The celebration of World Energy Day, observed every year on October 22, holds special significance during the "Year of Sustainability," which the United Arab Emirates is hosting in conjunction with the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Expo Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, initiated the "World Energy Day," adopted by representatives from 54 countries, in addition to the United Nations, the Arab League, and the African Union Commission, during the 2012 World Energy Forum held in Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, stated, "Clean energy is a fundamental pillar of sustainability and takes a leading role in the UAE's strategic directions. This aligns with the wise leadership's vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. The UAE plays a pioneering role on the global stage and leads efforts in clean and renewable energy through significant strategies and investments that support sustainable development while enhancing energy production and consumption efficiency."
His Excellency Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that clean energy is a fundamental pillar of sustainability, making it a top priority and strategic direction for the UAE. The UAE leads global efforts to adopt the latest innovations driving the battle against climate change impacts and mitigating global warming.
Engineer Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EtihadWE), stated that the UAE, under the wise leadership represented by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and the visionary government led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recognizes that clean and renewable energy is a fundamental pillar for a nation’s development. It is an urgent necessity for the growth of its economy and the sustainability of its community. That’s why the UAE was among the pioneers in adopting a qualitative energy strategy and laying a solid foundation for the development of this sector.
Engineer Yousif Al Ali emphasized EtihadWE’s ongoing commitment to support national efforts to enhance the efficiency of energy production and management, achieve the targets of the Energy Strategy and UAE Net Zero 2050, and contribute effectively to establishing the UAE’s leading position globally in these vital sectors. This is achieved through the utilization of advanced technologies in managing and harnessing energy consumed in desalination, as well as the phased implementation of the ambitious project "Global Market for Electric Vehicles" in the northern Emirates. The project is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects geared towards increasing reliance on clean energy in the transportation sector. Furthermore, he highlighted the company’s efforts in energy resource management and fostering a culture of consumption rationalization, representing a significant societal factor in resource allocation, carbon emissions reduction, and environmental burden mitigation.