Europe isn't the only place with innovative eco-friendly goals. Dubai has grand ambitions of its own, which may come as a surprise, given that one of the biggest exports in the UAE is crude oil. To remain one of the best investor markets, Dubai is committed to being more environmentally friendly. This sudden change has even earned it the moniker "The World's Most Improbable Green City" by National Geographic. Look past the glass skyscrapers and luxury resorts, and you'll find a modern city with ambitious sustainability goals.
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
The UAE has a dedicated branch of government committed to mitigating climate change and protecting the environment. Rather than just creating and enforcing regulations, this branch of government is actively encouraging public involvement. This is best exemplified by the app called GherasuaâŠe, which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app empowers the average person to identify and preserve native plants. As all ecosystems are highly dependent on plant life, this app can go a long way in helping citizens to participate in making Dubai eco-friendly.
The Ministry has also made investments to boost ecotourism, a powerful tool for any nation's environmental policy. In the past decade, the number of nature reserves has increased from 2 in 2010 to 49 in 2020. The nature reserves have been a success with both locals and international travelers. One particular note is the Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, just a short drive from downtown Dubai. Visitors to Ras al Khor can expect to see over 60 different types of bird species. Including the distinctive black and pink flamingos.
For tourists seeking to journey further away from the city, Al Qudra Lake Wildlife park offers a more remote option. While artificially created, The Al Qudra Lake was designed to accommodate both tourists and wildlife. The lakes have a long coastline, making them attractive for joggers, bicyclists, and four-wheelers. The architects of the oasis placed small islands within the lakes, providing birds with nesting grounds that won't be disturbed.
Careem Bike
In a city made for cars, Careem Bike is helping residents and tourists see the city from a new perspective. Launched in 2020, the bicycle ride share initiative was the first in the region and has enjoyed strong popularity with its users. There are currently 800 bikes at 80 docking stations scattered across the city, with plans to increase those numbers to 3,500 bikes at 350 stations by 2025. A one-day pass runs AED 20 with unlimited 45-minute rides. For frequent riders, membership plans are available with an annual pass of AED 420, or less than AED 2 per day.
Created in partnership with the RTA, Careem Bike hopes to encourage greener transportation and active lifestyle opportunities for the city. There is approximately 400 km of designated bicycle tracks across the city, with plans to increase to over 600 km in the next few years.
"This service contributes to Dubai sustainability efforts and encourages residents and tourists to enjoy an active and healthy life, providing them with a new transportation option that will improve mobility across the city." - HE Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.
Expo 2020
Postponed to October 2021 - March 2022, Expo 2020 is committed to impressive sustainability goals. The massive Expo will cover 438 hectares (1,080 acres), and a major focus of the entire Expo is eco-friendliness. All of the new buildings created for the event prioritized the use of sustainable construction materials, and the city is committed to making at least 80% of the buildings a permanent fixture. The Expo managers have gone to great lengths to power the event via renewable energy. Instead of using sustainability as a superficial marketing tactic, the managers created a 107-page report detailing all the ways Expo 2020 has gone green to support their pledge.
Impressive architecture is one of Dubai's hallmarks, and Expo 2020 would be incomplete without one. Terra: The Sustainability Pavilion is an architectural masterpiece. It features massive curricular disks topped with solar panels. Inside Terra, visitors will have a truly immersive experience. Guests can travel through Terra's forest, descending underground to display the amazing relationship between fungi and tree roots.
A global hub for business and sustainability
Prospective business owners and entrepreneurs looking at Dubai as their next strategic move can find both financial and environmental rewards in this buzzing Middle East hub. With diverse opportunities for business setup, as well as business centers offering office space, meeting facilities, and more, it's easy to see why Dubai continues to outshine other global communities.