Interview:Khalid Al Marzooqi Which particular challenges and opportunities does the transition to a net-zero emissions economy present for the district cooling industry? KHALID AL MARZOOQI: District cooling is the most energy-efficient and cost-effective solution in high-density cities, and the technology is essential in wider decarbonisation efforts. In hot climates such as the Middle East,…
Interview:Awaidha Murshed Al Marar How can Abu Dhabi’s electricity segment adapt to the UAE’s decarbonisation obligations? AWAIDHA MURSHED AL MARAR: In October 2021 the UAE became the first country in the MENA region to announce a national net-zero initiative, with the target year being 2050. Abu Dhabi, which is the largest emirate and accounts for 60% of the UAE’s energy consumption, will…
Interview:Maryam Buti Al Suwaidi In what ways is innovation helping to streamline business operations in capital markets? MARYAM BUTI AL SUWAIDI: The financial sector is experiencing rapid growth, and financial services firms are adopting flexible business models. As the regulator of capital markets in the UAE, the SCA closely monitors challenges and risks. The emergence of new products, services…
Interview:Khaled Mohamed Balama To what extent can the regulatory landscape help banks benefit from disruptive technologies? KHALED MOHAMED BALAMA: The regulatory landscape in the UAE is under continuous review to ensure that it develops in line with the changes seen in financial technology. As such, we are constantly updating regulations to enable the responsible use of emerging technologies,…
Interview:Ahmed Khalifa AlQubaisi What lessons were learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, and how can local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) address economic challenges? AHMED KHALIFA ALQUBAISI: The preparedness of the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, was an outcome of its proactive strategy in reinforcing its economic infrastructure. Given that more than 94% of enterprises operating in the…
Interview:Ahmed Al Naqbi How do you assess the progress of economic diversification, and how can the banking sector capitalise on such progress to generate growth? AHMED AL NAQBI: The UAE has a diversification programme to transform the economy from its traditional reliance on oil and gas to one based on knowledge, technology and skilled labour. While many economies expand vertically, building…
Interview:Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi In what ways is ADDED supporting wider government efforts to diversify the economy? AHMED JASIM AL ZAABI: Fostering Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and resilience will continue to be the key focus, as will developing our human capital and attracting talent. ADDED plays a vital role in driving Abu Dhabi’s economic development, as well as leading the transition…
Interview:Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan How do you view the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in achieving the objectives of the UAE’s industry sector strategy, Operation 300bn? SHEIKH MANSOUR BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN: FDI is a fundamental component of the country’s economic strategy, and we expect the sector to make a substantial contribution to GDP. Further, we aim to enhance our…
Interview:Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan In what ways can local and international stakeholders support Abu Dhabi’s sustainable growth? SHEIKHA SHAMMA BINT SULTAN BIN KHALIFA AL NAHYAN: The focus on sustainability at COP28 UN Conference on Climate Change, which will be held in the UAE in November 2023, presents opportunities for the public and private sectors. NGOs and academia…
