Abu Dhabi is consistently guided and inspired by the overarching vision of the UAE’s leadership, says Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed.

Abu Dhabi has been named Arab Environment Capital for 2023 by the Secretariat General of the Arab League and the Council of Arab Environment Ministers. The organisation recognised the emirate’s achievements in environmental protection and climate action over several years, led by Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD).

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD), expressed his pride at Abu Dhabi being named Capital of the Arab Environment 2023, noting that the emirate’s achievements in the field of environmental protection and climate action are the result of the wise vision and directives of the UAE leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Hamdan said, "Abu Dhabi is a pioneering leader in sustainability, in full alignment with the UAE's vision and commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future. This was reaffirmed by the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan that 2024 is the Year of Sustainability once again.”

He added that this award is a result of joint efforts by governmental and private bodies, sectors and institutions in Abu Dhabi in the field of protecting the environment and preserving its natural resources. This approach was inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose forward-thinking vision placed great importance on the need to conserve nature and protect the environment.

Sheikh Hamdan hails the joint efforts of governmental and private bodies, sectors and institutions in Abu Dhabi. WAM

Sheikh Hamdan explained, "Abu Dhabi is consistently guided and inspired by the overarching vision of the UAE’s leadership, which is recognised worldwide for investing in knowledge-based initiatives that safeguard the environment and provide a sustainable future for generations to come.”

The Secretariat General of the Arab League named Abu Dhabi Capital of the Arab Environment for 2023 at the end of last year, in recognition of the emirate’s distinguished environmental protection efforts, and implementation of related initiatives and projects to improve people’s quality of life — all underpinned by the aim to achieve sustainable development and protect natural resources in the region. It is also an example of how the emirate’s dedication, efficient planning and the effective execution of wide-ranging sustainability initiatives can reap impactful results that will benefit generations to come.

Abu Dhabi won the competition organised by the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment during its 34thsession in Muscat last year, which coincided with two significant local and global events: the UAE declared 2023 the Year of Sustainability under the slogan Today for Tomorrow, and the UAE hosting COP28.

WAM