UAE to Invest $163 Billion in Clean Energy to Achieve 2050 Net-zero Targets

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed listens to Mheiri’s explanation in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Jaber at the UAE pavilion at "Expo 2020 Dubai" (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed listens to Mheiri’s explanation in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Jaber at the UAE pavilion at "Expo 2020 Dubai" (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)
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UAE to Invest $163 Billion in Clean Energy to Achieve 2050 Net-zero Targets

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed listens to Mheiri’s explanation in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Jaber at the UAE pavilion at "Expo 2020 Dubai" (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed listens to Mheiri’s explanation in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Jaber at the UAE pavilion at "Expo 2020 Dubai" (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)

The United Arab Emirates announced the UAE Net-Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement, which calls on countries to prepare long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 C compared to pre-industrial levels.

The UAE will invest more than 600 billion dirhams ($163.3 billion) in clean and renewable energy over the next several years to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed on Thursday.

The UAE will "play a global role in combating climate change", Sheikh Mohammed posted on Twitter.

"The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative announced today is consistent with the longstanding vision of the UAE and its people to make a significant contribution to global sustainability efforts while supporting economic and human development both at home and around the world."

Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber said, "The UAE Net Zero Strategic Initiative is an open invitation to the world to collaborate with the UAE in developing practical solutions, boosting multilateralism, and creating opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development.”

Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Minister of State for Food Security Mariam Al Mheiri stressed that research will play a key role in dealing with climate change in the coming years.

The energy strategy revealed by the UAE back in 2017 aims to increase efficiency in personal and corporate energy consumption by 40 percent, bring the total share of clean energy from 25 percent to 50 percent and save up to 700 billion dirhams ($190.5 billion) by 2050.



Berlin Eyes Partnership with Riyadh in Expo 2030, Climate Cooperation, Hydrogen Initiatives

Saudi and German flags fluttering - File Photo/Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi and German flags fluttering - File Photo/Asharq Al-Awsat
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Berlin Eyes Partnership with Riyadh in Expo 2030, Climate Cooperation, Hydrogen Initiatives

Saudi and German flags fluttering - File Photo/Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi and German flags fluttering - File Photo/Asharq Al-Awsat

A senior German official affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia across various fields, noting that bilateral trade relations continue to grow steadily, with trade volume reaching around 7 billion Euros.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab said: “The sectors driving this growth—chemicals, machinery, and transport—reflect the strong industrial connections we share. These are areas where German expertise is making a real difference in Saudi Arabia’s development.”

He added: “Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about. Expo 2030 is an incredible opportunity for us to further deepen our collaboration, showcase the best of what both Saudi Arabia and Germany have to offer, and inspire future generations to continue building on this remarkable partnership.”

German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab - Asharq Al-Awsat

Renewable Energy

On climate cooperation, the official said: “As for climate cooperation, we have just launched a relevant study on the Saudi labor market in the renewable energy sector, which was reviewed by the National Labor Observatory and discussed with experts of KAPSARC, KaCare and PSU. This is a great example of our close and meaningful partnership, tackling the challenges of today with an eye on the future.”

Blossoming Relations

Kindsgrab noted that Saudi-German relations are truly blossoming, saying: "I am proud to see our partnership becoming deeper and stronger across so many areas. From a personal perspective, it is inspiring to witness the growing bonds between our two countries. These ties span a wide range of sectors, including energy, transport, architecture, health, education and culture—creating a solid foundation for the future.”

“One of the most exciting aspects of our cooperation is in the area of energy transition. German innovation is at the heart of NEOM’s green hydrogen projects, with Thyssenkrupp Nucera playing a key technological role in making the vision of decarbonization of industry a reality,” he affirmed.

“Beyond energy, we’re also seeing significant progress in transport, where Siemens’ delivery of metro wagons helped to shape the modern infrastructure of Saudi cities. And let’s not forget the impact of German architecture in megaprojects such as King Salman Park or the design of Expo 2030, which I believe will be a landmark event for both our countries, ” added Kindsgrab.

“In the health sector, the collaboration with Charité in Berlin is another example of how our nations are working together to improve lives.”

Accelerated Cultural Cooperation

“And now, I am particularly excited to see the acceleration of cultural cooperation, such as the recently launched museum initiative between the Saudi Museums Commission and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation of Germany,” the German ambassador stressed.

“This cooperation emerged as part of our shared efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties and will play an enriching role for the cultural relations, as it includes a loan program for artworks, joint curatorship and training programs to support talent development,” he concluded.