Adopting circular economy principles – something that will hopefully become a “new normal” guiding global economies – could deliver $26 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, according to the Global Commission on Economy and Climate. Here in Abu Dhabi, we are building a circular economy ourselves – one that, as part of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy’s vision for 2031, will enable us to become the most competitive industrial hub in the region.
A circular economy facilitates getting the most out of raw materials, and keeping products and resources in use by designing them to be cycled back into the economy, thus eliminating waste and increasing industrial growth. By boosting industrial output, we are maximising economic opportunities and safeguarding cost competitiveness, ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains an attractive global industrial hub.
I’m proud to say that this has been made possible by the continual support of the government. As part of the emirate’s new Industrial Strategy, it will see Abu Dhabi’s government invest Dh10 billion ($2.72bn) in order to double the size of the manufacturing sector by 2031. To support this, a new circular economy regulatory framework will be developed to ensure that industry in Abu Dhabi is underpinned by sustainable values. In addition, new initiatives will support further environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria to create new business openings. They will also incentivise businesses to demonstrate sustainable credentials as they contribute to – and gain from – a circular economy.
This is not just for the benefit of the fight against climate change – it is necessary for future economic resilience. The net-zero necessity is no longer an additional bonus. It has become a core principle for businesses.
A plan for a smart circular economy catalyses value creation and ensures cost competitiveness. And with the combination of Abu Dhabi’s beneficial public-private partner (PPP) business ecosystem and investor-friendly regulations, we are ushering in a new era of economic growth.
The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy is increasing the pool of talent by providing rewarding career paths in manufacturing, equipping people with the right skills for industries of the future. This in turn helps strengthen R&D knowledge, improve local supply and production and enable greater co-operation among PPP organisations. By leveraging new technologies and fostering innovation, we are increasingly creating a cohesive industrial sector.
Rapid advances as a global industrial pioneer are key to the emirate’s future. The manufacturing sector is playing a pivotal role in the diversification of the national economy, with Abu Dhabi currently accounting for 40 per cent of the UAE’s manufacturing.
Over the past 15 years, Abu Dhabi has invested over Dh51bn ($13.88bn) and has established a vigorous industrial infrastructure, and our adherence to a circular economy continues to enhance our position as a global destination for industry.
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Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
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Sinopharm vaccine explained
The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades.
“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.
"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."
This is then injected into the body.
"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.
"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."
The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.
Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.
“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
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