The RAK Energy Summit officially began today at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center in Ras Al Khaimah under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of the UAE Supreme Council and ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi gave the opening remarks at the summit and exhibition, saying: “I am pleased to inaugurate the first RAK Energy Summit, which serves as a platform to shape our thinking and steer dialogue in terms of the global response to climate change and the future of the energy sector.
“The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is an active and significant partner in the UAE’s energy plans, and through the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, our vision is to support regional, national, and international efforts to find cutting-edge, high-tech solutions to the most pressing problems.
“The core of Ras Al Khaimah’s approach to holistic development is sustainability, protecting the environment, and making meaningful contributions to battle climate change. ” In a speech given on behalf of H.E. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, His Excellency Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, said, “The UAE is one of the leading countries in developing the clean energy sector, and a pioneer of modern methods to enhance the efficiency of the energy sector. In the UAE, there are three key pillars supporting climate action: finance, technology, and the environment. Through the organisation of a thorough and extraordinary conference that can fully mobilise global efforts, hosting COP 28 represents a significant and defining milestone in the UAE’s climate diplomacy.
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s presentation of the UAE Energy Management Leadership Awards for 2022 was one of the day’s highlights. The top spot went to Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, with ADNOC Onshore and Offshore taking second and third, respectively. The award, which recognises use of best practises in energy management, is based on an evaluation carried out by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM).
The summit, with the theme “Creating and contributing to the energy efficiency and renewable energy goals of the future,” supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, and the nation’s preparations for both the UN COP 27, which will be held in Egypt next month, and the UN COP 28, which will be held in the UAE in 2019. By 2040, the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy seeks to save 30% on electricity, 20% on water, and 20% on renewable energy.
Franco Atassi, the CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the Middle East, said, “We are happy to be a part of this event that brings leaders from government and business together to discuss energy efficiency and renewable energy as a driver for the competitiveness and sustainability of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy. Siemens is dedicated to creating technology that improves how we live and work, protects the environment, and intelligently integrates energy systems, buildings, and industries.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Masdar, and more than ten government entities in Ras Al Khaimah are all supporting the two-day summit, which is being hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality on October 4-5, 2022, at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center in Ras Al Khaimah.