In a meeting of the Dubai Executive Council, held at the DP World Pavilion in Expo 2020, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved a new Integrated Waste Management Strategy.
The strategy, which will see the implementation of long-term projects over the next two decades, seeks to promote innovation in waste management, recycling, and energy conservation.
THE UAE’s WIDER VISION
In line with the UAE’s ambitious environmental and sustainability goals set out in the wider Vision 2040 strategy, the focus of these projects will be on providing practical solutions to various environmental and socioeconomic challenges the country faces.
Since its launch in March 2021, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan has continued to set the foundations for driving investment and molding the future development of Dubai. One key focus of this strategy is to enhance residents’ comfort and quality of life via the sustainable development of country.
Praising the Dubai government’s achievements over the past year and referencing the efforts that have previously been made in developing the UAE’s position as a global destination, Sheikh Hamdan said that the year ahead will be a successful and transformative one in terms of achieving goals and establishing new opportunities.
“We continue to draw inspiration from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading destination for investors, entrepreneurs and visitors,” he said.
INVESTMENT ALREADY UNDERWAY
Despite the economic shockwaves experienced worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first nine months of 2021 saw Dubai’s GDP growth rate hit 6.3%. A reflection of the emirate’s successful navigation through the pandemic and strong trade backdrop, the Crown Prince commended the efforts that contributed to this recent growth.
Supporting Dubai’s efforts to become a sustainable city, the private sector has a pivotal role to play as a key strategic partner, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized during the announcement.
In line with this support, the private sector’s direct contribution to the new waste management strategy will total DHS 70.5 billion, he revealed.
Making early advancements in the realm of sustainable waste management and energy conservation, the construction of a USD 1.1 billion facility that will generate power by burning household waste and garbage is already underway in Dubai.
Further in line with the plans revealed under the new strategy, a new recycling processing plant located in Ras Al Khor has also recently been commissioned by Dulsco, the Dubai-based integrated solutions provider. Once complete, the plant will accommodate the processing of over 80,000 tonnes of waste per year.
More facilities like this are expected to be announced in the coming years, which will all contribute to the UAE’s vision to reinforce Dubai as the major investment hub in the region.
“Dubai has successfully transformed itself from a humble country into a major finance and investment hub, not just in the region but in the world. Part of its success is the government’s inclusive development plan: investing in infrastructure advancement whilst ensuring the quality of life grows alongside its urbanization,” Reena Daniel, Property Valuer at Land Sterling said.
Photo credit: https://inhabitat.com/dubai-announces-plans-for-worlds-biggest-waste-to-energy-facility/
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