The United Arab Emirates has always been a keen proponent for the environment, initially under the leadership of our late president, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Allah bless his soul), and currently via the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may Allah protect him). This focus on the environment is with two basic yet strategic goals in mind: protecting and developing the environment, and achieving sustainable development. In this context, Ras Al Khaimah issued Law No. 2/2007 to establish the Ras Al Khaimah Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) as a specialized body to protect the environment in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has stated that "protecting our natural environment was and continues to be the compass that guides us in our sustainable development journey in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, and it is our responsibility to adopt the latest innovations and best practices to preserve nature and pave the way for building a sustainable future that guarantees economic prosperity and environmental preservation simultaneously".
Protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development constitutes a vital focus area at both local and international levels. The United Arab Emirates adopts national strategies to achieve environmental sustainability and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,
while maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. In support of the "strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality" that the UAE seeks to achieve by 2050, and in light of the declaration of 2024 as the Year of Sustainability by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the EPDA is pursuing a number of initiatives to achieve the UAE's strategic objectives in this field. These include the implementation of innovative environmental projects, supporting cooperation, activating partnerships and agreements with various parties at local and international levels and intensifying field visit studies to assess current environmental conditions and preservation systems. The EPDA also strives to establish the principle that protecting the environment is the responsibility of everyone, while it also seeks to raise the status and reputation of Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE regionally and globally through holding international exhibitions and conferences in the Emirate.
In conclusion, I can only extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the EPDA's employees, partners, clients, all segments of society and everyone who contributes and devotes their efforts to achieving our vision and mission.
Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais
Director General of EPDA-RAK