UAE Declares 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability'

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)
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UAE Declares 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability'

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has declared 2023 the “Year of Sustainability” under the slogan “Today for Tomorrow.”

The "Year of Sustainability" will include several initiatives, activities, and events that draw upon the UAE's deep-rooted values of sustainability.

It will also focus on raising awareness about environmental sustainability and encouraging collective action toward achieving sustainable development and supporting national strategies.

The year also aims to showcase the UAE’s commitment to fostering a global collaboration in seeking innovative solutions to challenges, such as energy, climate change, and other pressing issues related to sustainability.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed would oversee the initiatives of the “Year of Sustainability”.

“Sustainability has been a fundamental principle in the United Arab Emirates since its unification. The nation continues to serve as an exceptional model for environmental conservation and resource management, “said the UAE President.

“Today for Tomorrow embodies the UAE’s approach and commitment to sustainability and its responsibility to protect the future. By working, making efforts, and initiating actions today, we are ensuring that we leave behind a legacy of stewardship for future generations, just as our ancestors did for us.”

President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that the Year of Sustainability has particular significance as the UAE prepares to host the 28th United Nations climate change summit, the Conference of Parties (COP28).

He said that the UAE is determined for COP28 to set a precedent in the collective global efforts to address climate change.

He invited community members and institutions to engage with related initiatives and activities.

The announcement comes following the successful conclusion of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023.

This further cements the UAE's position as a leader in promoting sustainability awareness both domestically and internationally and reinforces its commitment to tackling the challenges associated with it.

The UAE has long been a leader in promoting clean energy and building effective partnerships for the benefit of the global community.

One notable partnership is the UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), which will catalyze $100 billion in implementing clean energy projects in the UAE, the US, and the world.



Saudi Interior Ministry Enforces Penalties for Violating Hajj Permit Rules

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Enforces Penalties for Violating Hajj Permit Rules

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Colonel Talal bin Shalhoub, Spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Interior, announced that penalties are now being implemented against those performing Hajj, entering, or staying in Makkah and the holy sites without a permit. He made the remarks during a session at the Digital Communication Conference.
The Spokesman stated that anyone caught performing Hajj without a permit, or entering or staying in Makkah or the holy sites on a visit visa, faces a fine of up to SAR20000, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.
He added that anyone facilitating these violations—such as applying for visas, transporting, sheltering, concealing, or otherwise assisting violators—faces a fine of up to SAR100000.
Fines are applied per individual violation. Residents or overstayers caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will be deported and banned from the Kingdom for 10 years, he noted.
Bin Shalhoub also warned against fraudulent Hajj schemes that falsely promise services such as accommodation, transport, surrogate Hajj services, sacrificial animals, or fake bracelets.
He also highlighted the ongoing "Makkah Route" initiative, part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, operating at 11 airports in 7 countries. Launched in 1438 AH (2017 AD), the initiative has served 940,657 pilgrims.