WELCOME TO OUR SEVENTH ISSUE

The UAE over the past years has made extensive efforts towards sustainability under the UAE’s Vision 2030, the Dubai 2040 Urban master plan, and UAE Green Agenda 2030 which encompass sustainable environmental activities, as well as ensuring awareness and making available the business incentives that will support eco-friendly manufacturing, alternative energy sources, and eco-friendly employment opportunities for UAE graduates.

In addition to these, the UAE is also working to implement the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals through various initiatives including decreasing CO2 emissions by utilizing clean renewable energy sources, empowering energy-related talent, and enabling the storage of CO2 as well as its utilization. Furthermore, the UAE is working to implement blue carbon systems that are environmentally friendly, as well as support sustainable agriculture and sustainable waste management projects.

The UAE will be hosting COP28 between the 30th of November until 12th of December 2023, which comes in conjunction with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE’s announcement that 2023 is the year of sustainability.

The UAE is well-placed to deliver practical solutions to slash emissions and ensure 1.5°C remains within reach by 2030.

Referring to the statement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, President of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Supreme Commander of the U.A.E Armed forces when announcing the theme for COP28 He stated, “Effective climate action requires a shared vision and collective will. As host of COP28, we are committed to fulfilling our role as a global convener and will continue to support action and innovation in the field of sustainability.”. We, as such, reconfirm that the UAE Ministry of Education plays an essential role in promoting the research capabilities at higher education institutions and putting great emphasis and priority on research that aims to improve sustainability both locally and globally. In addition, we place intense focus on showcasing the role of talented researchers at these educational entities who have tirelessly worked to develop innovative solutions in the field of climate change and sustainability.

The stories in this issue of Innovation@UAE Magazine are rich with ingenious ideas, solutions, and innovative products, utilizing advanced technologies that help the UAE meet its sustainability goals in the energy sector, agriculture, water management, human and animal life, transportation, and smart city development.

Many interesting topics have been tackled in this issue such as carbon-negative bio-desalination process using algae, sustainable agriculture with hydroponics, photovoltaic plus thermal batteries, and date seeds that turn waste into wealth and energy, and many more.

Once again, I am impressed with the level of innovation that our universities are adding to our country and our youth. Hope you will enjoy this issue as much as I have.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Al-Mualla Undersecretary for Academic Affairs Ministry of Education