Dubai to encourage public, private sector link to reinforce circular economy

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has launched the Circular Economy Committee to bring public and private entities together to support the circular economy.

The Committee will develop actionable initiatives to upscale current applications and introduce best international practices in circular economies.

A circular economy is an economic system that focuses on reducing the extraction of natural resources, minimising waste, and regenerate natural systems. In a circular economy, raw materials, components and products keep their value for as long as possible, while renewable energy sources are used.

“The UAE attaches great importance to achieving sustainable and effective use of natural resources by transitioning to a green economy and increasing the share of clean and renewable energy sources. The UAE Circular Economy Policy identifies the country’s priorities in terms of a circular economy. Priorities include infrastructure, sustainable transportation, manufacturing, food production and consumption,” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said.

The Committee aims to encourage investment in the circular economy and propose viable suggestions that support the upscaling of current applications and best international practices in this regard.

This achieves economic growth while protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.

“We strive to support start-ups and develop the capabilities of entrepreneurs in this vital sector in addition to encouraging the utilisation of modern technologies capabilities by enhancing the efficiency of natural resources and promoting sustainable practices to reuse resources, reduce waste, limit carbon emissions, and build a better future for generations to come,” he added.

Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Energy Demand Side Management Executive Committee, chaired the Circular Economy Committee kick-off meeting.

Members included representatives from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Economy, Dubai Science Park, Emaar Properties, and Diamond Developers.

“We are pleased with the response to suggestions discussed in the first meeting of the Circular Economy Committee. We already see several excellent examples of circularity that can be scaled up across Dubai,” Al Muhairbi said.

The Committee discussed some examples of global best practices, with next steps in developing initiatives and tools to support further the circular economy across different sectors in Dubai.