Private sector present solutions to develop UAE circular economy policy roadmap during Policy Committee workshop

Minister of Economy chairs second workshop of Circular Economy Policy Committee

The UAE Circular Economy Council Policy Committee organized the second workshop as part of its strategy to complete the first phase requirements of the UAE circular economy roadmap, chaired by H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. The workshop was attended by representatives of a number of relevant government entities, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; the Ministry of Economy; the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre. In addition, relevant local government departments, as well as representatives of the UAE private sector, relevant multinational corporations and sustainable financing and investment entities also attended the session.

H.E. Bin Touq said that the workshop represents an important step in the first phase of the Policy Committee's efforts under the guidance of the UAE Circular Economy Council to launch an integrated roadmap. This is aimed at ensuring the full and successful implementation of the UAE Circular Economy policy in line with global best practices and standards. These efforts serve the wise leadership’s vision to make the UAE a leading global circular economy hub and one of the world's most supportive countries for this vital economic model over the next decade.

H.E. added: “Our roadmap methodology focuses on ensuring the genuine participation of the country’s private sector and building on our strong partnerships with a number of leading global and multinational companies in circular economy applications. Last month, the first workshop examined existing and potential challenges to the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy. Today, through the second workshop, we are exploring and presenting a set of new solutions and insights proposed by the private sector to the current and potential challenges that may arise during the implementation of the circular economy policy. We will continue our efforts to develop these data and create an integrated and effective roadmap that will enhance the UAE's global competitiveness in the circular economy.”

Furthermore, H.E. underlined the importance of a strong partnership between the government and private sector throughout all phases of the circular economy roadmap and beyond that, to be a sustainable partnership in the activities, techniques, and solutions of the circular economy, serving the interests of all parties. H.E. called on all private sector institutions participating in the workshop, including national and multinational companies operating in the UAE, to benefit from considerable government attention and support for the transition to a circular economy and explore opportunities for new strategic partnerships as well as increase their circular economy operations across all the emirates of the country.

The workshop saw the participation of more than 58 national and multinational companies and local entities in developing ideal and practical solutions that can be applied in the UAE to establish a national comprehensive ecosystem for the circular economy in line with international standards. The four main working groups comprised of these companies are assigned to four key sectors that make up the main pillars of the circular economy system. These are manufacturing, green infrastructure, transport, and food production and consumption.

Luay Al Shurafa, President and Managing Director, General Motors Africa & Middle East, who attended the workshop, said: “We are building a multi-brand, multi-segment EV strategy because we want everybody in, and we are launching 13 new EVs by 2025 in the region. The Middle East is one of GM’s most important international markets and a region of the world known for early adoption of technology. The future is now, and GM’s plans align with ambitious and visionary regional government goals to reach net zero, while illustrating GM’s commitment to a more sustainable and brighter future. It also establishes our place as more than an automaker – we are an innovator changing the world. We cannot do this alone; public and private partnerships are essential to achieve our shared vision.” 

Sebastien Chauvin, CEO of Veolia Middle East, said: “The Ministry of Economy has established a clear and strong momentum among the public and the private stakeholders invited to participate in the Circular Economy Policy Committee. The development of a Circular Economy will be accelerated by new regulations and standards. Through collaboration with major local players like public authorities, brands and retail companies, Veolia is proud to actively participate in building a sustainable and regenerative PET Plastic recycling ecosystem. Veolia is playing a leading role in encouraging the recycling awareness thanks to Recapp, the UAE’s first free-of-charge collection service for recyclables. Veolia is also strongly committed to close the PET plastic loop with the ambition to produce in the UAE a high-quality recycled PET plastic resin, to supply the local and the international markets. The PET circular economy loop will unlock value for the UAE economy.”

Meanwhile,  General Advisor at Michelin – Africa, India, and Middle East, said that the UAE and its leadership is driving this collaborative initiative to act and not only design solutions, in close collaboration with the multinationals and the private sector. “In my opinion, this is the key success factor where the collaboration will help accelerate the various initiatives and bring a strong buy in, once the key elements are put in place.”Meanwhile, Niels Hoggard, Director of Tetra Pak, commended the efforts of the Policy Committee and stakeholders in the UAE with regard to the circular economy and accelerating the shift in partnership with the private sector and multinational companies, in order to find the best solutions for the transition towards sustainable economy. He said: “The joint efforts of government entities and private sector companies have resulted in constructive discussions on the pillars of the transition strategy to the circular economy, and we are pleased with our findings on the priorities and practical steps ahead to support this vital path in the UAE.”

In January 2021, the Cabinet adopted the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021 – 2031, which establishes a comprehensive framework defining the practices to achieve the sustainable management and the effective use of natural resources in the country, through the adoption of regenerative consumption and production methods and techniques. It aims to ensure the quality of life for present and future generations, promote efficiency in the consumption of natural resources, and reduce waste. Besides, the Policy includes measures to promote environmental health and support the private sector in its transition to cleaner production methods and techniques, reduce environmental stress and meet basic needs, with a view to realize the UAE’s vision to become a global leader in green growth. The UAE Circular Economy Council was established in this context, which then formed the specialized Policy Committee, chaired by H.E. the Minister of Economy. The Committee is responsible for the development of a roadmap to create a set of solutions and initiatives in support of the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy, in cooperation with the government, the private sector, and relevant international companies.