The United Arab Emirates (UAE) surprises the world not only with its impressive skyscrapers and luxurious islands but also with ambitious plans for sustainable development. Who would have thought that a country built on oil would become a leader in ecological innovation?
Catching the sun’s rays
In my previous article, I highlighted the UAE’s ambitious energy transformation plans. Their cornerstone is to increase the share of clean energy sources in the national energy mix, aiming for 44% by 2050 under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. It’s impossible to discuss UAE’s planned investments without focusing on the energy sector.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (named after the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister) is one of the country’s most spectacular projects. Located in Saih Al Dahal, about 50 km south of Dubai, it is the largest single-site solar park in the world, projected to reach a production capacity of over 5,000 MW by 2030. The total investment amounts to AED 50 billion (approximately USD 13.5 billion), and the park is set to reduce over 6.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. [1] Impressive numbers, right? This site is also home to one of the region’s largest research and development centers.
It’s not just the figures that are striking but also the innovative technologies that make this project exceptional. High-efficiency photovoltaic panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology allow for energy storage and electricity production even after sunset. [2]
The park became operational in October 2013 and is currently in Phase VI, expected to add 1,800 MW to the grid in stages between 2024 and 2026. Phase VI has achieved the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) at just 1.6215 US cents per kilowatt-hour. [3] [4]
There is plenty of sun, but what about water?
While the UAE has no shortage of sunshine, the country faces challenges in accessing potable water. To address these issues, the UAE has implemented several programs to mitigate water supply risks. The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 aims to ensure stable water supplies in both normal and emergency conditions through actions such as: • Reducing overall water demand by 21%, • Increasing water productivity, • Decreasing the water scarcity index, • Recycling 95% of treated wastewater, • Expanding national water storage capacity to two-day reserves, • Halving per capita water consumption.
Desalination plants play a critical role in providing potable water in the UAE. Currently, 42% of the country’s drinking water comes from approximately 70 major desalination plants, accounting for about 14% of global desalinated water production. Thermal desalination remains the dominant technology, with Dubai’s Jebel Ali plant as the largest facility in UAE, producing 2,060 MW of power and 140 MIGD (million imperial gallons per day) of water. [5]
Knock knock, is that water?
The UAE plans to build the world’s second-largest reverse osmosis desalination plant, which will also be the largest powered by solar energy. The Hassyan plant, slated for launch in 2026 and full operational capacity by 2027, will produce 818,000 m³/day, providing safe drinking water for 2 million people. The emphasis on clean energy is driven in part by the need to ensure water security. As such, UAE strategies and programs intersect to address the country’s transformation and resource demands. [6]
Cycling in Dubai
Anyone who’s visited Dubai during its scorching months (roughly May to October) knows how challenging cycling can be in 50°C heat—not to mention lack of the infrastructure. Still, the city aims to become the most bike-friendly city in the world by 2040 under the Dubai Cycle City 2040 project.
One standout initiative, The Loop, envisions a 93-kilometer suspended and air-cooled pathway. This project aligns with the “20-Minute City” concept, where residents can meet all their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. Dubai has also approved a plan for zero-emission public transport by 2050, featuring electric and hydrogen taxis, buses, and school transport. Sounds futuristic, doesn’t it? [7]
A greengrocer’s in the desert
Dubai relies heavily on imported food, posing both logistical and financial challenges. Vertical farming is set to address this, with facilities producing up to 1,000 tons of fresh vegetables annually on just 31,000 m². These solutions reduce water usage and eliminate the need for long-distance food transportation, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals. [8]
The UAE is also investing in groundbreaking technologies like Liquid NanoClay (LNC), developed by a Norwegian agrotech company. This innovation transforms desert sand into fertile soil capable of retaining water and nutrients, reducing irrigation needs by 50%. Such advancements have the potential to revolutionize agriculture in arid regions and are already being implemented in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
When a dream becomes reality
Another notable initiative is Sharjah Sustainable City, the emirate’s first fully sustainable residential project. It uses renewable energy, recycles 100% of wastewater for irrigation, and produces eco-friendly vegetables and fruits. Although still under construction, the project has attracted significant interest, reflecting a high demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient living spaces.
The UAE proves that the future can be built at record speed—literally and figuratively. They’re desalinating water, harnessing solar power, and pedaling toward eco-modernization. Starting from a desert, they’ve turned sand into gold—sustainable, renewable gold.
[3] LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) – uśredniony koszt produkcji energii. Jest to wskaźnik pozwalający na porównanie kosztów wytworzenia energii w różnych źródłach energii.
Development has many faces – planned investments in the UAE
Development Has Many Faces – Planned Investments in the UAE
Source: https://www.sharjahsustainablecity.ae/news/sustainable-sharjah-a-life-more-suitable-for-the-future/
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) surprises the world not only with its impressive skyscrapers and luxurious islands but also with ambitious plans for sustainable development. Who would have thought that a country built on oil would become a leader in ecological innovation?
Catching the sun’s rays
In my previous article, I highlighted the UAE’s ambitious energy transformation plans. Their cornerstone is to increase the share of clean energy sources in the national energy mix, aiming for 44% by 2050 under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. It’s impossible to discuss UAE’s planned investments without focusing on the energy sector.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (named after the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister) is one of the country’s most spectacular projects. Located in Saih Al Dahal, about 50 km south of Dubai, it is the largest single-site solar park in the world, projected to reach a production capacity of over 5,000 MW by 2030. The total investment amounts to AED 50 billion (approximately USD 13.5 billion), and the park is set to reduce over 6.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. [1] Impressive numbers, right? This site is also home to one of the region’s largest research and development centers.
It’s not just the figures that are striking but also the innovative technologies that make this project exceptional. High-efficiency photovoltaic panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology allow for energy storage and electricity production even after sunset. [2]
The park became operational in October 2013 and is currently in Phase VI, expected to add 1,800 MW to the grid in stages between 2024 and 2026. Phase VI has achieved the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) at just 1.6215 US cents per kilowatt-hour. [3] [4]
There is plenty of sun, but what about water?
While the UAE has no shortage of sunshine, the country faces challenges in accessing potable water. To address these issues, the UAE has implemented several programs to mitigate water supply risks. The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 aims to ensure stable water supplies in both normal and emergency conditions through actions such as:
• Reducing overall water demand by 21%,
• Increasing water productivity,
• Decreasing the water scarcity index,
• Recycling 95% of treated wastewater,
• Expanding national water storage capacity to two-day reserves,
• Halving per capita water consumption.
Desalination plants play a critical role in providing potable water in the UAE. Currently, 42% of the country’s drinking water comes from approximately 70 major desalination plants, accounting for about 14% of global desalinated water production. Thermal desalination remains the dominant technology, with Dubai’s Jebel Ali plant as the largest facility in UAE, producing 2,060 MW of power and 140 MIGD (million imperial gallons per day) of water. [5]
Knock knock, is that water?
The UAE plans to build the world’s second-largest reverse osmosis desalination plant, which will also be the largest powered by solar energy. The Hassyan plant, slated for launch in 2026 and full operational capacity by 2027, will produce 818,000 m³/day, providing safe drinking water for 2 million people. The emphasis on clean energy is driven in part by the need to ensure water security. As such, UAE strategies and programs intersect to address the country’s transformation and resource demands. [6]
Cycling in Dubai
Anyone who’s visited Dubai during its scorching months (roughly May to October) knows how challenging cycling can be in 50°C heat—not to mention lack of the infrastructure. Still, the city aims to become the most bike-friendly city in the world by 2040 under the Dubai Cycle City 2040 project.
One standout initiative, The Loop, envisions a 93-kilometer suspended and air-cooled pathway. This project aligns with the “20-Minute City” concept, where residents can meet all their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. Dubai has also approved a plan for zero-emission public transport by 2050, featuring electric and hydrogen taxis, buses, and school transport. Sounds futuristic, doesn’t it? [7]
A greengrocer’s in the desert
Dubai relies heavily on imported food, posing both logistical and financial challenges. Vertical farming is set to address this, with facilities producing up to 1,000 tons of fresh vegetables annually on just 31,000 m². These solutions reduce water usage and eliminate the need for long-distance food transportation, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals. [8]
The UAE is also investing in groundbreaking technologies like Liquid NanoClay (LNC), developed by a Norwegian agrotech company. This innovation transforms desert sand into fertile soil capable of retaining water and nutrients, reducing irrigation needs by 50%. Such advancements have the potential to revolutionize agriculture in arid regions and are already being implemented in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
When a dream becomes reality
Another notable initiative is Sharjah Sustainable City, the emirate’s first fully sustainable residential project. It uses renewable energy, recycles 100% of wastewater for irrigation, and produces eco-friendly vegetables and fruits. Although still under construction, the project has attracted significant interest, reflecting a high demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient living spaces.
The UAE proves that the future can be built at record speed—literally and figuratively. They’re desalinating water, harnessing solar power, and pedaling toward eco-modernization. Starting from a desert, they’ve turned sand into gold—sustainable, renewable gold.
[1] https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/about-us/strategic-initiatives/mbr-solar-park
[2] https://systemy-fotowoltaika.pl/mohammed-bin-rashid-al-maktoum/
[3] LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) – uśredniony koszt produkcji energii. Jest to wskaźnik pozwalający na porównanie kosztów wytworzenia energii w różnych źródłach energii.
[4] https://solarquarter.com/2024/06/11/dubai-advances-with-1800mw-6th-phase-of-mohammed-bin-rashid-al-maktoum-solar-park/
[5] https://databank.worldbank.org/metadataglossary/world-development-indicators/series/ER.GDP.FWTL.M3.KD
[6] MIGD (Million Imperial Gallons per Day) – milion galonów angielskich dziennie. Jest to brytyjska jednostka miary. 1 MIGD = 4546,09 m3/dziennie.
[7] https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/the-uae-water-security-strategy-2036
[8] https://www.aquatechtrade.com/news/desalination/desalination-membranes-dubai-solar-powered-plant
[9] https://sukces.rp.pl/w-podrozy/art39623591-dubaj-miasto-idealne-dla-rowerzystow-ambitne-plany-wladz
[10] https://sukces.rp.pl/miasta/art39549281-dubaj-czeka-rewolucja-jego-wladze-chca-by-stal-sie-miastem-20-minutowym
[11] https://spidersweb.pl/2022/07/pionowa-farma-dubaj.html
[12] https://fastcompanyme.com/impact/gulf-nations-want-to-transform-deserts-into-farmlands-can-technology-make-that-happen/
[13] https://thesustainablecity.com/cities/sharjah/
Archives
Is Oman becoming a hydrogen leader?
June 5, 2025Oman on the Path of Energy Transformation
April 22, 2025Saudi Arabia’s Technological Offensive
April 8, 2025