Helping the UAE towards a greener future
The United Arab Emirates wants to reduce their water and energy consumption with 30% by 2030 and in 2050, 75% of the electricity in Dubai has to come from renewable energy. Last week, the Danish Minister for Environment and Food visited the UAE in order to promote Denmark’s green solutions together with more than 40 Danish companies.
The population is growing and tourists flock to Dubai and the rest of the UAE. However, the growing number of people living in the desert country also entails various challenges. The UAE is one of the most water scarce countries in the world and has almost no groundwater. Moreover, the need for food is currently growing by 12% annually. The UAE is therefore reliant on increased food imports and is in the process of investing massively in water technology, better waste management and renewable energy.
Danish companies has a lot to offer
This year, the Danish Minister for Environment and Food Esben Lunde Larsen visited the UAE with a business delegation and the Confederation of Danish Industry, the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, State of Green, Organic Denmark and 40 Danish companies. At the same time, 18 Danish companies were exhibiting at the two Danish pavilions at Gulfood, which took place in Worlds Trade Center in Dubai.
“The UAE has an objective to be a role model for the rest of the world regarding sustainability and low energy consumption. We can supply most of the technology and know-how they need to improve their water management and waste management. Moreover, the Emirates has a growing need to import food products for an increasing population. This is also an opportunity that Danish enterprises must capitalise on. We can supply everything from organic chocolate to dairy products on a large scale,” says Esben Lunde Larsen.
Danish exports to the UAE were EUR 429,7 million in 2016. In addition, Danish exports grew with 17.5% in 2017, thereby breaking a new record of EUR 429,7 million. According to the Confederation of Danish Industry, the growth rate in the UAE will be around 3% annually over the next five years.
Source: State of Green