UAE has firmly established itself as regional leader in environmental action

In 1992, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, visited India and planted a golden shower tree at the Rajghat. The gesture honoured Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, while symbolising the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its enduring partnership with India. Continuing this tradition, Sheikh Zayed’s son Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, now president of the UAE, planted a molshri sapling at the same site in 2016. Last September, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan carried forward the legacy by planting another golden shower tree at the Rajghat, reaffirming the shared values of environmental stewardship and strengthening the deep bond between the two nations.

The UAE has set ambitious sustainability goals, firmly establishing itself as a regional leader in environmental action. Importantly, the Indian diaspora, along with Indian tech and business leaders, plays a pivotal role in turning these aspirations into tangible achievements.

The UAE is the first country in the Middle East to pledge net-zero emissions by 2050 and is targeting a 40 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, located in Saih Al-Dahal, approximately 50km south of Dubai, is the world’s largest renewable energy project based on an independent power producer (IPP) model. With a mission to produce 5,000 MW by 2030 entirely from renewable energy sources, this project aims to reduce more than 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Similarly, Dubai Reef, a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, is the world’s largest purpose-built reef development. Last October, the project reached a significant milestone with the fabrication of its first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules―a major step towards enhancing marine biodiversity and promoting ecological sustainability.

Chandra Dake, the 45-year-old Indian technologist who leads Dake Rechsand, a Dubai-based company specialising in sustainability solutions for desert farming and water conservation, is an apt example of Indian minds working on sustainable solutions for the UAE. Chandra’s company boasts an impressive portfolio, holding more than 600 original patents. A crucial innovation from Chandra’s firm is “breathable sand”, which is created through a complex manufacturing process that involves adding specific minerals and applying heat to make the sand water-retentive and air-permeable. This sand can be used for planting trees and desert reclamation. Chandra is now raising funds for a massive afforestation initiative in the UAE.

Another variety of breathable sand can be used for a water harvesting concept called sponge cities. Sponge cities encompass extensive areas where rainwater is absorbed by permeable pavers, directing it either to proper sewers or storing it in underground reservoirs. In contrast, breathable sand, used for planting, retains water while allowing for aeration. Meanwhile, a patented ‘honeycomb’ structure, employed in constructing sponge cities, possesses both air and water permeability. Chandra said this concept was being considered by the UAE to tackle the post-rain flooding. “We are exploring the sponge city initiative to harvest rainwater and upgrade the drainage network,” he said. “We believe our technologies remain the best for water conservation and for enhancing greening and landscaping, especially in arid regions like the UAE.”

In early December 2024, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai, approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan (Dubai Walk)―an initiative aimed at transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city. The plan envisions a 6,500km network of modern walkways. Chandra has proposed his technology for the project as well.

Another Dubai-based Indian entrepreneur, Kaustubh Padakannaya, co-founder of the startup Pyse, spoke about the UAE’s suitability as a hub for adopting sustainable solutions. “The speed at which they implement these initiatives is far ahead of many other places, including India,” he said. “A key factor is the country’s smaller size, which allows for faster execution. Moreover, there is a strong top-down push from the government, driving the successful adoption of sustainable solutions.” Padakannaya’s firm is a fintech startup that focuses on democratising access to investments in green and clean energy initiatives. It enables retail investors to participate in sustainability projects that were traditionally limited to high net worth individuals.

“While sustainable solutions are essential, they are often significantly more expensive than traditional alternatives,” said Padakannaya. “Nearly all two-wheelers in Dubai’s market today are used for food delivery and these bikes run on petrol. Although switching to EVs is feasible, the upfront cost is 30–40 per cent higher, creating a barrier to adoption. This is where Pyse steps in,” said Padakannaya. “We finance sustainability-focused projects and lease green assets―such as renewable energy systems and EVs―to clients in Dubai. The key advantage is that clients don’t have to bear any upfront costs. Since green assets are operationally cheaper than traditional alternatives, the lease payments are actually lower than their current expenses.”

Pyse was originally founded in Bengaluru but later moved its headquarters to Dubai. “We had to choose between relocating to Singapore or Dubai,” said Padakannaya. “We chose the UAE because the government is highly approachable and open to new solutions. Cost and feasibility are rarely obstacles―they actively encourage and support businesses with innovative ideas. Moreover, the ease of access to key decision-makers―especially when working on initiatives that benefit the environment and the country―is truly remarkable.”