Mohammed bin Rashid launches UAE Strategy for Green Development

Vice-President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced yesterday the launch of a long term national initiative to build green economy in the UAE under the slogan: "A green economy for sustainable development ".

Through this initiative, the UAE aims to become one of the world leaders in this area as well as a centre for the export and re-export of green products and technologies, and to maintain a sustainable environment to support long-term economic growth.

The initiative includes a range of programs and policies in the areas of energy, agriculture, investment and sustainable transport in addition to new environmental and constructional policies that aim to raise the quality of life in the country.

Sheikh Mohammed said: "Our goal from this national initiative is clear, that is to build an economy that protects the environment as well as an environment that supports the growth of the economy. We in the UAE, within the vision 2021, are striving to build a diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation, through which we can provide excellent employment opportunities to our citizens. Through this, we can protect our natural and environmental resources, and strengthen our competitive position in global markets, especially in the areas of renewable energy products and technologies on the green economy".

He added: "We are serious about the transformation of our development process to reach the first positions on the global level. During the next nine years and up to the year 2021 we will launch a range of initiatives and projects in all areas to achieve our goal".

Sheikh Mohammed went on: "I ask everyone to prepare for a new phase in the growth of the UAE ".

"We chose to launch this national initiative to coincide with the World Future Energy Summit 2012 in Abu Dhabi which will be attended by 26 thousand people and delegations from 140 countries, so as to reaffirm our commitment to the world of our serious endeavour to diversify energy sources and preserve the environment, as well as to become a model for all countries that want to strive to achieve the same goal.", added Sheikh Mohammed.

The Green Economy Initiative includes six major fields covering a wide range of legislation, policies, programs and projects. - Emirates News Agency, WAM