The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a global leader in the financial sector across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has launched its Decarbonisation Strategy, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. Announced during the 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum, the strategy reinforces DIFC’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2045, outpacing the UAE’s national target of 2050.
DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy focuses on reducing emissions across its operations, construction activities, and supply chain. The initiative aims for genuine net zero achievements without resorting to carbon offsetting or trading mechanisms, setting a global benchmark for financial centres.
Day 2
2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum
Sustainability Progress Report Released
DIFC unveiled its first-ever Sustainability Progress Report, “Building a Sustainable Future: DIFC’s Path to Impact,” outlining its sustainability milestones and forward-looking roadmap. The report reflects DIFC’s leadership in sustainable finance and green innovation.
Future Sustainability Forum Highlights
The Future Sustainability Forum, attended by 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts, served as a vital platform to discuss actionable solutions for achieving net-zero goals. The event featured over 500 global investors and more than 100 speakers, highlighting innovative approaches to sustainable finance and environmental strategies.
One of the highlights was the Climate Tech World Cup, which brought together visionary entrepreneurs to address pressing environmental challenges. Finalists included Acklo, Baynunah Watergeneration Technologies, Green Worms, Mahawa, The Surpluss, Sirius Energy, and Zeroe.
Day 1
2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum
Leadership Remarks
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating:
“The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a critical platform that enables global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finding practical solutions for climate change and sustainable development. In light of COP29 outcomes, we are pleased to announce DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy, where we are setting new standards for environmental leadership. We remain at the forefront of solidifying Dubai’s position as the leading sustainable financial city in the region. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for decarbonisation within global financial centres and aim to achieve Net Zero in 2045, five years ahead of the UAE’s targets.”
UAE’s Role in Green Finance
The UAE continues to lead in green finance across the Middle East and North Africa, with green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds reaching a record USD 24 billion in 2023. Recent data revealed that the UAE accounts for USD 10.7 billion of the total, reflecting a 170% growth in green bond issuances.
Building on the legacy of COP28 and outcomes from COP29, DIFC is advancing sustainability dialogues. Initiatives like the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst, launched during COP28, aim to scale sustainable financial flows from Dubai to USD 100 billion by 2030. This initiative is complemented by an AI-driven sustainability knowledge hub, bolstering DIFC’s position as a regional leader in green finance.
Strategic Partnerships and Support
The Forum was supported by prominent partners, including Dubai Municipality, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst. Major sponsors such as Mashreq, Deloitte, and Emirates NBD showcased their commitment to sustainable practices.
Through these efforts, DIFC is not only driving regional progress but also contributing to global climate action by promoting sustainable development, enhancing financial innovation, and reducing environmental impact.
