The remarks were part of a press statement released by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in recognition of World Energy Day, observed annually on 22nd October.

This initiative was endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and officially adopted by 54 countries worldwide, along with representatives from the UN, the Arab League and the African Union, at the World Energy Forum 2012 in Dubai.

The World Energy Day aims to provide safe and sustainable energy for all by identifying the need to develop national policies that embody the global energy perspective. It also seeks to set policies related to the implementation and development of mechanisms and frameworks for exchanging expertise on a global level.

It also helps raise awareness about preserving natural resources and protecting the environment by highlighting the sustainability of energy and water, reducing the carbon footprint, promoting the use of renewable energy and supporting the transition towards a green economy.

Diversifying energy sources, increasing the share of clean and renewable energy, and encouraging investments in related sectors are among the UAE's top national priorities. The country has launched several energy strategies, including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy and invest AED150 to AED200 billion by 2030 to meet the country's rising demand for energy as a result of a rapidly growing economy.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised the importance of sustainability in the energy sector and the UAE's steadfast commitment to the transition to clean energy sources.

He said, "The UAE takes confident steps to achieve its clean energy targets, guided by the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 that has set a target of tripling renewables capacity by 2030. Today, we have six gigawatts of renewables and 5.6 GW of nuclear energy. That makes our grid one of the cleanest worldwide. World Energy Day is a valuable opportunity to celebrate our achievements in shifting to sustainable, clean energy."

The minister added that the UAE has become a global leader in adopting cutting-edge clean energy technologies, having diversified its energy sources through massive investments in solar and nuclear energy.

"The UAE's approach is based on striking the right balance between economic growth and environmental protection through reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the deployment of clean energy. Mega national ventures, such as the Barakah nuclear plant and the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Complex, make the UAE a leading global model for a robust energy transition," he noted.

Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), said World Energy Day accentuates the escalating significance of energy efficiency and the imperative for institutions and communities to collaborate towards a more sustainable energy future.

"At Etihad Water and Electricity, we are at the forefront of integrating transformative technologies that enhance energy efficiency and contribute to the UAE's pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2050," he added.