Nearly 65% of adults in the Arab region remain excluded from formal financial systems, according to a new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Annual SDG Review 2025 paints a sobering picture of persistent financial exclusion that is undermining the region’s ability …
UAE-designed and built craft will set off in 2020 as part of a project aimed at inspiring a new generation within the region When asked if he was nervous, 32-year-old Omran Sharaf was unequivocal. “Of course,” he says. “The reputation of the nation depends on this.” If all goes well, …
A renewable energy initiative in the Seychelles is being launched by Masdar and the country’s president to address the islands’ shortage of resources. Seychelles president James Michel called the project the “democracy of renewable energy” and said it would give hope to the country, which has poor hydrocarbon assets and …
A Dubai-based power company is developing a hybrid diesel and solar power plant in Saudi Arabia amid declining fuel subsidies. SES Smart Energy Solutions, based in Jebel Ali free zone, will develop what it says is the first on-field temporary hybrid plant that uses diesel and solar power in the …
ABU DHABI // Masdar Institute scientists have come up with an accurate system to predict extreme weather. The “hydro-climate” model has also shown that the UAE’s weather has been getting hotter and drier, particularly in Abu Dhabi. Data collected shows climate extremes in the UAE, such as long periods without …
ABU DHABI // Fahad Hareb, director of air quality at the Ministry of Environment and Water, said pollution levels in the UAE were safe for residents. Particle pollution levels, known as PM2.5, did not exceed measurements recommended by the World Health Organisation guidelines, he said. According to the WHO, the …
Solar energy will be used to power bus stops in areas where there is no direct access to electricity, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced. As many as 400 new stops are being planned in the next phase, a significant portion of which will be air-conditioned. However, the …
RAS AL KHAIMAH // More than 1,500 violations of environmental laws were discovered by inspectors in the first half of 2015. The violations were logged by the Department of Public Works’ Raqeb (monitor) service, which was set up in 2012 to monitor the Corniche, main streets and beaches in Ras …
ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council will discuss Quran memorisation centres as well as amendments to an environment bill that will protect aquatic resources when it meets for its final session on Tuesday. The bill concerns the exploitation, protection and sustainability of living aquatic resources and overfishing that can …
The Emirates Wildlife Society released its five-year strategy with partnership opportunities to further protect the environment. Together with the World Wildlife Fund, “Together for a Brighter Future” outlines the organisation’s vision for tackling climate change and biodiversity in the UAE and beyond, as well as aiming to conserve the Emirates’ …
Private-sector environmental initiatives are being hampered by banks’ reluctance to finance clean-energy enterprises. Indeed, economic development is taking its toll on the environment even though the UAE has made progress in reducing its carbon footprint. The country has lowered its annual per capita emission of greenhouse gases to 18.8 tonnes …
Minister of Housing Moustafa Madbouly announced the completion of sewage projects in 10 villages as part of a grant from the UAE. In addition, 35 other projects are currently under implementation within the grant, which will be completed by 30 June. The projects are being implemented in seven governorates, including …
South Korean health officials confirmed the country's third case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on Thursday, with the two latest cases found in people who had been in contact with the first patient after he returned from the Middle East. Authorities have isolated as a precaution another 64 people …
Cairo - The Arab Water Council (AWC) has said that arid or semi-arid areas cover about 87 per cent of the Arab region, 83 million people do not have access to clean drinking water, and 96 million people do not have access to proper sanitation, while agriculture uses 85 per …
DUBAI // Emirates airline has banned hunting trophies of elephants, rhinos, tigers and lions from all its aircraft. The airline already has a ban on products and parts of endangered animals and plants listed under appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites). The new policy, …
The Environment Authority Abu Dhabi has put in place measures to better protect breeding birds across the emirate. According to Al Ittihad, The National’s sister publication, annual surveys showed that birds that breed in Abu Dhabi are prone to threats caused by human activity, construction work and predatory animals such …
Drones will be used to monitor quarries and stone crushers to ensure regulations are observed, the Ministry of Environment and Water has announced. Saif Mohammed Al Shara, assistant undersecretary for external audit at the Ministry of Environment and Water, said the initiative was in line with Sheikh Mohammed’s designation of …
DUBAI // Residents will soon be paying less for their solar electricity than anywhere else in the world, the World Green Economy Summit in Dubai heard on Thursday . According to a report released by The Climate Group, a non-profit environmental organisation, the UAE is leading the way in developing …
DUBAI // Significant steps have been taken towards Dubai’s renewable energy targets with the announcement of the third phase of solar energy plans to make the emirate cleaner and greener by 2021. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority aims to increase the share of renewable energy targets to 7 per cent …
Fujairah Municipality has sent workers to stop labourers from dumping uncollected rubbish in Murbah after residents voiced their concerns. Municipality workers noticed that some labourers living in the vicinity were tearing into rubbish bags during the early morning hours. They were taking what would be useful to them and throwing …
The UAE has pledged to a major global conference its commitment to reduce its water use by a fifth within 15 years. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Energy, made the commitment at the opening of the World Water Forum in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, South Korea. …
