Spearheading a sustainable future in the UAE

Spearheading a sustainable future in the UAE

Petra Jeffery is assistant professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often renowned for its impressive skyscrapers, opulent lifestyles, and unwavering commitment to excellence. However, beneath this glamorous exterior, the UAE is making noteworthy advancements in a less flashy yet equally vital arena – green technology. In an age where sustainability is paramount, the UAE is becoming a trailblazer in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region by actively adopting and investing in green tech. This sets the stage for a future that is not only cleaner and greener but also more sustainable. 

A thriving ecosystem of green startups 

The UAE is currently hosting the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) at Expo City in Dubai, bringing together around 150 rapidly expanding companies dedicated to addressing climate change and environmental concerns in the Startup Village. These startups, focused on developing renewable energy solutions, optimising resource utilisation, and promoting sustainable waste management practices, demonstrate the potential of technology in combating climate change. The aim is to collaborate with businesses, investment communities, government leaders, and policymakers to turn their green aspirations into concrete results. This effort is a pivotal step in limiting global