UAE economy most diversified of all oil-based nations, UN environment chief says

Masdar City, a special economic zone that will eventually be home to companies and researchers from around the world to develop solar and other clean energies outside Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
Updated 07 March 2018
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UAE economy most diversified of all oil-based nations, UN environment chief says

The big challenge for the United Arab Emirates and the region is the transformation from an oil-based economy to one that is more broad-based, and according to the UN environment head, the UAE has achieved more than others.
“The Emirates is an amazing success story in terms of development,” UN Environment Executive Director, Erik Solheim told Arab News.
“It’s true that they have led to high emissions and environmental problems – as everywhere else undergoing development - however I am confident the government is now attacking this in a very determined way,” Solheim said.
The UAE has taken strides forward on climate change mitigation in recent years that are reflected by the establishment of the federal ministry of climate change and its commitment to the ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which pledged not to just keep the increase in temperatures below 2C, but also to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5C by 2018.
 

UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim, March 1, 2018, Dubai. (Photo: AN/ Rua'a Alameri)

During the Clean Air Forum held in Abu Dhabi last December it was announced that the majority of emissions being produced in the UAE could be traced back to the country’s energy sector, making up 74 percent of released emissions.
One of the contributing factors is the population growth and surge in income levels due to the economic boom the UAE witnessed in the past four decades, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi said last month. This led to a rise in non-sustainable production and consumption patterns, he said.
“The UAE has brought affluence to people at a high speed, so it means the challenge is big, but it has proved that it is a nation capable of adapting,” Solheim said.
In response, the UAE has put in place initiatives in order to control the effects of climate change, which include controlling emissions, reducing flaring of natural gas and increasing energy efficiency.
Solheim explained that for the region the main issue to focus on is shifting from a fossil fuel-based economy and secondly to introduce further the use of solar, wind and other renewable energies. This will have the benefit of both reducing pollution and climate change, he said.
In October 2017, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched a new project, as part of the Shams Dubai initiative, to install solar carports at their headquarters and at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment buildings. The project aims to generate electricity using solar panels connected to DEWA’s network and is expected to reduce around 1,500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually to meet the goal set by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to cut 20 percent of the energy consumption in all government buildings, by 2020.
Plans were also announced last year for the world’s largest concentrated solar power project to be implemented in Dubai. The largest single-site project will generate 700 megawatts of power when completed, state news agency WAM reported.
Depending on average sunshine, it is estimated that one megawatt can power 164 homes.
It will also include the world’s tallest solar tower, standing 260 metres tall at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
“The good news is that the price of solar and wind energy has fallen much more than the oil prices,” Solheim said, explaining that while in the past solar energy was less competitive but more environmentally friendly, it is now both better for the environment and in general terms the same or even lower priced than fossil fuel.
High costs had previously been a major obstacle prohibiting growth for the solar sector but prices have fallen. Solar PV modules are more than 80 percent cheaper than in 2009, and the cost of electricity from solar PV fell by almost three-quarters in 2010-2017 and continues to decline, according to the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency, (Irena).
“That’s why you see solar and wind energy taking off in a completely new way,” Solheim said.  
“Al-Futtaim also have big ambitions going into this…And when others follow, the price will continue to fall,” he said, referring to Al-Futtaim Group, the largest conglomerate operating in the UAE.
The UN environment head met to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Majid Al Futtaim on sustainable construction during his visit to the UAE on Thursday.
Al Futtaim group partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme to get advice on the best practice for sustainable development that is environmentally friendly.
“Construction is one of the main sectors for both climate emissions and other areas,” Solheim said. Other areas that construction affects include the mining processes used to source materials, the transportation of these materials to the building site, the construction process itself and the waste removal and disposal process that follows the completion of the project.
The UAE’s infrastructure is currently the most advanced in the GCC region with well-integrated transport systems and assembly of iconic structure, according to a report by Research and Markets titled UAE Construction Industry Outlook to 2020.

However, it is a sector of concern. Tall buildings in the UAE consume huge amounts of water and electricity to cope with overheating under the country’s weather conditions, and as such have become significant sources of major greenhouse gas emissions.
The UN Environment Programme reports that the building sector accounts for 30 to 40 percent of global energy use. However, in Abu Dhabi, buildings consume approximately 50 to 60 percent of electricity generated.
However, Solheim states that the UAE has a “lead role to play because it’s the most modern place in the West Asia.”
He explained that both the public and private sector must work together to insure a greener future to “make society better for humans and future generations.”


Oil Updates – market sees losses on tight supply but cloudy demand caps gains

Updated 33 sec ago
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Oil Updates – market sees losses on tight supply but cloudy demand caps gains

SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged up on Wednesday on signs of near-term supply tightness but remained near their lowest in two weeks, a day after OPEC downgraded its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2024 and 2025.

Brent futures rose 17 cents, or 0.24 percent, to $72.06 a barrel by 7:20 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 14 cents, or 0.21 percent, at $68.26.

“Crude oil prices edged higher as tightness in the physical market offset bearish sentiment on demand. Buyers in the physical market have been particularly active, with any available cargoes being snapped up quickly,” ANZ analysts said in a note.

But falling demand projections and weakness in major consumer China continued to weigh on market sentiment.

“We may expect prices to consolidate around current levels for longer,” said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG, adding the recent attempt for a bounce was quickly sold into.

“The absence of a more direct fiscal stimulus out of China has been casting a shadow on oil demand outlook, coupled with the prospects of higher US oil production with a Trump presidency and looming OPEC+’s plans for an output raise,” Yeap added.

In its monthly report on Tuesday, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said world oil demand would rise by 1.82 million barrels per day in 2024, down from growth of 1.93 million bpd forecast last month, mostly due to weakness in China, the world’s biggest oil importer.

Oil prices settled up 0.1 percent on Tuesday following the news, after falling by about 5 percent during the two previous sessions.

OPEC also cut its 2025 global demand growth estimate to 1.54 million bpd from 1.64 million bpd.

The International Energy Agency, which has a far lower view, is set to publish its updated forecast on Thursday.

“The re-election of former President Trump is unlikely to materially affect oil market fundamentals over the near term, in our view,” Barclays analysts wrote.

“Drill, baby, drill: this is likely to underwhelm as a strategy to drive oil prices materially lower over the near term” given that the stock of approved permits actually rose under the Biden administration, the analysts said.

However, markets would still feel the effects of a supply disruption from Iran or a further escalation between Iran and Israel, according to Barclays.

Donald Trump’s expected secretary of state pick, US Senator Marco Rubio, is known for his hard-line stance on Iran, China and Cuba. Tighter enforcement of sanctions on Iran could disrupt global oil supply, while a tougher approach to China could further weaken oil demand in the world’s largest consumer.

Two US central bankers said on Tuesday that interest rates are acting as a brake on inflation that is still above the 2 percent mark, suggesting that the Federal Reserve would be open to further interest rate cuts.

The Fed cut its policy rate last week by a quarter of a percentage point to the 4.50 percent-4.75 percent range. Interest rate cuts typically boost economic activity and energy demand.

US weekly inventory reports have been delayed by a day following Monday’s Veterans Day holiday. The American Petroleum Institute industry group data is due at 00:30 a.m. Saudi time on Thursday.

Analysts polled by Reuters estimated on average that crude inventories rose by about 100,000 barrels in the week to Nov. 8. 


COP29 Day 3: World leaders address urgent climate goals at high-level session

Updated 25 min 53 sec ago
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COP29 Day 3: World leaders address urgent climate goals at high-level session

RIYADH: World leaders entered their third day of climate talks at COP29 in Baku, marking a critical juncture in discussions focused on climate action and multilateral cooperation. 

The High-Level Segment continued with addresses from heads of state and government as countries reiterated commitments to combat climate change.

Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah emphasized his country’s long-term strategy for environmental sustainability and carbon reduction, stating that climate change “is a global concern and a threat to many countries.” 

Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Screenshot

Highlighting the visible impacts of climate change, he cited “rising temperatures, dust storms, and heavy rain” as growing challenges in the region.

Kuwait aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, supported by strategic initiatives and a significant shift toward renewable energy. The country plans to generate 50 percent of its electricity from solar power, a major component of its national sustainability efforts, Al-Sabah said.

The session opened with Shina Ansari, Iran’s vice president, followed by Joseph Owondault Berre, Gabon’s vice president. Berre underscored the importance of multilateralism, calling it “the only weapon that can tackle issues associated with climate change.” He emphasized the need for “collective action based on trust, fairness, and shared responsibility,” highlighting that global collaboration remains critical in addressing climate impacts equitably.

As COP29 progresses, world leaders are expected to announce further initiatives to address climate threats through collaborative, international approaches.


IMF delegation in Pakistan, discusses ‘key benchmarks’ of $7 billion loan program — official 

Updated 13 November 2024
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IMF delegation in Pakistan, discusses ‘key benchmarks’ of $7 billion loan program — official 

  • IMF has said Porter’s visit is not part of the first review of loan program
  • First review not scheduled to take place before the first quarter of 2025

ISLAMABAD: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is in Islamabad this week and will hold discussions with top Pakistani officials on the “key benchmarks” of a $7 billion loan program approved in September, a finance ministry official said on Tuesday.

The IMF delegation led by Pakistan mission chief Nathan Porter arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an unplanned visit. The team is expected to hold meetings until Friday with top officials from ministries such as finance and energy and the Federal Board of Revenue, the main tax collection agency, to collect data on “loan program performance to date,” a finance ministry official told Arab News, seeking anonymity. 

The IMF has said Porter’s visit is not part of the first review of the loan program, which is not scheduled to take place before the first quarter of 2025. 

“Some key benchmarks of the loan program will come under discussion during the meetings, as Islamabad faces some revenue shortfall and a recent botched attempt to privatize the Pakistan International Airlines,” the finance ministry official said. 

“Matters like external financing gap and reforms in the energy sector are also expected to be discussed with the IMF delegation.”

The IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan in July for a 37-month $7 billion bailout package, which the Fund’s Executive Board approved in September. This was the 25th loan program that Pakistan has obtained since 1958.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry of finance said a delegation led by Porter had an “initial meeting” with finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervez Malik, Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmed, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and senior finance ministry officials were also present in the meeting, the ministry said.

Islamabad secured the bailout loan, critical to keeping its $350 billion fragile economy afloat, after taking painful measures such as hiking fuel and food prices and implementing reforms to broaden the country’s tax base and privatize state-owned entities.

“INTERIM CHECKS”

Pakistan’s macroeconomic conditions and investor sentiment have improved in recent months, which analysts say has led to a bullish trend in the country’s stock market.

Syed Atif Zafar, the chief economist at Topline Securities, said the IMF delegation’s meetings with Pakistani officials were part of “interim checks” to ensure a successful review of the loan facility next year. 

“The government failed to achieve the tax revenue target in the first quarter that has perhaps necessitated this IMF visit, but still the authorities have multiple options and time to overcome this gap,” he told Arab News. 

“The good thing at this point is that all structural and quantitative benchmarks of the loan program are on track.”

Tahir Abbas, a senior economist and head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said Pakistan last month requested the IMF for a $1 billion climate financing facility to mitigate climate risk, which would be discussed during the ongoing IMF visit.

“Pakistan’s revenue shortfall of around Rs200 billion ($720 million) in the first quarter has mainly necessitated this IMF visit,” he told Arab News. 

“The finance ministry will now inform the IMF delegation about the possible revenue measures to overcome the shortfall and cut the expenditures.”


NEOM board of directors announces leadership change

Updated 59 min 29 sec ago
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NEOM board of directors announces leadership change

  • Head of Public Investment Fund’s Local Real Estate Division since 2018, Al-Mudaifer has a deep and strategic understanding of NEOM and its projects

NEOM: The NEOM Board of Directors on Tuesday announced the appointment of Aiman Al-Mudaifer as acting CEO of the company. Al-Mudaifer assumes leadership of NEOM, following Nadhmi Al-Nasr’s departure.

As NEOM enters a new phase of delivery, this new leadership will ensure operational continuity, agility and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project.

Al-Mudaifer takes the helm of the organization with the support of a strong leadership team across NEOM’s regions, sectors and departments.

Head of Public Investment Fund’s Local Real Estate Division since 2018, Al-Mudaifer has a deep and strategic understanding of NEOM and its projects.

In his role at PIF, Al-Mudaifer oversees all local real estate investments and infrastructure projects. He is also a board member of multiple prominent companies within the Kingdom.

NEOM is a fundamental pillar of Saudi Vision 2030 and progress continues on all operations as planned, as we deliver the next phase of our vast portfolio of projects including THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, Magna and The Islands of NEOM. 

Through these projects, NEOM seeks to achieve harmony between livability, business and nature, and to create a better future for current and future generations.


Maldives, Bulgaria push for greater climate action, financing

Updated 13 November 2024
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Maldives, Bulgaria push for greater climate action, financing

  • Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said small island developing states require trillions of dollars in climate finance
  • Bulgarian President Rumen Radev addressed the global impact of climate-related disasters

RIYADH: Insufficient financing continues to be a significant barrier preventing many countries, especially underdeveloped nations, from meeting their climate goals, according to the President of the Maldives.

Speaking on the second day of COP29, held in Azerbaijan from Nov. 11-22, Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that small island developing states require trillions, not billions, of dollars in climate finance.

“It is the lack of finance that inhibits our ambitions, which is why this COP, the finance COP, we need to deliver the new climate finance goal. This must reflect the true scale of the climate crisis. The need is in trillions, not billions,” Muizzu said.

He added, “It must consider the special circumstances of small island developing states — it must include adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage.”

Muizzu also reiterated the importance of the environment for his country, stating: “You have called for stronger climate action. Our call has not changed. Our cause has not strayed because, for us, the environment and the ocean are more than resources. They are our cultural identity.”

In a similar vein, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev addressed the global impact of climate-related disasters, emphasizing that no region is immune to the deadly and costly consequences of climate change.

“Bulgaria is committed not only to being part of regional and energy cooperation initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region but also beyond, by strengthening the links between the European Union and non-EU countries who share our priorities on climate neutrality, just energy transition, energy security, and low-carbon technological innovation,” Radev said.

He further called for broader action, stating, “All parties should undertake greater efforts to integrate climate change adaptation and resilience into all policies and strategies.”