Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai, held a meeting to build collaboration on energy efficiency projects and discuss the effectiveness of Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), via videoconference, on July 28th, 2020.

The occasion was opened by H.E. Munther Mohammed bin Shekar Al Zaabi, Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, and H.E. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Consul General of Canada in Dubai as well as the Northern Emirates, to highlight collaboration possibilities in between Ras Al Khaimah and Canadian businesses to build a greener economy.

Opening the discussion, H.E. Al Zaabi underlined that Ras Al Khaimah is one of the fastest-growing economies in the UAE, supported by expanding industrial, hospitality, retail, logistics and tourism sectors, offering competitive advantages to businesses looking to establish in the region. Driven by its "Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040", Ras Al Khaimah targets 30% energy efficiency, 20% water efficiency and 20% contribution of renewables to the electricity mix of the Emirate by 2040.

Complimenting Ras Al Khaimah's initiatives to deal with climate modification, Consular office General of Canada outlined Canada's toughness in energy-efficient modern technologies, renewable energy options, environment-friendly framework expertise, along with Canadian competence in PPP, ranging from bargain structuring, procurement and task development to implementation. It also underlined that Canadian companies would be well-positioned to help Ras Al Khaimah accomplish its objectives.

Tuning to specific conversations, Ras Al Khaimah's Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office (Reem), offered a status update on its Energy Efficiency programs and its future projects, which includes thousands of new eco-friendly developments, over 3,000 building retrofits, significant network expansions in street lighting, water, and electric vehicle charging in Ras Al Khaimah.

Canadian experts presented various topics that would support Reem's energy efficiency programs, including the advantages of integrating smart grid technologies and energy management systems, best practices in delivering energy efficiency and green building projects, and implementing PPP to accelerate green infrastructure deliverables.

H.E. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Consul General of Canada in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, United Arab Emirates, said: "Improving energy efficiency provides an opportunity to address climate change, which is why Canada joined the Three Percent Club led by the International Energy Agency. I commend Ras Al Khaimah's visionary "Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040" and the collaboration between Canadian businesses and Ras Al Khaimah. This is one of many other initiatives Ras Al Khaimah and Canada can work on together to address environmental challenges, adapt smart city solutions to mitigate climate change and pave the way for a more sustainable and greener future."

For his part, H.E. Munther Mohammed bin Shekar Al Zaabi, Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, noted: "Part of our strategy at Ras Al Khaimah Municipality is about establishing and developing a strong supply base for energy efficiency and renewable energy products and services, as this will enhance the Emirate's ability to continually improve its environmental credentials. With minimal business set-up costs and high ease of doing business, capable companies in the field have the opportunity to establish in Ras Al Khaimah a strong hub to serve the Emirate and the region."

This virtual conference witnessed the participation of several leading Canadian companies that provide advanced energy and renewable energy solutions, including "Hatch", "EllisDon" and "MHPM Project Managers Inc.", many of which have long experience working in regional markets.