Latest news with #MENA
Khaleej Times
27 minutes ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Up to Dh2 million fine as new climate law comes into effect
The UAE's new climate law came into effect on May 30 which outlines a comprehensive framework for climate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, becoming the first country in the MENA region to establish a legal framework for climate resilience, emissions accountability, and regional leadership ahead of COP30. The Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 On the Reduction of Climate Change Effects sets out emissions reduction targets across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and waste management — signalling a pragmatic commitment to achieving climate neutrality without compromising economic growth. The inclusion of diverse mitigation measures, including carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and enhancement of natural carbon sinks, positions the UAE as a regional leader in deploying advanced climate technologies. A key feature of the law is the introduction of a robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework. This system mandates emissions inventories, third-party audits, and the creation of a national electronic tracking platform. To ensure compliance, the law imposes penalties of not less than Dh500,00 and not more than Dh2 million for violations. The National Carbon Credit Registry is also set to link the UAE with international carbon markets, rewarding proactive climate action by businesses. Navandeep Matta, senior associate, Kochhar & Co Inc Legal Consultants, Dubai, said the law offers a one-year grace period, allowing industries time to adjust. "By institutionalising mitigation, adaptation, and innovation, the UAE not only safeguards its future but also sets a precedent for hydrocarbon-rich economies. As the law enters force, its success will depend on collaborative execution, public-private partnerships, and continuous adaptation to emerging climate science. For a nation poised at the crossroads of ambition and action, this law is a testament to the UAE's resolve to lead the global energy transition,' he said. The new law mandates sector-specific climate adaptation plans, including requirements for data-sharing on climate-related damages, enabling policymakers to make informed, evidence-based decisions. It encourages the development of emissions trading systems, carbon offset projects, and internal carbon pricing. These mechanisms aim to stimulate investment in renewable energy, green technology, and circular economy models — key pillars of the UAE's strategy to diversify its economy and remain competitive in a low-carbon future. The Federal Decree-Law No. (11) affirms the UAE's commitment to international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). A transformative step Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa (Mena) praised the new UAE law, saying this is 'a transformative step toward a more climate-resilient and sustainable future in the country's climate policy framework.' 'This law marks a bold and progressive move in the UAE's climate leadership. By institutionalizing emissions monitoring and climate adaptation, the UAE is setting a compelling example for countries across the region. We commend this important step and look forward to seeing its full implementation through measures that reflect the ambition of the law and respond to the pressing realities of the climate crisis, said Ghiwa Nakat, executive director of Greenpeace Mena. She added: 'The UAE's strategic action sends a powerful signal across the region and globally — that climate resilience and sustainable development are now national imperatives. With robust frameworks for emissions reduction and adaptation in place, the UAE is well-positioned to lead by example.'
Al Bawaba
3 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Union Coop Inaugurates ‘Al Khawaneej Mall'
Coop's main activities are to establish hypermarkets and manage cooperatives within UAE. Union Coop is the largest consumer cooperative in the UAE as it operates 18 branches and two malls (Al Barsha Mall, Etihad Mall). Union Coop has also launched two grocery chains: Mini Coop and Coop, a new concept, thereby making it the first consumer cooperative to include a smart shopping concept in many of its branches in the MENA region. Additionally, Union Coop plays an active role in stabilizing prices through promotional campaigns and offering real-value offers and give prizes worth tens of millions yearly. Union Coop's outlets offer a wide range of products from food and electronics to hardware and household appliances.
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Kids as young as 3 should learn how to spot a stroke, says doctor
Children as young as three and four should be taught how to recognise the symptoms of a stroke, according to a top doctor in the UAE. This could increase awareness about the disease and ensure that victims get treatment during the 'golden hour' that dramatically increases the chances of survival. 'It should be part of their curriculum in the school,' Dr Suhail Abdulla AlRukn, President of the MENA Stroke Organisation, told Khaleej Times. 'In kindergarten and primary school, they should teach signs and symptoms of a stroke because children could see their family members having one and can become heroes who help them get the right treatment. It can be part of their education to have one or two classes per year about the symptoms of a stroke. That message will then go directly and indirectly into the community and to every house.' Dr Suhail was speaking on the sidelines of an event to raise awareness about strokes — in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim (BI). He said that it was important for people to remember the acronym BEFAST to recognise a stroke. 'Once these signs are spotted, an ambulance should be called by dialing 998,' he said. 'It is important that the person is taken to a stroke specialist centre in the UAE, so as not to waste time. Emergency responders will know which nearest hospital to transport the patient to.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Timely intervention The golden hour for a stroke is considered to be the first hour because if treatment is administered within that time, there is a higher chance of survival. However, Dr Suhail said that many people do not understand the urgency of it. 'Last week, I had a 59-year-old Indian stroke patient,' he said. 'Her sister came with her and when I outlined the plan, she said she had to call her brother-in-law and her sister's children to discuss the treatment and then take a decision. This doesn't work for a stroke patient.' He also highlighted that it was important to reduce the intake of salt to reduce the incidence of a stroke. 'Seventy per cent of stroke victims have high blood pressure,' he said. 'Salt is one of the reasons for high blood pressure. People should have only 1.2 grams per day, which is equal to one portion of a pizza.' He added that it was important for health authorities to highlight the amount of salt on labels of food items. Life saving treatment For Ahmed Nawazy, timely treatment is what made the difference between life and death. In 2017, the then 27-year-old had just moved to Dubai from his hometown in Egypt to join a company in a senior position. Within months of arriving, he suffered a stroke while bathing his seven and five-year-old daughters. 'My wife had seen her grandmother suffer a stroke, so she immediately knew what was happening,' he said. 'She called the ambulance and I was rushed to a stroke specialist hospital where I got life-saving treatment.' He said he got immense support from his company, who gave him extended sick leave and then lighter loads as he made a full recovery from the incident. Today, Ahmed is doing better than ever and has had a son since. 'It was the timely medical attention that helped me rebuild my life,' he said. According to Ousama Al Haj of BI, the company understood the importance of raising awareness. 'This year we're giving special focus to raising awareness because we brought a new medication to the UAE,' he said. 'We are empowering people to act, recover, and take action. In the case of a stroke, the earlier the intervention, the better it is.'
Middle East
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// FM heads for Morocco on bilateral visit
CAIRO, May 28 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelattty headed to Morocco on Wednesday morning on a bilateral visit aimed at strengthening relations between the two sisterly countries. The visit is expected to include meetings between the minister of foreign affairs and senior Moroccan officials to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the various fields, exchange views on regional challenges and promote support for regional security and stability. (MENA) S A S
Middle East
14 hours ago
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt recovers smuggled artifacts from France
CAIRO, May 29 (MENA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates has returned recovered Late Period artifacts from France to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The collection includes a limestone votive coffin, a limestone statue, a wooden statue of Anubis in jackal form, two detached wooden hands from painted coffins, three rare papyrus scrolls bearing royal seals, and a hieroglyphic-inscribed cylindrical container. The Egyptian Embassy in Paris secured the return of these pieces in cooperation with the French authorities after stopping an attempted illegal sale. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty personally attended the handover in Paris in February. Egypt joined the legal proceedings in France, resulting in a conviction and a court-ordered compensation of €23,000. This marks the third successful artifact recovery in May. Earlier this month, Egypt received 25 items from the United States and 20 from Australia, all delivered through diplomatic channels. (MENA) H A T/R G E
