UAE Champions Circular Economy at World Economic Forum 2025

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Circular Economy Council, highlighted the nation’s strides in sustainability during a session titled "Turning Plastic Waste into Raw Materials: Fueling the Circular Economy," at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (Davos 2025).

Themed ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,’ the session explored converting plastic waste into recyclable raw materials, advanced recycling technologies, and policies that balance development with environmental protection. Bin Touq emphasized the UAE’s leadership in circular economy initiatives, citing its proactive strategies to address global environmental challenges, reduce waste, and cut carbon emissions.

He noted the UAE's early adoption of the World Economic Forum’s ‘Scale360°’ initiative and outlined the country's UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031. This comprehensive roadmap includes 22 policies targeting four key sectors: manufacturing, food, infrastructure, and transportation. These policies aim to enhance recycling technologies, drive innovation, create jobs, and secure raw material supplies while fostering partnerships with the private sector.

“Accelerating the shift to a circular economy model is essential for sustainable development,”

bin Touq stated. He urged participants to capitalize on investment opportunities in the UAE’s advanced infrastructure and sustainable initiatives.

Bin Touq also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to sustainability as host of COP28, underlining the country’s efforts to balance environmental management with economic growth. He stressed the need for innovation in areas such as sustainable manufacturing, smart transportation, and clean energy to support the global transition to a circular economy.

The session reaffirmed the UAE’s global leadership in sustainability and its vision to become a prosperous and environmentally conscious society by 2031.

News Source: Emirates News Agency