Dubai: The UAE is actively seeking to upgrade its environmental protection codes at the federal level in line with the global agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a top UAE official.

According to United Nations statistics, the UAE ranks 43rd on the list of global polluters, arguably due to the numerous construction projects underway in Dubai. This is an image the capital is aggressively aiming to change.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Minister of Environment and Water Mohammad Saeed Al Kindi affirmed the capital's commitment to the environment.

"The UAE is working on raising the federal benchmark in relation to the laws and regulations governing environmental protection in the country," Al Kindi said.

According to 2006 statistics, Dubai alone has more than 30,000 (24 per cent) of the world's cranes. This number is believed to have drastically increased since 2006.

"In this process, we are applying two mechanisms. First, we are keeping a close eye on the latest technological developments in fields such as construction and green buildings and industrial production efficiency. Second, we are in constant communication with concerned authorities across the seven emirates," Al Kindi said.

Spain meeting

The comment comes at a time when member states at the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change conclude their meeting in Spain where they discussed progress on greenhouse gas emissions.

To affirm its stand on the environment, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, also known as Masdar, has invested $5 billion (Dh18.3 billion) to establish the world's first green city. The development, extending more than six square kilometres, is presented as the only city with zero carbon dioxide emissions.

"Masdar is another major milestone for Abu Dhabi government with a key objective to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class research and development hub for new energy technologies, while ensuring that Abu Dhabi maintains a strong position in world energy markets," Al Kindi said.

Abu Dhabi has announced a policy agenda for the urban development and planning of the capital city up to 2030 with strong emphasis on environmental protection.

According to Falah Al Ahbabi, head of the newly established Abu Dhabi Urban Development Council, the government will introduce in less than one month a similar policy agenda for Al Ain to be followed by the western zone.

"In all our planning for land use across the emirates, our utmost consideration was for environmental aspects protection," Al Ahbabi said.