Dubai’s integrated vision for the future

Largest concentrated solar power project in the world

Covering an area of 44 sqkm, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is at the heart of Dubai’s commitment to create a world-class infrastructure for sustainability and a robust foundation for building an environmentally-friendly future. It is the cornerstone to achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

It has recently inaugurated the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project in the world featuring the tallest solar tower and the largest thermal energy storage capacity, according to the Guiness World Records. This latest fourth phase provides clean energy to about 320,000 residences and reduces carbon emissions by about 1.6 million tonnes annually using three hybrid technologies with investment totalling AED15.78 billion (approx. £3 billion). Using the Independent Power Producer model, it has also achieved the lowest global prices, making Dubai a benchmark for solar energy project prices worldwide.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Innovation Centre is also situated in the Solar Park. A global incubator for innovation in fields of clean and renewable energy, it hosts events designed to provide pioneering experiences and build partnerships with organisations and universities as well as raise awareness.

Its conference hall offers 4,355 sqm of space and a ceiling height of around 88 metres, making it ideal for drone and hologram shows. Its interactive experiences include an autonomous bus ride using Metaverse technology to take a virtual tour of the Solar Park.

Year of Sustainability 2024

The United Arab Emirates has announced that it plans to continue 2023’s Year of Sustainability into 2024 to reaffirm its commitment to fostering a sustainable future for all. It aims to build on the initiatives and achievements already in motion including raising awareness of sustainability values and encouraging behaviour changes that inspire collective progress.

Many international associations are already part of the conversation and events held in Dubai will find experts, academics, scientists and government leaders eager to engage in shaping initiatives for the future.

Expo City Dubai

Expo City Dubai was built and designed for Expo 2020 as a blueprint for sustainable urban living. Home to the Dubai Exhibition Centre - host to COP28, where it welcomed 70,000 heads of government, industry leaders, experts and academics - Expo City Dubai showcases the latest innovations in energy efficient infrastructure and buildings. Its decarbonisation roadmap includes integrating 15-minute city planning to encourage walking and micro-mobility; implementing energy efficiency and circular economy practices to cut emissions and tackling remaining emissions through projects such as mangrove restoration.

It is well worth including a visit to the Terra – Sustainability Pavilion

Dubai World Trade Centre sets an example

The city’s largest event venue is the Dubai World Trade Centre and it has long been at the forefront when it comes to sustainability. Its commitment to reducing energy consumption, conserving valuable resources and minimising waste has earned it Green Globe certification.

One of its flagship projects has been the introduction of photovoltaic solar panels, generating 3.5 MW. Committed to achieving a net-zero sustainable future and positively impacting the environment, DWTC aims to serve as a role model and set standards for others to emulate.

DWTC collaborates closely with event organisers and exhibitors to promote sustainability in stand design and structure. Its ‘Green Meetings’ initiative encourages eco-friendly practices such as reducing plastic bottle use, minimising water consumption in cleaning and advocating for paperless event materials.

Adhering to the principle of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, DWTC’s Earth Care team works with organisers and exhibitors post-event to segregate bulk waste for processing in partnership with the Beeah Group. It also works with Emirates Environmental Group on recycling campaigns, the UAE Food Bank for distributing excess food as well as donating old linens and uniforms.

Local green initiatives

Instigated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Can is an initiative to phase out single-use plastic water bottles by installing drinking water fountains and raising awareness. Dubai has recently banned single-use plastic bags, tableware and Styrofoam containers as it phases out all single-use plastic by 2026.

A new scheme rating hotels’ environmental practices has also been launched. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, another DET initiative, awards a Gold, Silver or Bronze Stamp according to how well a property has met the DET's 19 Sustainability Requirements.