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.



Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
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Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has begun a tour of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, marking his second visit to the region and his first since most international sanctions on Syria were lifted.

The trip, which began in the United Arab Emirates, underscores Damascus’s push to reintegrate economically and diplomatically into the Arab world after more than a decade of isolation.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the tour aims to bolster economic cooperation and attract Gulf investments to support Syria’s national reconstruction and development plans.

Al-Sharaa arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders held official talks focusing on post-war recovery, economic partnership, and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the meeting, al-Sharaa said Syria has “turned the page on war and division” and is now focused on building “strategic partnerships” with its Gulf neighbors. He praised the UAE’s role in supporting regional stability and expressed interest in learning from the Emirati model in sustainable development, digital transformation, and clean energy.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s full support for Syria’s efforts to restore stability and rebuild its war-torn economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, especially in key sectors such as infrastructure, investment, and technology.