Page 100 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

the strategic motto of Vision 2031, which is to move from one signed our Climate Responsible Companies Pledge. In doing so,
milestone to another.” On her part, Hanan Mansoor Ahli, Director they are committing to aligning their efforts with our national
of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), said, decarbonization drive. These companies see the opportunity that
“The results of the UN E-Government Survey 2024, are considered exists in diversifying a business in pursuit of sustainability.’ Eng.
as a reflection of the effectiveness of digital government enablers, Aisha Al Abdooli, Director of the Green Development Department
and the efficient telecommunications infrastructure that supports at UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, delivered
Intergovernmental Integration projects and initiatives. the keynote speech at event, championed the need to harness
(September 27, 2024) www.gulftoday.ae digital innovation to power impactful sustainability solutions. In
her speech, Eng. Al Abdooli stressed the importance of domestic
The 14th National Dialogue on Climate Ambition was organized and international collaboration to drive digital innovation and
by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) foster shared knowledge. The dialogue’s welcome address
and hosted by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) at its was given by Ms Alya Al Zarouni, Chief Operating Officer at
headquarters in Dubai. The event is part of a series of sector- DIFC Authority, in addition to Mr Christoph Klarmann, Deputy
specific assemblies aimed at establishing a national sustainability Ambassador at the German Embassy, UAE. The 14th National
outlook and informing the country’s pursuit of climate neutrality. Dialogue on Climate Ambition featured presentations from Yassin
The fourteenth assembly, which was organized in partnership with Nasri of IMPACTGULF, and Joëlle Jammal, Executive Director of
IMPACTGULF, discussed ways in which innovation can accelerate United Nations Global Compact UAE. It closed with a working
the transition to a low-carbon economy. It also looked at the session focused on ‘The Pros & Cons of AI for the Advancement
importance of green initiatives in linking digital transformation of Sustainability’. The session was moderated by Ahmed Ameen
and sustainability. During the event, seven additional entities Ashour, Chief Sustainability Commercial Officer for Microsoft
from both private and public sectors signed MOCCAE’s Climate Middle East and Africa, and Shayma Kurz, CEO of Digital Advice
Responsible Companies Pledge, bringing the total number of Consulting.
signatories to 138. Dubai Road and Transport Authority, Dubai (September 5, 2024) www.zawya.com
Holding, Emirates Development Bank, Al-Futtaim Group, Stratecis,
Antelope Toplink LLC and IPT-energy all committed to step UAE Adopts Regulations on Telemarketing Activities and the
up their efforts to combat climate change. They will do this by Telemarketing has long been a favored method for businesses to
measuring and reporting their greenhouse gas emissions in a reach potential clients. However, with the significant evolution of
transparent manner, developing ambitious science-based plans data privacy and consumer protection laws, telemarketing is now
to reduce their carbon footprint, and by sharing these plans with intertwined with numerous legal challenges and concerns. In line
the UAE government to help contribute to achieving the national with these developments, the United Arab Emirates has adopted
net-zero target by 2050. H.E. Dr. Alanoud Alhaj, Acting Assistant Cabinet Decision No. 56/2024 of June 10, 2024 (the Decision) to
Undersecretary of Green Development and Climate Change sector enhance the regulatory framework governing telemarketing
at the MOCCAE, said: ‘The National Dialogue on Climate Ambition activities. The Decision was officially published on June 28, 2024
underscores the Ministry's commitment to fostering ongoing and will come into force on August 27, 2024. It would be prudent
engagement with major corporates and the private sector – who for businesses operating in the UAE market to review their
are a key partner in the UAE's journey towards achieving Net-Zero marketing practices before such time to ensure compliance with
by 2050.’ H.E. added: ‘The private sector is instrumental in fostering the new requirements. The Decision sets out principles and an
innovation to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy additional framework for the regulation of telemarketing activities,
and facilitate the transformation of various industrial and service i.e., phone calls to consumers for the purposes of marketing,
sectors into sustainable systems. Through collaboration and the advertising, or promoting products or services, as well as
sharing of best practices in this field, we can more effectively marketing SMS and other messages sent through social media
promote sustainable economic growth in the UAE.’ Her Excellency applications.
concluded: ‘We are pleased that seven additional entities have (July 26, 2024) www.lexology.com

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