Rashid bin Humaid Council: UAE is a Leading Model in Integrating Waste Management with Energy Policies

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, affirmed that the United Arab Emirates attaches great importance to waste management and enhancing the environmental sustainability system, stemming from its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving land and natural resources.

This came during the fourth Ramadan session of the Rashid bin Humaid Ramadan Council under the title “Integrating Waste Management with Energy Policies to Achieve Carbon Neutrality”, held under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, and Her Excellency Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, with the participation of His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Youssef Ahmed Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Federal Electricity and Water Authority, and in the presence of a number of officials, experts and specialists.

The session, moderated by media personality Marwan Al Shehhi, addressed the promotion of constructive dialogue to support energy efficiency and sustainability, and focused on the UAE’s distinguished model of leadership in environmental initiatives.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi noted that government departments and institutions work in an integrated and collaborative manner, under the direct guidance of the wise leadership, to achieve the State’s aspirations of building an advanced waste management system based on joint planning, cooperation and consultation between various concerned entities.

He added that this integration contributes to enhancing the quality of life for the community and ensuring a better future for coming generations, through adopting innovative solutions, harnessing technology and modern techniques, and applying best practices in sustainable work, enabling the transformation of environmental challenges into developmental opportunities that support the State’s sustainability journey.

For her part, Her Excellency Dr Amna Al Dahak affirmed that the Emirate of Ajman has become a leading model in the journey of comprehensive development and sustainable improvement across various sectors, including the environmental sector, thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, and under the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council.

Her Excellency noted that Ajman today represents a beacon of sustainable and comprehensive development, in light of continuous efforts to enhance environmental practices and adopt sustainability-supporting initiatives.

She emphasized that the integrated UAE model, based on joint work and coordination between the various Emirates of the State, has contributed to achieving development and prosperity under various circumstances and challenges, touching upon the national waste management agenda, which can be transformed into an important economic resource contributing to the requirements of the circular economy, if managed through scientific and sustainable methods that keep pace with best global practices.

For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi explained that global waste figures indicate that waste represents a growing environmental and financial burden on countries if not managed properly, yet conversely constitutes an important economic resource when converted into energy or repurposed within the circular economy system.

His Excellency affirmed that the UAE has adopted a proactive approach in this field through signing and committing to numerous international agreements, enhancing global efforts to protect the environment and achieve sustainability.

He added that the achievements realized are the result of the government’s vision and close cooperation between various entities and institutions, which has enabled the UAE today to rank first in the Gulf and regionally, and tenth globally in environmental performance efficiency. He spoke about waste-to-energy projects being implemented by the State, including the project currently being executed by Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, explaining that these projects represent one of the innovative solutions for waste management and the investment of advanced technology, modern systems and enablers that support the implementation of these projects.

His Excellency Youssef Ahmed Al Ali noted that waste sorting represents the most important and valuable stage in the waste management system, given its direct role in enhancing the economic viability of recycling projects and waste-to-energy conversion.

His Excellency explained that the coming phase requires an integrated regulatory framework to support this sector, alongside intensifying awareness efforts directed at companies and community members regarding the importance, costs and economic and environmental opportunities of this field.

His Excellency added that the Federal Electricity and Water Authority is working in cooperation with various entities and institutions to develop clear plans and shared objectives for advancing waste-to-energy projects and clean energy generation, contributing to achieving optimal utilization of resources and enhancing the sustainable energy system in the State.

His Excellency Youssef Ahmed Al Ali highlighted the importance of joint work and continuous coordination between concerned entities to implement these projects according to best practices, affirming that constructive cooperation with Ajman Municipality and Planning Department represents a successful model of institutional integration that supports the achievement of environmental and developmental goals.

He also addressed efforts to support farmers and encourage them to use solar energy systems for power generation, within the framework of enhancing sustainability and reducing operational costs, affirming that these initiatives are aligned with the targets of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the State’s plans for transitioning towards clean energy and achieving sustainable development.