Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman (MPDA), asserted that the UAE places great importance on waste management and enhancing environmental sustainability, stemming from its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving the land and natural resources.

This came during the fourth Ramadan session of the Rashid bin Humaid Ramadan Majlis, dubbed “Integrating Waste Management with Energy Policies to Achieve Zero Carbon,” under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Her Excellency Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and with the participation of His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EtihadWE), and a number of officials, experts, and specialists.

The session, moderated by Media Figure Marawan Al Shehhi, addressed promoting constructive dialogue to support energy efficiency and sustainability, and highlighted the UAE’s exemplary model of leadership in environmental initiatives.

His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi pointed out that government departments and institutions are working in an integrated and collaborative manner, under the direct guidance of the wise leadership, to achieve the nation’s aspirations in building an advanced waste management system based on joint planning, cooperation, and consultation among the various stakeholders.

This integration contributes to enhancing the quality of life for the community and ensuring a better future for generations to come, through adopting innovative solutions, harnessing modern technologies and techniques, and implementing best practices in sustainable work. This enables the transformation of environmental challenges into development opportunities that support the nation’s sustainability journey, His Excellency added.

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

Ajman today stands as a beacon of sustainable and comprehensive development, thanks to ongoing efforts to promote environmental practices and adopt initiatives that support sustainability, Her Excellency noted.

The UAE’s integrated model, based on joint action and coordination among the various emirates, has played great part in achieving development and prosperity under diverse circumstances and challenges, Her Excellency emphasized, touching upon the national waste management agenda, which can be transformed into a significant economic resource that contributes to supporting the requirements of the circular economy, if managed scientifically and sustainably in line with global best practices.

For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi explained that global statistics on waste indicate that it constitutes an increasing environmental and financial burden on countries if not managed properly. However, it also represents a significant economic resource when converted into energy or reused within the circular economy framework.

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

These achievements are a result of the government’s vision and close cooperation between various entities and institutions, which has enabled the UAE to rank first in the Gulf and the region, and tenth globally, in environmental performance efficiency, His Excellency added, speaking about the waste-to-energy projects being implemented by the country, including the project currently being undertaken by the MPDA. These projects represent innovative solutions for waste management, leveraging advanced technologies, modern systems, and enabling factors that support their implementation, His Excellency noted.

For his part, His Excellency Yousef Ahmed Al Ali pointed out that waste sorting is the most important and valuable stage in the waste management system, given its direct role in enhancing the economic viability of recycling and waste-to-energy projects.

The next phase requires a comprehensive regulatory framework to support this sector, along with intensified awareness efforts targeting companies and members of the community about the importance of this field, its costs, and its economic and environmental opportunities, His Excellency explained.

His Excellency added that EtihadWE is working in cooperation with various entities and institutions to develop clear plans and objectives for waste-to-energy projects and clean energy generation, contributing to the optimal utilization of resources and strengthening the country’s sustainable energy system.

His Excellency pointed to the importance of joint work and continuous coordination among the relevant authorities to implement these projects according to best practices. He emphasized that the constructive cooperation with the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department represents a successful model of institutional integration that supports the achievement of environmental and developmental goals.

His Excellency also addressed efforts to support and encourage farmers to use solar energy systems for power generation, within the framework of promoting sustainability and reducing operational costs, affirming that these initiatives align with the objectives of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the country’s plans for transitioning to clean energy and achieving sustainable development.