UAE Approves Developing the Circular Economy Policy 2031

Prime Minister and Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)
Prime Minister and Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)
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UAE Approves Developing the Circular Economy Policy 2031

Prime Minister and Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)
Prime Minister and Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)

The Emirati Cabinet approved developing the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, as an updated framework to achieve the objectives of the UAE in the circular economy, the UAE's Green Agenda 2030, and the UAE Centennial 2071.

The Agenda includes developing 22 policies in various fields, including sustainable transport, sustainable food production and consumption, sustainable manufacturing, and green infrastructure.

The UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter was approved by the Cabinet, reported the state news agency WAM.

The charter aims to create a unified framework between the Federal government and the local governments of the Emirates, ensuring cooperation in adopting policies and procedures to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Prime Minister and Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “We approved four international agreements and the establishment of an office for the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in the country.”

“The bank brings in 57 countries, with a starting capital of $100 billion, and aims at driving investments in infrastructure to promote Asia’s accelerated development.”

Sheikh Mohammed added: “During the meeting, we adopted the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031. Also, we reviewed the UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment report and its action plan for the upcoming period, to achieve UAE Net Zero by 2050.”

“We approved the ‘Ajyal Schools’ model which includes managing 28 government schools by operators from the private sector for three years to ensure experience transfer and diversification of educational choices for parents.”

The Cabinet also approved the launch of the “UAE Award for Market Leadership” that recognizes distinct practices and honors leading businessmen and employees, and highlight the competitiveness of the UAE labor market.



How Will Gulf Stock Markets Perform this Summer?

Saudi Stock Market (Tadawul) (AFP)
Saudi Stock Market (Tadawul) (AFP)
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How Will Gulf Stock Markets Perform this Summer?

Saudi Stock Market (Tadawul) (AFP)
Saudi Stock Market (Tadawul) (AFP)

Financial analysts and market experts predict a downturn for Gulf stock markets this summer. They foresee lower stock values, reduced trading volumes, sectoral stagnation, delayed investment decisions, and a focus on holding strong positions in high-performing large-cap stocks.

This trend is driven by the majority of traders taking their annual vacations during this period. Typically, sectors like travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality see seasonal growth in summer.

From the start of 2024 to mid-year, Gulf markets have shown mixed results. Muscat Securities Market rose by 3.8%, Bahrain Bourse by 3.5%, and Kuwait Stock Exchange by 1.33%. However, Qatar Stock Exchange dropped by 8.02%, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange by 5.4%, Saudi Arabia’s main index by 1.99%, and Dubai Financial Market slightly by 0.7%.

Tareq Al-Ateeq, a financial analyst, told Asharq Al-Awsat that investor behavior across Gulf markets tends to align during summer due to holiday seasons and high temperatures, leading to lower liquidity and fluctuating market indices.

Investors are delaying decisions until summer ends, focusing on robust positions in large-cap and defensive stocks, which is expected to dampen market liquidity and activity in July and August 2024.

Certain sectors like travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality are anticipated to see increased trading during the summer. Some investors aim to capitalize on market downturns by adjusting their sector allocations.

In 2023, markets like Dubai saw a 6% monthly increase, with Saudi Arabia's market index rising by 4%. Oman also experienced a 3.1% increase, while Qatar and Bahrain markets declined by 0.8% and 0.3% respectively.

Key sectors such as consumer goods, utilities, tourism, hospitality, and energy are showing increased trading activity and interest during the summer season.