UAE launches tracking tool to help monitor their sustainability efforts

The UAE has launched an ‘Integrated Emission Quantification Tool’, designed to support the tracking of greenhouse gas emissions, air quality pollutants and mitigation efforts.

Speaking at the launch, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, described the Integrated Emission Quantification Tool as “a very important part” of the UAE’s National Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) Transparency System, which was set up in 2021.

The UAE was the first country in the region to develop this integrated system in line with the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement.

She said: “This is an exemplary model of commitment and innovation in addressing the global challenge of climate change and a regional first in developing an integrated emissions registry. The advanced tool will help us estimate and report on the emissions of greenhouse gases, air quality pollutants, and track mitigation actions.”

Almheiri said the UAE continues to take practical steps towards tackling climate change. “Our MRV Transparency System underscores the nation’s commitment to transparency, accountability and action-oriented climate action strategies. These are also a testament to the UAE’s role as a global leader in driving climate action,” the minister said.

The National MRV Transparency System has contributed to developing the region’s first integrated emissions inventory. The tool is designed to be used by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, relevant federal and local authorities, and data providers.

The system has four key objectives: support the implementation of the National Climate Action plan, meet international reporting obligations, track progress, and deliver on the mandate of the National Quality Agenda 2031.

 

UAE gets tough with unemployment insurance fines

The UAE is to start fining workers who have failed to comply with the unemployment insurance system.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed that workers who have failed to register for the UAE’s Unemployment Insurance Scheme will be receiving fines.

MoHRE said it is targeting employees who fail to pay their periodic instalments as per the payment schedule they selected upon registration.

The ministry said that more than 6.7 million workers had registered with the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, including citizens and residents working in the federal government and the private sector.

“The financial penalties that were implemented affected approximately 14% of all workers, the group that had failed to register in the system,” it said.

“Workers who fail to subscribe to the system face a Dhs400 fine (£86), while those who do not meet their regular payment obligations incur a fine of Dhs200.”

The ministry is urging workers to pay their fines promptly in order to avoid further action, including being denied new work permits.

It added that outstanding fines will be deducted from an employee’s salary or end-of-service benefits.

The new unemployment insurance system was set to provide UAE workers with financial compensation for up to three months after they have lost their job, while they try to secure a new job opportunity.

MoHRE said a subscription to the system can be completed by visiting the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance Pool website (www.iloe.ae), by using the ILOE smartphone application, designated physical self-service kiosks, ATMs, business service centres, exchange companies, banking applications, SMS text messages, telecom companies’ bills, or the ILOE call centre.

It said: “The Unemployment Insurance Scheme is divided into two categories: the first covering those with a basic salary of Dhs16,000 and under, where the insurance premium for the insured employee in this category is set at Dhs5 per month (Dhs60 annually), and the maximum monthly compensation is set at Dhs10,000,” says the ministry.

“Meanwhile, the second category includes those with a basic salary exceeding AED16,000, where the insurance premium is Dhs10 per month (Dhs120 annually). The monthly compensation for this category is capped at Dhs20,000.”