In a significant step towards advancing the circular economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the UAE Circular Economy Council held its second meeting for 2023. Chaired by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, the meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of circular economy policies in four key sectors: manufacturing, food, infrastructure, and transport. The meeting took place at the Envirol Recycling Plant, Alserkal, and was attended by representatives from various government ministries, Alserkal Group, Borouge, and technology company IBM.
According to the source, Emirates News Agency, the meeting, graced by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), delved into plans and experiences related to circular economy industries, as well as the latest developments in the field. Sheikha Shamma highlighted the need to integrate circular economy principles into the economic value chain to achieve the goal of reaching net-zero emissions. She emphasized the importance of accurately assessing, researching and redesigning existing systems worldwide to facilitate a smooth transition from a linear to a circular economy model.
Mariam Almheiri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to the circular economy due to its pivotal role in achieving climate and environmental goals. She stressed the significance of recycling, reducing material consumption, and minimizing harmful emissions in the circular economy model. Almheiri pointed out that the meeting coincided with World Environment Day, which focused on finding solutions for plastic pollution, a critical component of the circular economy. She highlighted the UAE’s efforts in recycling, waste management, and the formulation of policies to address food loss, waste, and single-use products.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Policy Committee of the UAE Circular Economy Council, commended the UAE’s progress in developing an integrated circular economy system in line with global best practices. Al-Marri outlined the achievements of the Policy Committee, which has developed and implemented 22 circular economy policies across manufacturing, infrastructure, food, and transport sectors. These policies contribute to enhancing resource utilization and positioning the UAE as a global hub for the circular economy.
During the meeting, plans presented by various entities were reviewed. The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment presented a plan addressing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), waste separation, and the creation of a national database for materials from collection to recycling. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s plans included standardizing electric vehicle charging systems, developing a manual for electric vehicle infrastructure readiness, and exploring sustainable aviation fuel options.
Al Serkal Group shared its sustainability journey and circular economy initiatives, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in the field. BOROUGE & Circularity, known for unique polymer solutions, highlighted efforts to enable post-consumer recycling, establish a packaging center of excellence, and drive a circular economy free of plastic waste. IBM showcased its sustainability technology solutions, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in enabling a circular economy and enhancing supply chain sustainability.
The meeting served as an important platform to discuss the circular economy’s progress and initiatives in the UAE. It reinforced the commitment of public and private sector entities to sustainable development, aligning with the UAE’s vision for the future and its preparations to host the Conference of the Parties (COP28) this year. These collective efforts are crucial in achieving the UAE’s NetZero 2050 strategic initiative and building a more sustainable and prosperous future.