Environmental sustainability has become a cornerstone of national development agendas as public and private sector entities bid to reduce the carbon footprints of countries and businesses. Given the GCC’s vast sovereign wealth and the region’s prominent position in global fossil fuel production and distribution, its members have a leading role to play in the development and implementation of eco-friendly systems and solutions.
According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, around 23% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the transport industry, while switching commercial air and maritime transport to biofuels usage could facilitate a 90% reduction in global emissions. The UAE has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with strategic roadmaps under implementation at both the federal and emirate levels. Ajman Vision 2030, launched in March 2024, strategises the implementation of sustainable mobility solutions, while the emirate’s drive to create a green logistics economy predates the development roadmap. In 2021 Ajman Free Zone launched a Dh36m ($9.8m) eco-friendly zone project. The zone spans over 9000 sq metres and contains 82 multi-purpose units and service blocks designed and operated with in-built waste reduction and energy-efficient capabilities. For cargo, railways are seen to offer the most environmentally sustainable mode of transport, and with the completion of the freight arm of the country-wide Etihad rail network, the UAE has made significant strides towards creating a more sustainable national logistics ecosystem.
Net-Zero Drive
In 2023 Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority launched a strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 for its public transport system. This was the first instance of a Middle Eastern government entity to set a date for the decarbonisation of public transport systems, aligning with the federal government’s 2050 net-zero pledge. Light rail, rapid-transit metro systems are key to reducing traffic congestion and emissions in and around cities, with the Dubai Metro replacing around 1bn car journeys, reducing carbon emissions by 2.6m tonnes and providing economic benefits valued around Dh115bn ($31.3bn) between 2009 and 2022.
Bus networks are also being expanded across the UAE, with September 2024 bringing the rollout of Abu Dhabi’s Green Bus service – a fleet powered by clean hydrogen fuels and electricity. The aim is to phase out diesel-powered buses reduce carbon emissions by 100,000 tonnes per year. Sharjah also launched its inter-city electric bus fleet in September 2024, with 10 vehicles servicing three lines. The inter-emirate bus route expansion and the planned addition of Etihad rail passenger services demonstrate the government’s ability to respond to the needs of its population, with the requirement of more integrated public transit systems touted by stakeholders in recent years.
Ajman’s government is intent on implementing sustainable transport solutions. In October 2024 the Ajman Transport Authority announced that its entire fleet of taxis is now comprised of eco-friendly vehicles, well ahead of the target year of 2030. As with Abu Dhabi’s buses, many of the new taxis run on a combination of clean hydrogen and electricity, while others are standard hybrid vehicles. The newly greened fleet, comprising 2274 vehicles, was phased in starting in 2015 and by October 2024 had accumulated 8.6m trips.
Urban Solutions
Ajman’s size makes cycling and walking more viable options than in the larger emirates. Harnessing that advantage through urban planning is central to the goals of Ajman Vision 2030. While construction and renovation required to implement cycle lanes and rest stations are not as extensive as those required to build tram and metro networks, challenges faced in Dubai illustrate the need for a strategic approach to modernising urban mobility. Dubai Police announced in September 2024 that it had confiscated 3779 personal mobility vehicles, including regular and electric bicycles and e-scooters, due to the safety risks they present when used on regular road thoroughfares.
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