Abu Dhabi, UAE, 22 October 2025: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (National University of Singapore) (APCEL), successfully concluded the international symposium ‘Ocean Futures: Advancing Decarbonisation and Innovation in Shipping and Marine Biodiversity through Law, Policy, and AI’, held last week at its campus on Al Reem Island.

The event gathered policymakers, academics, international organisations, NGOs, and industry leaders from across the UAE and beyond to explore how legal, technological, and policy frameworks can accelerate a more sustainable future for the world’s oceans. Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the MENA Oceans Initiative by Goumbook, the symposium formed part of SUAD’s Year of Ocean – an ongoing commitment dedicated to advancing marine science, innovation, and governance through SUAD’s Ocean Institute, launched at COP28.

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, commented: “It was inspiring to see leaders from across disciplines and regions come together with a shared purpose – to safeguard our oceans through knowledge, policy, and innovation. The symposium’s success lies not only in the quality of dialogue but in the genuine commitment expressed by all participants to turn ideas into collective action. As we move forward, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will continue to channel these learnings into impactful research and partnerships that advance sustainable ocean governance locally and globally.”

Strengthening Global Collaboration

One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the strengthened partnership between SUAD and APCEL, marking a deepened commitment to joint research and publications in environmental law, policy, and ocean governance. The symposium’s interdisciplinary approach drew engagement from key representatives of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the UN Ocean Decade (IOC-UNESCO), CMA CGM, Al Aidarous Law Firm, the Blue AI project, and regional universities including Zayed University, reflecting the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing ocean challenges.

Towards Fair and Coordinated Maritime Decarbonisation

Speakers underscored that decarbonising the maritime sector requires a coordinated global effort that links international law, national implementation, and private-sector innovation. Discussions emphasised that the International Maritime Organisation’s strategies must remain equitable, considering the capacities and needs of developing nations to ensure a fair transition towards net-zero shipping.

Integrating Biodiversity into Maritime Governance

Participants also highlighted the urgent need to embed biodiversity protection into maritime decision-making. With the shipping industry contributing to underwater noise, invasive species transfer, and pollution, experts called for stronger legal and policy mechanisms to balance economic activity with the safeguarding of marine ecosystems. Collaborative approaches involving governments, academia, and industry were recognised as essential to achieving resilient ocean governance.

Data, Technology, and the Future of Ocean Monitoring

The symposium further spotlighted the role of technology and data in enabling informed policymaking. Delegates stressed the importance of strengthening research capacity and data sharing among institutions to ensure transparency and accountability in ocean management. Emerging technologies such as AI and robotics can further enhance marine monitoring, enabling better data generation, sharing, and analysis to protect ocean ecosystems in the Gulf and beyond. The potential of new technologies was showcased through projects such as Blue AI – an innovative citizen-science platform designed to tackle plastic pollution in Gulf waters.

Future Impact

Building on the momentum of the discussions, SUAD and APCEL will jointly produce a policy brief and an academic paper for publication in a peer-reviewed environmental law journal. These outputs will be disseminated to policymakers, research institutions, and industry partners to support evidence-based decision-making and future collaboration. The recommendations and insights generated from the symposium will also be shared with relevant government agencies in the UAE to inform research priorities and inspire new partnerships focused on decarbonisation and marine conservation.

The symposium reaffirmed the UAE’s growing role as a hub for dialogue and innovation in sustainability, aligning with the nation’s long-term vision to advance climate action, responsible industry, and ocean stewardship. The programme featured keynote addresses and panel discussions on maritime decarbonisation, biodiversity protection, and the use of AI and autonomous technologies to strengthen ocean governance across the Gulf region.

To learn more about the symposium and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Year of the Ocean initiatives, visit https://sorbonne.ae/

In this context, Dulsco Group announced a 200% increase in its solar power generation capacity, following the installation of 1,250 new solar panels across residential facilities for its employees. The expanded solar system will provide clean energy to offset a significant portion of the group’s daily electricity consumption. Backed by a performance warranty spanning three decades, the system underscores the company’s long-term sustainability goals and operational efficiency.

According to estimates, replacing fossil fuels with solar energy at Dulsco’s facilities will reduce carbon emissions equivalent to planting nearly 986,000 trees over the next 30 years — eliminating approximately 20,176,385 kilograms of CO₂ and generating 44,836,410 kilowatt-hours of clean energy during that period.

The expansion comes at a time when many of the earlier challenges facing the solar industry are being resolved. While initial installation costs remain significant, they are now offset by falling equipment prices, faster returns on investment, and extended maintenance guarantees from leading suppliers. This shift is enabling private sector players to adopt renewable energy solutions more confidently and contribute to the UAE’s clean energy transition.

Beyond the environmental benefits, Dulsco’s investment represents a broader belief that adopting clean energy today is an investment in the well-being of employees, communities, and future generations. It also reinforces Dulsco’s role as an active partner in supporting the UAE’s position as a global leader in sustainability and innovation.

Other Landmark Solar Initiatives Across the UAE

The UAE continues to lead the region in solar energy deployment, with several major projects shaping its energy landscape:

• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (Dubai):
  The world’s largest single-site solar park, with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030, capable of reducing more than 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The project features a mix of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power technologies.
• Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Plant:
  Located in Sweihan, Noor Abu Dhabi is one of the largest operational solar projects in the world, producing 1.2 gigawatts of electricity — enough to power around 90,000 homes and reduce 1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
• Shams 1 Solar Plant (Al Dhafra Region):
  One of the region’s first large-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, Shams 1 produces 100 megawatts, showcasing the UAE’s early investment in solar infrastructure and technological leadership.
• Al Dhafra Solar PV Project:
  Recently completed in Abu Dhabi, the 2-gigawatt Al Dhafra plant — the largest of its kind — supplies electricity to 160,000 homes and displaces over 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
• Masdar City (Abu Dhabi):
  A global model for sustainable urban development, Masdar City integrates rooftop solar panels, smart energy systems, and green building practices, serving as a testing ground for renewable technologies.

A Sustainable Vision for the Future

These initiatives illustrate how the UAE’s proactive investments in renewable energy are creating measurable environmental and economic returns. With continued public-private collaboration, the country is on track to generate 50% of its energy mix from clean sources by 2050, reaffirming its role as a regional and global hub for green innovation.

A fleet of 28 Chery plug-in hybrids, including the TIGGO 9 Plug-In Hybrid SUV and Arrizo 8 Plug-In Hybrid sedan, will transport Congress delegates between October 9 and 15, 2025.

“AWR Group is contributing to a more sustainable UAE through responsible practices, environmental stewardship, and impactful partnerships for a thriving future. This collaboration reinforces AWR Group’s sustainability legacy and positions Chery as an international brand driving innovation with purpose. By placing our plug-in hybrid fleet at the service of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, we are amplifying the global agreement that supports environmental protection and furthers UN sustainable development goals,” said Zaher Sabbagh, Director of Chery UAE.

Rising Demand

In line with growing consumer demand, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are increasingly supporting more sustainable lifestyles, underscoring their role in achieving national net zero goals. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2024 Global EV Outlook report, sales of new electric cars, which include plug-in hybrids, saw a 35% increase in 2023, reaching almost 14 million vehicles globally.

When hot summers and long driving distances are involved, such as in the Gulf, plug-in hybrids are helping balance efficiency with reliability. For instance, they can provide clean, electric driving in the city while offering the reassurance of a combustion engine for longer trips. The success of plug-in hybrids could accelerate broader adoption of sustainable vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner and more connected future.

Globally, Chery is committed to reducing carbon emissions throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. At the end of a vehicle’s lifecycle, Chery promotes scrapping, recycling, and reuse. By the end of 2023, all Chery models achieved a 95% recyclability rate and an 85% reusability rate.

The Bigger Picture

In 2021, the World Resources Institute reported that road transportation accounted for nearly 12.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The rise of hybrids and EVs could help cut these figures dramatically. Research from BloombergNEF projects that by 2035, electrified vehicles – including hybrids – could represent over 60% of global passenger vehicle sales. In this context, Chery UAE is pairing product innovation with meaningful community engagement.