Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, serving as the Minister of Economy, reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates' strong commitment to promoting sustainable growth within the aviation sector while tackling climate issues. In a keynote speech delivered at the 80th Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, he acknowledged that the air transport industry has historically played a significant role in fostering global partnerships that not only drive change but also connect individuals and bolster economies around the world.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the aviation sector in reducing carbon emissions, he noted that aviation is responsible for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions and has contributed approximately 4% to global warming thus far. He emphasized that as environmental concerns intensify, the pursuit of sustainable air travel has transitioned from being optional to being a critical necessity. Furthermore, he indicated that a collective commitment is essential for substantial progress in this area, calling for enhanced cooperation and funding from both government and private sectors to facilitate the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels and other innovative alternatives.

He highlighted that the UAE is leading the charge towards a low carbon economic model, where aviation is a vital element of the broader strategy to reduce reliance on oil and address climate change, reflecting priorities of the UAE leadership. In 2023, the non-oil sector represents over 74% of the UAE's GDP. Additionally, Al Marri mentioned that the UAE has taken pioneering steps in sustainability by actively participating in international negotiations led by the International Civil Aviation Organization and endorsing decisions that promote environmental consciousness within the aviation sector.

To achieve the ambitious goal of establishing the UAE as a regional hub for low-carbon aviation fuels, the government has launched the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap, targeting the production of up to 700 million liters annually by 2030. This ambitious initiative is projected to lead to a reduction of up to 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. At COP28, the necessity for advancements in technology, such as the creation of more fuel-efficient aircraft and the exploration of alternative propulsion systems including electric, hybrid electric engines, and hydrogen, was underscored.

Finally, Al Marri underscored that as a leading player in the travel and tourism sectors, the UAE is devoted to contributing solutions to the climate crisis while also striving to decarbonize the aviation industry. He emphasized that effective collaboration with the private sector is vital for achieving sustainable economic objectives and recognized the private sector as a crucial catalyst for growth.