5 Emerging Trends in UAE’s Sustainability Efforts To Watch Out
Year after year, the urgency of addressing environmental challenges becomes increasingly evident. Today businesses, governments, and individuals are continually seeking innovative solutions in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. In 2024 especially, sustainability is taking center stage.
As we move further into the year, we are exposed to many sustainability trends that hold much potential and are poised to shape our collective efforts towards a greener more resilient world. In this blog, we focus on five trends that are gaining the most momentum in the UAE.
Here’s what to watch out for:
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Increased adoption of energy resources
During COP28, the UAE Consensus laid out a clear roadmap for delivering a series of world firsts across the climate agenda. This also included the first-ever agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, with a target to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Although renewable energy has been more accessible in recent years, experts predict a significant increase in this trend for 2024. Renewable energy options such as heat pumps or solar panels not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to substantial savings on energy bills. As the cost of energy remains uncertain globally, more individuals and organizations are making this transition.
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Increased recycling efforts
As nations across the globe take recycling seriously, it is emerging as a pivotal sustainability trend in 2024. Although recycling is not a novel idea, there is a significant surge in its popularity as people are becoming more environmentally conscious.
Businesses and individuals alike are partaking in recycling initiatives to drive the importance of sustainable waste management. Many manufacturers and producers are also looking into recycled packaging, aligning it with their brand’s commitment to sustainable practices.
On a community level, governments are taking the initiative to set up sustainable initiatives that encourage plastic recycling. For instance, the UAE is becoming a global recycling hub, thanks to the many efforts by federal governmental and private organizations. From a recycling plant that can handle 12,000 tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) a year that have been earmarked for Abu Dhabi to the multiple recycling initiatives by Dubai that encourage its residents to practice proper waste segregation, the country is taking leaps when it comes to recycling.
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Rise of Agri-tech Practices
In an era characterized by the rapid emergence of new technologies, expectations are high for sustainable technologies. Recognizing the critical role of agriculture in mitigating climate change and preserving ecosystems, regenerative agriculture using the latest Agri-tech practices is expected to gain momentum.
In 2024, we anticipate increased adoption of regenerative techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and agroforestry. These practices not only sequester carbon in the soil but also enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase resilience to extreme weather events.
In an arid country like the UAE, Agri-tech and regenerative farming techniques also help improve food security. For instance, Dubai’s new FoodTech Valley, located in the Warsan area is one of the world’s first dedicated AgTech cities. Spread across 18 million square feet, the city is home to some of the most innovative agricultural methods including vertical farming, cellular agriculture, and hydroponics. Over the years, the city is expected to boost the UAE’s exports of fresh produce to regional markets. The city will also produce over 300 varieties of crops using modern farming techniques and the latest agri-tech, showing the world what more can be done with fewer resources.
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Sustainable Transportation Solutions
The transportation sector is undergoing a revolution fueled by sustainability concerns and technological advancements. In 2024, expect to see a continued shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), improved public transportation infrastructure, and innovative mobility solutions.
Cities around the world are investing in electric buses, bike-sharing programs, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce emissions and enhance urban livability. In the UAE, the government has set a target to have at least 10% of all vehicles on the road to be electric by 2030 as part of the country’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. To encourage the residents to consciously switch to sustainable vehicles, the government is offering incentives such as free registration, free parking, and reduced charging and toll fees for EVs.
Along with this, the country is investing heavily in improving the public transport system, which in the long run should bring down the number of cars on the road.
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Sustainable Fashion Revolution
At first glance, sustainability and fashion may seem like topics that don’t sit together. However, with increasing eco-consciousness among consumers, the fashion industry is undergoing a profound transformation towards sustainability.
Sustainability in fashion is rapidly gaining traction in the UAE, with significant benefits for the environment. There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion, prompting individuals to actively seek out sustainable alternatives. Known for the glitz and glam of high fashion and shopping in the Middle East, the country is now home to a growing community of eco-conscious fashionistas and shoppers. As sustainable fashion takes root in the country, the demand for eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and the emergence of fashion rental and second-hand markets are very interesting to note.
In 2024, we can expect to witness a further surge in sustainable fashion practices in the UAE as well as across the globe. From eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes to innovative rental and resale models, fashion brands are reimagining their entire value chain.
Take away
As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, sustainability remains a guiding principle for shaping a better future. In 2024, the trends outlined above and many others are poised to drive transformative change across various industries, fostering a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable world. By embracing these trends and collaborating across sectors, we can collectively work towards building a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
Sources:
https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/2023/04/11/recycling-in-the-uae-waste-segregation/
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/united-arab-emirates-smart-and-sustainable-mobility
https://sandytimes.ae/articles/32/sustainable-fashion-in-the-uae-a-growing-trend
