In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a leading force in global sustainability efforts, with an ambitious focus on transforming waste management within its broader climate goals. Central to this drive is the “Waste to Zero” initiative, launched to decarbonise waste and convert it into valuable resources. This initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and echoes the country’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a circular economy.
The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has set forth a National Agenda for Integrated Waste Management targeting 2031, with ambitious milestones including recycling 80% of municipal solid waste, managing 99% of hazardous waste, and ensuring 90% of landfills conform to strict sanitary standards. A key challenge addressed is the significant proportion of organic waste within municipal solid waste, often exceeding half of the total. If inadequately handled, this organic material decomposes in landfills, releasing methane and carbon dioxide — potent contributors to climate change and environmental pollution. Effective management of organic waste is thus critical to aligning with the nation’s sustainability vision.
The “Waste to Zero” initiative was prominently unveiled at COP28, placing the UAE at the forefront of waste decarbonisation efforts on an international stage. Chaired by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, the coalition brings together governments, NGOs, and private sector partners. It aims not only to reduce emissions from the waste sector—which contributes approximately 5% of global greenhouse gases—but also to enhance recycling quality, address food loss, and support the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In advancing these goals, the initiative recently published its first Policy Hack Report, outlining strategic actions such as developing a centralised waste management database, investing in innovation hubs, and establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks. These recommendations are designed to transform waste management into a driver of sustainability and economic growth, harmonising with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030.
Looking beyond waste management alone, the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy integrates over 25 programmes across key sectors including power generation, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture, and waste. The strategy envisages creating 200,000 jobs and contributing about 3% to the national GDP, emphasising efficiency, renewable energy expansion, and sustainable practices. Recently, the UAE also committed to a 47% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, highlighting a multi-faceted approach that includes expanding solar capacity, advancing civil nuclear energy, and deploying waste-to-energy technologies.
Together, these integrated efforts illustrate a comprehensive approach by the UAE to tackle environmental challenges head-on—leveraging innovative waste management, regulatory foresight, and a commitment to international collaboration. By prioritising the reduction of organic waste emissions and decarbonising its waste sector, the UAE sets an example for effectively aligning national policy with global sustainability ambitions.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://emveestech.com/bio-thermic-digester-organic-waste-management-uae/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uae-unveils-waste-to-zero-global-initiative-at-cop28-for-waste-decarbonisation-1.1701937030820 – The UAE launched the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative at COP28, aiming to decarbonise waste management and transform waste into resources. This voluntary coalition includes governments, NGOs, and the private sector, with Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, as chairperson. The initiative focuses on reducing emissions from the waste sector, which contributes approximately 5% of global emissions, and aligns with the UAE’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uae-unveils-waste-to-zero-global-initiative-at-cop28-for-waste-decarbonisation-1.1701937030820?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-and-tadweer-abu-dhabi-waste-management-company-launch-waste-to-zero-global-decarbonisation-initiative/ – The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have launched the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative, aiming to decarbonise the waste management sector and establish a circular economy platform. This collaboration seeks to reduce emissions, improve recycling quality, and address food loss and waste, contributing to the UAE’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-and-tadweer-abu-dhabi-waste-management-company-launch-waste-to-zero-global-decarbonisation-initiative/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.tadweer.ae/news/uae-led-waste-to-zero-initiative-reveals-first-ever-policy-hack-report-with-key-actions-to-progress-decarbonisation-global-waste-sector/ – The ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative has released its first Policy Hack Report, outlining steps to decarbonise the global waste sector. Recommendations include developing a centralised waste management database, investing in innovation hubs, and establishing robust regulatory frameworks. The report serves as a roadmap for transforming waste management into a driver of sustainability and economic growth, in line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. ([tadweer.ae](https://www.tadweer.ae/news/uae-led-waste-to-zero-initiative-reveals-first-ever-policy-hack-report-with-key-actions-to-progress-decarbonisation-global-waste-sector/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.wasterecyclingmag.com/waste-to-zero-initiative-officially-launched-at-cop28-h-e-mariam-bint-mohammed-almheiri-assumes-chairmanship – At COP28, the UAE launched the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative, with Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri assuming chairmanship. The initiative aims to decarbonise the waste management sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a circular economy. It addresses challenges in the waste sector, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals and climate change objectives, and invites global stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable solutions. ([wasterecyclingmag.com](https://www.wasterecyclingmag.com/waste-to-zero-initiative-officially-launched-at-cop28-h-e-mariam-bint-mohammed-almheiri-assumes-chairmanship?utm_source=openai))
- https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/the-uae-net-zero-2050-strategy – The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy outlines the country’s ambitious journey towards net-zero emissions by 2050. It includes over 25 programmes across six key sectors: power, industry, transport, buildings, waste, and agriculture. The strategy aims to create 200,000 job opportunities, contribute around 3% to the national GDP, and enhance export opportunities, focusing on enhancing efficiency, expanding renewable energy, and implementing sustainable practices. ([u.ae](https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/the-uae-net-zero-2050-strategy?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/short-take-uae-pledges-cut-emissions-by-47-by-2035-2024-11-07/ – The UAE has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 47% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels. This commitment is part of the UAE’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted ahead of the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan. The UAE plans to transition away from fossil fuels through an approach that includes civil nuclear energy, significant increases in solar capacity, and waste-to-energy technologies. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/short-take-uae-pledges-cut-emissions-by-47-by-2035-2024-11-07/?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative launched at COP28 in November 2023, with the earliest known publication date of December 7, 2023. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uae-unveils-waste-to-zero-global-initiative-at-cop28-for-waste-decarbonisation-1.1701937030820?utm_source=openai)) The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The presence of a press release indicates a high freshness score. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-and-tadweer-abu-dhabi-waste-management-company-launch-waste-to-zero-global-decarbonisation-initiative/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer. These quotes are consistent with those found in the earliest known publication of the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uae-unveils-waste-to-zero-global-initiative-at-cop28-for-waste-decarbonisation-1.1701937030820?utm_source=openai)) No discrepancies or variations in wording were found.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from emveestech.com, a website with limited online presence and credibility. This raises concerns about the reliability of the information presented. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tadweer are reputable organizations, but their statements are presented through a less established platform.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative align with information from reputable sources, including Gulf News and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uae-unveils-waste-to-zero-global-initiative-at-cop28-for-waste-decarbonisation-1.1701937030820?utm_source=openai), [mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-and-tadweer-abu-dhabi-waste-management-company-launch-waste-to-zero-global-decarbonisation-initiative/?utm_source=openai)) However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the unusual phrasing in the narrative raise questions about its authenticity. The tone and structure of the article are inconsistent with typical corporate or official language, which is suspicious.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents information consistent with known facts about the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative. However, the reliance on a press release and the use of a less reputable source diminish its credibility. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the unusual phrasing in the narrative raise questions about its authenticity. Therefore, the overall assessment is ‘FAIL’ with medium confidence.
