation and the 2045 XDGs Agenda. Leaders participated in workshops, field visits and dialogues to develop national directions and transform visions into practical steps that support the continuity of collective action towards a more sustainable future. The program included specialized sessions, workshops and policy acceleration labs, as well as visits to the Museum of the Future; the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park; and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), to explore innovative models in governance, sustainable energy and digital transformation.
National and global participation
Participants from the UAE included government leaders from: the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; Ministry of Health and Prevention; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Community Empowerment; UAE Gender Balance Council; Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood; Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) ; Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi; Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi; Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA); and Dubai Municipality.
International participants represented: Republic of Seychelles; Republic of Maldives; Republic of Uzbekistan; Republic of Azerbaijan; Kingdom of Bahrain; Republic of Georgia; Romania; Montenegro; Republic of Rwanda; Hungary; Republic of Kazakhstan; Republic of Kenya; and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The SDG Academy, the program’s academic partner, supports the design of content and provides specialized educational resources. As an educational initiative of the UNSDSN, it brings together global experts in poverty reduction, climate action, gender equality and policy innovation.
Government Experience Exchange
The UAE government launched the Government Experience Exchange Programme to transfer best government practices and expertise to countries and to enhance cooperation in government modernization and development. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has successfully established partnerships with dozens of countries worldwide, aimed at building institutional capacities and improving government performance through experience exchange in strategic planning, government excellence and leadership in government services, in addition to implementing strategic initiatives and building institutional capacities.
The National Committee
The National Committee on SDGs undertakes key tasks including coordinating with relevant entities to align and review policies, strategies and national targets with the SDGS; building and strengthening national capacities to achieve the SDGs and address challenges through local and international partnerships; preparing national reports on the country’s results and efforts to achieve the SDGs; and coordinating with entities to prepare and publish SDG-related data at the national level.
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