Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (DUBAI)
In the dynamic landscape of global climate action, the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) stands out for its innovative approach towards sustainability and technology.
In an interview with Aletihad, Tariq Al Hashmi, the Director of Technology Adoption and Development at MoIAT, encapsulated the strategic vision of the UAE in fostering an ecosystem where technology and sustainability intersect to drive meaningful change.
Al Hashmi began by outlining the foundational ethos of the Ministry’s strategy, emphasising the integration of sustainability as a core element. “Since the launch of our integrated National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, or what we call ‘Operation 300bn’, we have placed an important focus and emphasis on sustainability from the get go,” he explained.
This approach, reflecting the nation’s role as a global player and its belief in harmonising sustainability with economic growth, is underscored by the UAE’s focus on green manufacturing and the integration of advanced climate technologies into its industrial ecosystem.
COP28: Showcasing Diversity
Regarding COP28, Al Hashmi detailed the Ministry’s unique participation, underscoring their inclusive approach to problem solving in the climate arena. “We have the MoIAT pavilion, as well as the technology and innovation hub, which is hosting a number of ecosystem players of different sizes, different backgrounds. We have startups, SMEs, industrial players,” he said.
“This pavilion is really a reflection of the advanced industrial and technology ecosystem here in the UAE,” he added. This diversity of participation was deliberate, aiming to create an inclusive platform essential for comprehensive climate action.
“We need everyone on the board,” Al Hashmi emphasised, reflecting the UAE’s strategy of integrating diverse technologies and ideas to achieve its sustainability goals. The Ministry’s focus at COP28 was not just about showcasing technologies, but also about practical solutions.
Al Hashmi stated: “We wanted our participation to be really practical, and solution focused, and hence, the focus on startups and SMEs, who are bringing new, innovative disruptive technologies.” This approach aimed to drive conversations on scaling up these technologies and accelerating their deployment, a crucial step in the practical application of innovative solutions to climate challenges, he said.
When discussing the criteria for selecting startups to work with, Al Hashmi highlighted the urgency of impactful innovation. “We wanted the most disruptive, we wanted the most impactful, because we don’t have much time until 2030,” he remarked, pointing out the need for technologies that can deliver maximum impact in the shortest duration.
The Ministry’s focus encompassed a range of fields, including digital and platform technologies, hydrogen, CCUS, and energy storage, among others, Al Hashmi underscored. He also elaborated on the extensive support the Ministry provides to these startups, emphasising the importance of creating an enabling ecosystem. “We’re providing them with access,” he said, referring to the unique opportunity for startups to connect with investors at the world’s largest climate event.
The Ministry’s role extends to offering unique programmes, such as The National In-Country Value Programme and an incentive scheme for technology companies, which include residency programmes and access to financing, he underscored.
This comprehensive support system is designed to facilitate the growth and scaling of innovative startups in the climate technology sector, Al Hashmi added. Al Hashmi spoke about the distinctive nature of COP28 and its focus on technology as a driver of climate action. He noted: “So definitely, this is a unique COP. It’s a COP of action, a COP of implementation.
And this is the way the COP28 Presidency is driving the efforts.”
Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future
Al Hashmi also touched upon the broader implications of technological advancement in addressing global challenges. “We live in a world where we have finite resources,” he remarked, highlighting the multiple issues faced by our planet, from energy demands to water scarcity.
In this context, he sees innovation and technology as not just tools, but as essential elements for a sustainable future. “It’s my belief that if we have a magical tool, it’s innovation and technology.” This belief is grounded in the historical progression of human societies through technological advancements, he explained, adding that investing in future technologies would ensure a fair and sustainable world for future generations.
As Al Hashmi stated, the path to a sustainable future is through harnessing the power of technology, a strategy that not only addresses the immediate challenges of climate change but also paves the way for enduring prosperity and environmental stewardship.
UAE’s Leadership in Sustainable Energy Development
Discussing the UAE’s distinctive stance in the realm of sustainable technology, Al Hashmi pointed out that the country has a long tradition of investing in innovations and thinking about the future.
“If you look at the UAE, investing in sustainability, investing in renewable energy and the energies of the future, this is not something new,” he said.
He drew attention to the country’s long-term commitment to sustainability, exemplified by the establishment of Masdar in 2006. “We have invested significant funding in renewable energy projects, be it here in the UAE, or abroad,” he added, highlighting the country’s belief in the power and importance of solar and nuclear energy. Al Hashmi further emphasised the UAE’s strategic approach to balancing its rich hydrocarbon resources with a forward-looking investment in renewable energies, noting that nuclear energy will supply a big portion of the electricity in the UAE.
“This is all clean electricity, renewables; we are scaling solar to a great extent,” he said, underlining the country’s significant strides in diversifying its energy portfolio. Al Hashmi also spoke about the recent announcement of the World Industrial Day established by MoIAT in collaboration with the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.
“So I think it was really unique, it was announced during COP28,” he noted, underscoring the significance of this initiative. The launch of the World Industrial Day aims to address the considerable emissions from the industrial sector, which is a critical challenge in the global fight against climate change. Al Hashmi’s vision for this initiative is not just confined to the UAE but extends globally.
“I think it’s also a call for action for not just the UAE but the region and the world. I think we can do it. We have the levers, but it requires unity, and it requires action,” he said, urging not only regional but also international cooperation and commitment towards a more sustainable industrial future.
