The delegates undertook a packed four day programme which started with a briefing by First Minister Humza Yousaf at the Heriot Watt Dubai Campus before heading into a morning of sessions with leading UAE organisations including Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). The afternoon was spent at a site tour of the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), followed by an evening of networking courtesy of the British Business Group Dubai.
One of the delegates, Beena Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder of CCU International, took part in the ADNOC $1M decarbonisation challenge, aiming to identify innovators capable of reshaping the global energy landscape through ground breaking technology.
Day two was an early start as the majority of delegates headed to the Green Zone at COP 28 attending events, meetings and briefings on energy transition, climate finance, technology & innovation, knowledge and green education. The Sustainable Innovation Forum which offered leaders from across the climate and innovation ecosystem the opportunity to have a tangible impact at COP 28 by helping forge across sector partnerships was also attended by a few.
Later in the day Siemens hosted our energy / agritech / bio and space sector delegates to a tour of their innovation hub in the Green Zone and the Net Zero Technology Centre held a session in the Blue Zone focussing on technology transfer between the global North and South and highlighting how this can be accelerated within developing countries using the TWB model.
The Beeah Group kindly hosted our delegation, showcasing their drive to pioneer a sustainable quality of life for all.
We then spent the evening hearing from Cabinet Secretary Mairi MacAllan who spoke about the scale of the climate emergency and spent time meeting with the delegation.
Our third day was spent at a number of panel sessions hearing about the energy transition in the UAE and Scotland and the future technologies of sustainability to promote a more sustainable way of living before being given the opportunity for delegates to introduce themselves to potential partners while learning about new projects, contracts and supply opportunities.
An investment showcase then provided a platform for our businesses to promote their investment opportunities, highlighting partnership requirements and networking with potential investors.
We then spent the evening at an exclusive event bringing together high level delegates to unite for a greener future.
The final day was spent at the Green Zone at a number of events ranging from sustainable solutions in the water sector through to female leadership in sustainability and reducing energy demand.
The final evening was spent with the delegates getting their feedback and thoughts on the landmark series of discussions and decisions that mark a significant step forward in our collective efforts to combine climate change.
Seona Shand, Director of International Trade, said: “Crucially, Scotland’s leadership in this endeavour stood out prominently. Our proactive stance and innovative strategies served as a model for many nations aiming to transition toward sustainability. Having spearheaded various initiatives, our delegation of Scottish businesses showcased a compelling roadmap that underlined the feasibility and benefits of prioritizing renewable energy, fostering green innovation and implementing robust policies to mitigate carbon emissions.
“Scotland’s presence at COP 28 was pivotal in reinforcing the urgency of global cooperation and setting ambitious yet achievable goals. Our commitment to sustainability and our demonstrated success in advancing renewable energy solutions serve as an inspiration for countries worldwide, evidenced by the number of meetings held during our packed four day programme.
“As we move forward, it’s clear that collaborative efforts akin to Scotland’s initiatives will be essential in driving real change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
