The Green Retreat held in Dubai was a crucial event, attended by more than 150 ministers and senior officials from both the public and private sectors, including key figures such as Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan, Mariam Al Mheiri, Abdulla bin Touq, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Ahmad Al Falasi, and Salem Al Qassimi. The event, called United for Climate, brought together representatives from federal and local governments, private sector companies, and prominent business leaders to set out the UAE’s climate change goals ahead of the Cop28 summit.
The conference was held at Expo City Dubai, which is set to host the critical global conference from November 30 to December 12. Participants of the event had the shared mission of advancing plans to safeguard the planet, as well as developing the UAE’s climate change strategies, which include hitting net-zero emissions by 2050 and accelerating the transition to renewable energies.
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment organised the event, which served as an opportunity for participants to learn about the country’s outstanding climate action record and contribute ambitious ideas to drive tangible progress in national efforts towards sustainable economic growth. Mariam Al Mheiri emphasised the gravity of the task facing the world, with rising food waste, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and the impending threat of climate change to humankind on the agenda.
Abdulla bin Touq also highlighted the need for swift and concerted action to advance green strategies and protect the environment, especially in light of the unprecedented challenges facing the world today due to climate change. Suhail Al Mazrouei stressed the importance of the UAE’s united efforts to ensure the success of Cop28, calling for all stakeholders to align their efforts and facilitate an adequate representation of the UAE in the highly anticipated event.
Overall, the Green Retreat was a valuable opportunity for high-level representatives from the government and the private sector to come together and develop a comprehensive climate action plan that can generate significant opportunities for economic growth and diversification, create employment for youth, foster inclusive and cohesive communities, harness the potential of clean energy, safeguard natural habitats, and preserve the environment.
