Sustainability in action: Dubai’s roadmap to a net-zero future

Dubai is rapidly advancing its sustainability agenda, positioning itself as a global leader in climate-conscious urban development. With the United Arab Emirates (UAE) committing to net-zero emissions by 2050, the emirate is undergoing a transformational shift in renewable energy, water conservation, and clean mobility. These developments are reshaping Dubai’s economic landscape and solidifying its role in the global sustainability movement.
From electric vehicles (EVs) and green hydrogen production to smart energy grids and water conservation, Dubai invests in cutting-edge solutions to create a self-sustaining, green economy. The city is also attracting significant foreign interest, particularly from India, China, Europe, and the U.S., as companies seek to establish regional operations.
“We are witnessing a significant push across three key sectors—electric vehicles, water sanitation and hygiene, and alternative fuels,” said Chirag Gupta, Managing Partner at 8X Ventures. “There have been multiple MOUs, LOIs, and high-level government discussions in these areas. Given the momentum, we expect capital to flow into these initiatives soon.”
Clean technology driving energy efficiency
A cornerstone of Dubai’s sustainability vision is the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy and invest AED 150-200 billion by 2030 to meet growing energy demand and ensure sustainable growth.¹ This strategy aligns with the Paris Agreement and positions the UAE as a leader in the Middle East for carbon neutrality.
Central to this initiative is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is set to reach a 5,000 MW capacity by 2030, making it the largest single-site solar park globally. Once completed, the park is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 6.5 million tonnes annually.²
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), said in a press release³, “In Dubai, we recognise the critical importance of energy transformation. We have adopted a resilient and integrated methodology, combining solar power generation with advanced storage technologies while continuously improving operations across the entire value chain.
To further these efforts, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park, in 2012. The solar park's planned capacity is set to increase from 1,000MW to 5,000MW by 2030. It houses a global Research and Development Centre and a Sustainability and Innovation Centre. DEWA has registered several international patents in electricity and water planning, production, transmission and distribution, alongside publishing Scopus-indexed research papers in international conferences and journals.”
Apart from this, in 2016, Dubai launched the Al Sa'fat – Dubai Green Building System, which classifies buildings such as Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze based on their adherence to green standards. This system aims to encourage all developers to build toward a greener tomorrow, safeguarding future generations and enhancing the sustainability of the urban environment⁴.

Sustainable Agritech: Securing food for the future
Beyond energy and mobility, Dubai is leveraging agritech to drive sustainability and food security in the region. With arid climatic conditions and limited arable land, the emirate is investing in vertical farming, hydroponics, and AI-driven agricultural solutions to reduce water consumption and boost local food production.
One of the standout projects is the Dubai Food Tech Valley, an initiative aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency by integrating research, technology, and sustainable farming practices. The city has also seen significant private sector investment, with companies like Emirates Crop One launching one of the world's largest vertical farms. Dubbed as ECO1, it produces over one million kilograms of leafy greens annually while using 95% less water than traditional farming.
Craig Ratajczyk, the former CEO of Crop One Holdings, had earlier emphasised the company's mission and the role of their Dubai facility in a press note⁵ said - "It’s our mission to cultivate a sustainable future to meet global demand for fresh, local food, and this new farm is the manifestation of that commitment. This new facility serves as a model for what’s possible around the globe."
By promoting controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) and reducing reliance on imports, Dubai is ensuring long-term sustainability while strengthening its position as a hub for agritech innovation.
Hydrogen and alternative fuels: The next frontier
Dubai is also pioneering green hydrogen production, aligning with the UAE's goal to acquire 25% of the low-carbon hydrogen market⁶.
This initiative is part of the National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to position the UAE as a competitive producer and exporter of hydrogen.⁷
“The discussions around alternative fuels are substantial,” Gupta noted. “Hydrogen, methanol, and other clean fuel solutions are actively being explored as viable substitutes for petrol and diesel. There’s extensive research happening, and Dubai is emerging as a key hub for these conversations.”
Electric vehicles and the transition to clean mobility
Dubai is positioning itself as a regional hub for EV manufacturing, assembly, and distribution. Companies from China, the US, and India are in advanced discussions with the government about establishing EV production plants, tech centres, and distribution networks.
“Serious discussions are happening across the entire EV value chain,” Gupta said. “We are seeing multiple government-level negotiations about setting up manufacturing hubs, R&D centres, and distribution partnerships. Dubai is actively working to build an EV ecosystem, and international companies recognise the city’s strategic location as a gateway to the wider Middle East and Africa.”
For Indian companies, Dubai offers a lucrative market opportunity, but a transactional approach won’t suffice. “If Indian companies want to succeed here, they must commit to the region,” Gupta emphasised.
“Flying in, making deals, and flying out isn’t sustainable. The UAE wants companies to set up production facilities, R&D centres, or corporate offices. The potential is immense, but companies need to be willing to integrate into Dubai’s economic landscape.”
Anmol Singh Jaggi, Co-founder, BluSmart, the premium electric mobility company that recently launched in Dubai⁸ has said the UAE has been a game changer for mobility and sustainable solutions, setting a precedent for innovative urban development globally.
Jaggi, also added, “The Dubai market presents a highly attractive opportunity for BluSmart due to its potential for significantly higher margins and profitability compared to India. We identified a market gap in the premium limousine segment and an opportunity to tap into it through our core tenets of Quality, Reliability and Sustainability.”
The new energy economy
Dubai’s economic future is centred around sustainability, with a clear focus on clean energy, advanced agritech solutions, and smart infrastructure. The UAE has pledged AED 150-200 billion in clean and renewable energy investments by 2030 as part of its net-zero roadmap⁹.
The country has also invested approximately $16.8 billion in renewable energy projects across 70 countries and provided over $400 million in aid and soft loans for clean energy initiatives.
The combination of supportive business regulations, sustainable building practices, and advanced technological infrastructure creates a conducive environment for the growth of clean-tech and agri-tech sectors in Dubai. Foreign businesses, including Indian entrepreneurs, can leverage these advantages to innovate and expand in the region.
The integration of AI in energy management and the enforcement of green building standards not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with global sustainability goals, making Dubai a strategic hub for clean and agricultural technologies.
What lies ahead?
Dubai’s sustainability initiatives are expected to accelerate further over the next decade. As the UAE progresses toward its Net Zero 2050 goal, government-backed funding, policy frameworks, and global investments in clean tech will continue to rise.
“For companies looking at Dubai, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Gupta concluded. “If you align with Dubai’s sustainability vision and establish a meaningful presence here, the growth potential is immense. Dubai isn’t just investing in a greener future—it’s actively building one.”
Dubai’s pro-business ecosystem and sustainability-driven policies are accelerating growth in the agritech and cleantech sectors, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. With tax-free zones, R&D incentives, and streamlined regulations, the city continues to attract innovation-led businesses looking to scale.
As trade partnerships expand, particularly with India, and strategic investments in green technology and sustainable infrastructure gain momentum, Dubai is solidifying its position as a global leader in sustainability-driven urban development.
Sources:
1. http://www.wam.ae/en/article/aq30tt6-uae-pioneers-responsible-and-sustainable-energy?
2. http://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2023/12/06/sheikh-mohammed-inaugurates-worlds-largest-concentrated-solar-power-project-in-dubai/
3. http://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/february/12-02/saeed-mohammed-al-tayer-highlights-dubai-global-leadership-in-using-ai
4. http://www.dm.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Al-Safat-%E2%80%93-Dubai-Green-Building-System-2nd-editionJan2023.pdf
5. http://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/05/vertical-farming-future-of-agriculture/
6. http://www.wam.ae/en/article/149dop1-dubai%E2%80%99s-production-green-hydrogen-reduces-450
7. http://www.wam.ae/en/article/hszrhfof-suhail-mazrouei-reveals-details-updated-uae-energy
8. http://decarbonisationnews.com/2024/08/driving-sustainability-forward-blusmarts-strategic-expansion-into-dubais-premium-electric-mobility-market/
9. http://www.wam.ae/en/article/hszrhfof-suhail-mazrouei-reveals-details-updated-uae-energy
This article is contributed by Sindhu Kashyap.
It is a part of a featured content series on .
Disclaimer: This article has been produced by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.