The Dubai Supreme Council recently organized its 62nd meeting wherein discussions were held over the impact of COVID-19 on the energy sector and its mitigation strategy. Chaired by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the virtual meeting also reviewed several issues such as the Facility Management Energy Accreditation Scheme and Dubai Supreme Council Administrative Order number (AO/1 of 2020) for Energy Service Providers.

Addressing the meeting, Al Tayer said that the energy sector is ready for the post-pandemic era in line with the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all countries across the world, Dubai's energy sector is moving ahead to develop the government work system in the country.

Al Tayer also highlighted that the energy sector in Dubai is working in line with the directives of the UAE's leadership in a bid to accelerate clean energy projects and mobilizing and the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and digitization.

"This will ensure a world-leading infrastructure according to the highest levels of reliability, efficiency and availability; as well as accelerate investments in disruptive technologies, advanced research and development, smart grids, energy storage, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, cybersecurity, robotics, national capacity building," Al Tayer added.

He also stated that the council has been briefed about the developments of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products, adding that it is working on new guidelines for the issuance of trading petroleum products in Dubai in accordance with the highest international standards.

After the meeting, Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Energy, said that officials also reviewed the incentives provided by the RTA to electric vehicle owners with aim of boosting sustainable green mobility through the acquisition of hybrid and electric vehicles. These incentives include free parking, an electric car sticker on the number plate, an exemption from registration, renewal fees and Salik tag obtaining fees.

As per reports, a number of board members attended the meeting, including Dawood Al Hajiri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Abdulla bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium; Waleed Salman, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Nuclear Energy Committee; Frederick Chemin, Dubai Petroleum General Manager; Nasser Abu Shehab, CEO of the Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector at the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

WAM