Sustainability in the UAE

Sustainability in the UAE

• Sustainability is the ability to exist and develop without depleting natural resources for the future. It considers ecological, human, and economic health.
• Sustainable practices meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.
• Sustainability involves more than just environmental concerns; a key component is social equity and economic development.
• Sustainability is important for both short-term and long-term benefits.
• Maintaining Earth's ecosystems requires sustainable choices.
• Continuing current harmful practices will likely lead to fossil fuel depletion, animal extinction, and atmospheric damage.
• Benefits of sustainability include clean air, a healthy atmosphere, resource growth, and clean water.

Pillars of Sustainability

• Sustainability has three pillars:
  • Environmental protection
  • Social development
  • Economic development

Environmental Protection

• Reducing carbon footprint, water usage, and wasteful processes in supply chains is crucial for environmental protection.
• These practices can contribute to both environmental and financial sustainability.

Social Development

• Social development in sustainability focuses on fair treatment of employees, stakeholders, and the community.
• This includes responsive benefits (maternity/paternity leave, flexible schedules), safe working environments, and fair labor practices.

Economic Development

• Economic sustainability is about profitability and generating revenue for future operations.
• Achieving a balance among profit, sustainability, and other factors is key.

Sustainability in the UAE

• In 2012, the UAE launched a Green Economy initiative aiming to reduce environmental risks while supporting economic growth.
• The initiative includes programs focusing on energy, agriculture, investment, and sustainable transportation alongside new environmental and constructional policies.
• The UAE is aiming to be a global leader and a successful model in the new green economy.

Sustainability in Expo2020

• Expo 2020 Dubai installed renewable energy systems (5.5 megawatts).
• Water consumption was reduced by 52.4% in Expo2020 buildings.
• Waste reduction efforts, including the Planet Over Plastic pledge, were implemented.
• Sustainable materials and environmentally responsible suppliers were used.

Masdar City in Abu Dhabi

• Masdar City is a sustainable urban community with low-carbon initiatives.
• 90% of construction waste is reused or recycled.

UAE Economy Before Oil

• The UAE's economy before oil discovery relied primarily on pearl trading.
• Japanese artificial pearls led to the decline of the pearl industry in the early 20th Century.
• The discovery of oil in the region led to a shift in resources and jobs.

Oil in the UAE

• Oil reserves in Abu Dhabi account for more than 90% of the reserves in the UAE.
• The presence of oil resources has led to high rates of economic growth in the UAE and the flow of capital.
• Oil has brought significant economic and social developments to the UAE since 1971.
• Oil accounts for roughly 30% of GDP in the UAE.

Production of Oil in the UAE

• Abu Dhabi holds the majority of the UAE's oil and gas reserves.
• Gas derivatives are used in power generation and desalination.
• Increased involvement of foreign partners in oil and gas industries is encouraged by the UAE.
• Privatization of essential industries is encouraged.

Finance

• Oil revenue still significantly contributes to the foreign trade of UAE.

Foreign Trade

• The oil sector is a major contributor to the UAE's foreign trade, with revenue primarily coming from crude oil.
• Other sectors, including the gold trade, are important parts of the economy.

Non-Oil Economy

• Industries, investments, and export and re-export activities comprise the non-oil economy.
• Electricity, water, financial services, transportation, and storage are important factors.
• Tourism is a significant part of the non-oil economy in the UAE, contributing significantly to GDP.

Industry

• The level of industrialization is a key measure of a country's power.
• Advanced industries rely on advanced technology and capabilities.
• Mining and the food industry are considered important.

Investment

• Total investment in the UAE has grown substantially since 1972, showing higher rates than other developed and developing economies.
• Investment in education, healthcare, and technology is also key.

Export and Re-export

• The UAE's average annual growth in wages from 1972-1998 was about 19.1 percent
• The expansion of training methods and work roles increased workers' productivity by about 6.9% annually.

Agriculture

• The UAE aims to increase agricultural production while reducing food imports.
• Support for date, vegetable, and food processing industries is apparent.

Electricity and Water Sector

• Efforts are underway to focus on water desalination for supply.
• Maintaining energy availability in new areas, including the UAE's desert areas, is a priority.

Financial Enterprise

• UAE's banking system has shown significant growth, with recent annual growth rates of 11.4%.

Transportation, Storage, and Communication

• Ports and airports have seen substantial growth in the UAE.
• Efficient transportation systems are crucial for the nation.
• The growth rate of the sector was around 9.3 percent for a certain period.

Tourism in the UAE

• Tourism is a significant non-oil revenue generator for the UAE.
• Construction projects and high-quality services are part of this.
• Tourism contributes to about 13% of the UAE's GDP.

Green Economy for Sustainable Development

• The UAE aims to reduce dependence on oil and diversify its income through its Green Economy initiative.
• This initiative aims to shift to a sustainable, environmentally conscious model to maintain long-term economic growth.
• The initiative focuses on numerous projects and policies across various areas.

UAE Centennial Plan 2071

• The plan is a long-term strategy for the government, covering five decades.
• Four core pillar include a forward-thinking government, quality education, a diversified knowledge economy, and a unified society.

Future Plans of the UAE

• The UAE is looking to create a multifaceted and dynamic future.
• Initiatives focus on preserving the nation's identity while embracing global practices.
• Positive impacts and potential negative aspects of globalization are considered for national plans.

Globalization and its Effects

• Globalization is the integration of the world's cultures, ideas, media, and technologies.
• There are both positive (increased trade, solutions to global crises) and negative (loss of identity, dominance of certain countries and companies, cultural homogenization) aspects.

Explore the concepts of sustainability as they apply to the UAE, focusing on ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Understand how sustainable practices can impact both current and future generations. Learn about the critical pillars of sustainability and their importance in preserving Earth's ecosystems.