Circular Economy Council to oversee implementation of UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031
The UAE is poised to see increased engagement and activities promoting circular economy principles following the UAE Cabinet’s announcement of the formation of the UAE Circular Economy Council.
The dedicated body will oversee the development and implementation of strategies aligned with the ‘UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031’, a new policy approved by the government in January 2021, providing the framework for the country to identify priorities that will integrate circular economy into key sectors.
His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), said in a statement that establishing the council provides an ideal platform for stakeholders to develop collaboration opportunities and accelerate the implementation of the circular economy principles through legislation, programs, and initiatives.
The country has been raising its commitment to promote environmentally sustainable practices and seeks to advance the sustainable governance and optimized use of natural resources.
Through the UAE Circular Economy Policy, it also aims to promote environmental health, support the private sector in adopting clean production, and reduce natural environmental impact, in line with the country’s vision to lead globally in green economy and sustainable development. Through the policy, it targets to engage four priority areas in circular economy principles, including green infrastructure, sustainable transport, sustainable manufacturing, and sustainable food production and consumption.
Developed jointly by MOCCAE, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, and the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, the policy further seeks to make use of technology, innovation, and research and development to achieve circular economy goals.
Commenting on the launch of the policy, Al Nuaimi noted: “By optimising the use of resources and reducing waste, the transition to a circular economy will enable the UAE to unlock new sustainable economic opportunities that will help the nation become stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous following the massive disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The members of the new council, chaired by H.E. Dr. Al Nuaimi, comprise H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Teleworking Applications; and H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Other ministries with representatives in the council include the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.
Other members include Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability; Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi; H.E. Eng Dawood Abdulrahman Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and H.E. Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer). Meanwhile, there are additional eight members from various local government entities as well as the private sector.