8:58 am - February 15, 2026
**Dubai**: The UAE accelerates its Vision 2031 goals with initiatives like the National DSM programme, green industry incentives, and global partnerships, targeting carbon reduction and energy efficiency while investing AED 229 billion worldwide to foster sustainable development and innovation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing a comprehensive agenda aimed at stimulating economic growth while prioritising environmental sustainability, according to announcements made at the World Government Summit 2025 held in Dubai. Central to this agenda is the nation’s Vision 2031, which outlines a strategy to transform the UAE into a global hub for innovation and sustainable development.
One of the flagship programmes spearheading this movement is the National Demand Side Management (DSM) initiative. This programme has already delivered tangible results by reducing carbon emissions by 11.2 million tonnes as of 2023. DSM targets key sectors such as transport, agriculture, and construction, promoting smarter energy consumption and enhancing economic efficiency.
Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, commented on the government’s approach, stating: “Under the guidance of our leadership, the UAE continues to focus on sustainable growth by doubling its efforts.”
The UAE is also reinforcing its global collaboration efforts through the introduction of the third cohort of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative brings together leaders from 17 partner countries to foster cooperation in areas including energy, investment, technology, and environmental protection.
Domestically, policies such as the ‘Green Industries’ initiative, launched by the Environment Agency—Abu Dhabi, incentivise businesses that reduce pollution and optimise their use of resources. This programme has seen growing participation from UAE companies, underpinning the financial and environmental benefits of adopting greener practices.
Beyond national borders, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is playing a pivotal role by investing AED 229 billion across 107 countries in projects that support sustainable industries. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, remarked, “We are committed to strengthening the economy and supporting Emirati industries.”
In the energy sector, the UAE has made significant progress in innovation and environmental stewardship. Since the 1990s, the country has substantially reduced natural gas flaring, with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) achieving a 76.4% reduction by 2013. Additionally, the government has mandated the use of ‘green diesel’ for all commercial vehicles nationwide, positioning the UAE as a leader in clean fuel adoption.
A government spokesperson outlined the overarching vision for the future, stating, “We are driving growth through digital transformation, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Our economy is built to compete globally.”
Key targets aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030 include:
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Achieving a 30% reduction in energy demand across Dubai
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Attaining a 30% decrease in nationwide carbon emissions
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Realising projected savings amounting to AED 10 billion
Through these integrated initiatives, the UAE is charting a course towards a resilient and sustainable economy that balances innovation with environmental responsibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/innovation-and-future-shaping/we-the-uae-2031-vision – This official UAE government page confirms that Vision 2031 is a national plan aiming to transform the UAE into a global hub for innovation and sustainable development, outlining the strategic approach for the country’s future growth as stated in the article.
- https://www.cleartax.com/ae/uae-vision-2031 – This resource details the UAE Vision 2031’s goals including economic diversification, strengthening of the international position, and improving quality of life, supporting the article’s claim about the comprehensive agenda for growth and sustainability.
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/environment/2023/01/20/uae-national-demand-side-management-achieves-carbon-emissions-cut-by-112-million-tonnes/ – An article from The National reports that the UAE’s National Demand Side Management initiative has reduced carbon emissions by 11.2 million tonnes as of 2023, corroborating the environmental impact figures given in the article.
- https://government.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/green-industries – This page describes the UAE’s Green Industries initiative led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, which incentivizes companies to reduce pollution and optimize resource use, supporting the article’s mention of this domestic policy.
- https://adfd.ae/en/News/abd-fund-for-development-invests-in-sustainable-industries – The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) website highlights their investments totaling AED 229 billion in sustainable projects across more than 100 countries, confirming the article’s statement about ADFD’s global role in supporting sustainable industries.
- https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/adnoc-achieves-76-reduction-in-gas-flaring-since-1990s – ADNOC’s official news release documents a 76.4% reduction in natural gas flaring since the 1990s, affirming the article’s claim about the UAE’s significant environmental progress in reducing flaring.
- https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitgFBVV95cUxOZTRBWTZqRFdncnAzTHMtSTM0a2xaTnlkREZRRkJ5bUxoNkF6WGRvOE1jSWhVZWxIZE15VkJhMnN1Vzh3NkxkYTdyM281bHdFWkY2cTk2Q3hGY2RaN1JlTE05enpMVUZFMFBVWE1KUlFhU3V1SUVEMGNZTy1fSi00Z1JVRk1DbUZlWmRWUHh5ejFsMjdOZUxoUDl1d3NqczNzNDFBdjBuamFTUV95SW9neHVKREFDZw?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en – Please view link – unable to able to access data
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:
Content references recent initiatives (e.g., Global Councils cohort launch) and 2023 carbon reduction data. However, the Vision 2030/2031 timeline requires clarity on current alignment, and some historical data (e.g., ADNOC’s 2013 achievement) may need contextual updates.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Quotes from Ohood Al Roumi and Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi align with official UAE government priorities, but specific statements lack direct online verification. No evidence of recycling older quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
Narrative cites credible entities (e.g., World Government Summit, ADFD) but originates from an unverified Google News article. Key initiatives mentioned are consistent with UAE’s publicly stated goals.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
Claims about DSM results, green diesel mandates, and international investments align with UAE’s documented sustainability efforts. Energy targets remain ambitious but within projected feasibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
Content demonstrates coherence with UAE’s sustainability agenda, though some historical data points and unverified quotes necessitate caution. Structural plausibility and alignment with national objectives support its credibility.
