Global environmental leaders will convene in Abu Dhabi on Thursday for the opening of the World Conservation Congress, which begins against a challenging backdrop of geopolitical unrest and shifting attitudes towards climate change.
It is the first time the congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature will be hosted in the UAE. The event will draw on views of thousands of scientists, experts and those living on the front lines of a changing planet, to help address the most pressing concerns facing the natural world.
The event at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) is expected to draw 10,000 visitors, who will attend more than 1,500 sessions on biodiversity and nature across 140 different country pavilions.
Dr Grethel Aguilar, director general of the IUCN, said the congress is to take place at a moment of immense opportunity. “Over the coming days, this extraordinary platform will ignite bold ideas, showcase groundbreaking solutions and unite the world’s conservation community in a shared mission to protect our planet and secure a sustainable future for all,” she said.
“There is a need to co-operate globally in this area. We are living now at a moment in our planet, globally, internationally, which is challenging. These are challenging times because of geopolitics, challenging times because we are losing biodiversity and challenging times because of climate change.”
Losing faith
In the US, President Donald Trump recently cancelled $8 billion in funding for climate-related projects, while a report by the Tony Blair Institute think tank claimed the public was losing faith in climate policies due to the lack of promised green jobs and economic growth.
During the coming Abu Dhabi conference, the new IUCN Red List of Threatened Species will be launched along with the next IUCN World Heritage Outlook.
The winners of the International Rangers Award 2025 will also be announced alongside the host country for the 2027 IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas congress.
The outcomes of the 2025 Congress are expected to directly shape international environmental policy, Dr Aguilar said.
A united approach is the best way to overcome considerable environmental challenges that ultimately, affect us all, she added.
“The best way to confront challenges is by working together, by being united through civil society talking to governments, and indigenous peoples being part of the equation,” said Dr Aguilar. “We are nothing without nature, we depend on nature and that is the reason we are talking about this.”
Sustainable approach
An international conference that will spur a considerable increase in air travel and traffic during the week long event has not been left out of congress planning.
Alongside the UAE government, congress organisers aim to offset 100 per cent of the unavoidable carbon emissions generated by the event.
Pavilions constructed for the event are being assembled with sustainable materials, while the event is being live streamed to avoid unnecessary travel into the UAE where possible.
The congress is also limiting single-use plastics during the week, and promoting vegetarian food served to delegates and visitors.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, and an IUCN councillor for western Asia, said the UAE was a fitting host for a global conservation event.
“This conference comes during a critical moment, when one million species face extinction, and we are losing biodiversity at a rate up to 1,000 times faster than the natural rate,” she said.
“The UAE alone counts for 49 protected areas, covering 18 per cent of our terrestrial territory, and nearly 14 per cent of our marine waters.
“Our mission is clear. To ensure that environmental leadership of our region helps shape the global conservation agenda.”
Dr Al Dhaheri referred to several conservation programmes backed by the UAE with global success, as examples of what could be achieved.
Through the scimitar-horned oryx reintroduction programme, the UAE reintroduced more than 600 individuals into the wild across China, helping shift the species from extinct in the wild to endangered while also increasing local dugong populations.
Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi, surveys identified 25 new species of invertebrates and two new fish species, adding to the world's knowledge of marine biodiversity.
To improve natural carbon collection from the atmosphere, the UAE has planted more than 50 million mangroves.
Discussions during the week will include nature-based climate solutions aiming for up to 37 per cent of the climate mitigation needed by 2030, and work towards closing the $700 billion annual financing gap for nature.
Experts will also discuss how to address the situation where more than 35 per cent of global fish stocks are overexploited and coral reefs have declined by 50 per cent in the last century.
Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, acting assistant undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector, Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, said experts will exchange stories and experiences, and showcase innovation, research and findings.
“This congress will focus on five key themes that promote a cohesive, united push to achieve our global goals for people, land, water, oceans and climate,” she said.
“The UAE is committed to enabling global collaboration by creating a platform for debate and discussion, echoing our approach at COP 28, we will put diverse voices at the heart of action.
“We cannot stress enough that if we look after our nature, it will look after us. The IUCN will help us mobilise actions to ensure every country moves towards a nature positive economy, transforming every element of society.”
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
RACECARD
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m
RIDE%20ON
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Larry%20Yang%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Jackie%20Chan%2C%20Liu%20Haocun%2C%20Kevin%20Guo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
How to increase your savings
- Have a plan for your savings.
- Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
- Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
- It's important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings.
- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Kat Wightman's tips on how to create zones in large spaces
- Area carpets or rugs are the easiest way to segregate spaces while also unifying them.
- Lighting can help define areas. Try pendant lighting over dining tables, and side and floor lamps in living areas.
- Keep the colour palette the same in a room, but combine different tones and textures in different zone. A common accent colour dotted throughout the space brings it together.
- Don’t be afraid to use furniture to break up the space. For example, if you have a sofa placed in the middle of the room, a console unit behind it will give good punctuation.
- Use a considered collection of prints and artworks that work together to form a cohesive journey.
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nag%20Ashwin%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrabhas%2C%20Saswata%20Chatterjee%2C%20Deepika%20Padukone%2C%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%2C%20Shobhana%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Price, base / as tested: Dh76,900 / Dh110,900
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder
Gearbox: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 252hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: Torque: 352Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.5L / 100km
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
