Latest news with #AlJamali
Observer
11-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's OQAE targets over 10 GW renewables by 2035
MUSCAT: OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) – the clean energy arm of integrated Omani energy group OQ – has announced plans to develop over 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy production capacity within a decade. It also aims to bring a portion of its green hydrogen production capacity online within this timeframe. According to Najla al Jamali, OQ Alternative Energy CEO, these goals are aligned with the company's decarbonisation and energy transition strategies, consistent with its mandate as Oman's national champion for clean-energy development. 'By 2035, I envision OQAE exceeding 10 GW in renewable energy production and becoming a regional leader, possibly expanding beyond Oman. I would like to see our hydrogen projects supplying both domestic and international markets. Ideally, we would minimise export dependencies by fostering local offtake,' Al Jamali said in an interview with The Energy Year, a London-based news portal. The rollout of this portfolio is already underway, with the recent launch of construction of three renewable energy projects – the Riyah 1 and Riyah 2 wind farms and the North Oman Solar project – with a combined capacity of around 300 MW, the output of which is contracted to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the country's largest oil and gas producer. In addition, OQAE is supporting another 300 MW solar farm to provide clean energy for the Marsa LNG bunkering project currently under construction at Sohar Port. In the interview, Al Jamali highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in delivering OQAE's ambitious clean energy agenda. These partners contribute not only equity but also advanced technology and operational expertise. Many of them – including oil and gas producers and hard-to-abate industries – are also prospective customers for OQAE's clean energy output as they pursue their own decarbonisation pathways. 'In clean energy, our customer base includes PDO, Marsa LNG, Oxy and OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP),' she noted. 'Our potential customers include oil and gas companies such as PDO, BP, Shell and Oxy, as well as industrial players like Vale, Jindal and Sohar Aluminium. Within OQ Group itself, we also look to serve the refinery and plants in Salalah.' Significantly, OQAE is expanding its role in solar and wind energy development aimed at meeting Oman's national renewable energy targets. Earlier this year, OQAE secured a commitment for a stake of up to 25 per cent in all future renewable energy projects procured by Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) – the sole procurer of new power and water capacity in Oman. This commitment encompasses all upcoming solar and wind projects (and potentially other forms of alternative energy as well), beginning with the Ibri III Solar PV project, a 500 MW scheme slated for development in Al Dhahirah Governorate. 'As the national champion, we have rights in Nama Power and Water Procurement tenders. Three projects have already been floated. Ibri III has been awarded, while the Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and Dhofar Wind 2 projects are progressing. Nama Power and Water Procurement has also allocated around 1 GW of wind capacity to us, with some sites already identified and others pending selection,' Al Jamali explained. On the progress of OQAE's green hydrogen ventures, the CEO stated: 'We expect our hydrogen projects to advance from around 2030 onward, with some developments extending into the following decade.' She added: 'Our Hyport project features a 500 MW electrolyser. Green Energy Oman and Salalah H2 each represents around 2 GW. Collectively, these three legacy projects are expected to deliver approximately 400 kilotonnes per year. We believe they are among the most advanced in the region, having gathered wind data and progressed to the pre-FEED stage.'
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How UAE plans to boost Aquaculture by cutting red tape, backing research, and targeting exports
The UAE launches its Aquaculture Toolkit to guide sustainable seafood farming, boost exports, and strengthen national food security/Representative Image The UAE's aquaculture and fisheries sector is undergoing major expansion, backed by a national strategy that balances economic diversification, sustainability, and food security. According to Dr. Ebrahim Abdulla Husain Al Jamali, Director of the Fisheries Sustainability Department at MOCCAE, the ministry is intensifying efforts to scale aquaculture production and enter high-demand export markets while strengthening the country's food system. Driving Exports and Global Competitiveness Speaking to local news outlet Aletihad , Dr. Al Jamali said the ministry aims to position the UAE as a regional leader in premium aquaculture exports, responding to rising international demand. 'This strategic push includes expanding access to new global markets, with a particular focus on regions demonstrating strong demand for high-quality, sustainably farmed seafood,' he said. 'The strategy also involves promoting species with proven market acceptance and significant export potential.' In 2022, UAE aquaculture production reached 3,526.5 tonnes, with growth expected through farm expansion and advanced production technology. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'The goal is to position the UAE as a leading regional exporter of premium aquaculture products, while simultaneously supporting broader economic diversification and sustainable growth objectives,' Dr. Al Jamali added. Enhancing National Food Security Aquaculture plays a vital role in the National Food Security Strategy 2051, especially as seafood remains a dietary staple in the UAE. Per capita seafood consumption stood at 26.4kg in 2022, exceeding the global average Consumer behaviour studies have guided policy to better align production with domestic demand 'The ministry is actively streamlining aquaculture development by significantly simplifying licensing procedures, eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and prioritising environmental sustainability,' said Dr. Al Jamali. MOCCAE is also providing: Technical support and advisory services to local farmers Dedicated investor guidance during the licensing process Digital services for licensing, live fish importation, and farm operation management An advanced permit system ensures strict biosecurity controls at ports of entry, with permits valid for up to three months and options for export/re-export of products. 'These smart services foster a business-friendly environment… encouraging private sector engagement within the aquaculture industry,' he noted. Research, Innovation and Sustainable Expansion The ministry is also investing in research and development in collaboration with the private sector, exploring the commercial viability of new local fish species. A key innovation is the UAE Aquaculture Toolkit, developed in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It provides an operational and scientific foundation for the sector and includes: Atlas of Potential Offshore Aquaculture Zones Consumer Preferences Study Biosecurity Guidelines for disease control at the farm level 'These consumer insights directly inform policy, guiding the sector to focus production on high-demand species that exhibit excellent taste, texture, and growth performance,' said Dr. Al Jamali. 'They also highlight the need to invest in modern production systems, such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to maintain consistent quality.' Using insights from the toolkit, the ministry is finalizing a National Aquaculture Development Plan. The plan aims 'to expand farms, diversify production, ensure sustainability (environmental, social, economic), improve investment, boost GDP contribution, and create export opportunities,' he explained. Framework for Responsible Growth MOCCAE's aquaculture initiatives are backed by strong legislative foundations, including: Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 – on the Exploitation, Protection, and Development of Living Aquatic Resources Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 – on Environment Protection and Development 'Together, these laws form a comprehensive and strong legal foundation that ensures the responsible growth of the aquaculture sector, effectively balancing industry expansion with the protection and conservation of the natural environment,' said Dr. Al Jamali.
Qatar Tribune
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
NHRC secretary-general calls for adopting outcomes of Doha Declaration on climate change, human rights
GENEVA: Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali has called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to adopt the outcomes of the Doha Declaration issued at the international conference on climate change and human rights, organised by NHRC in February 2023, in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Development Programme, the Arab League, and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. In his remarks during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, Al Jamali called on the council to adopt the outcomes of the Doha Declaration issued by the International Conference on Climate Change and Human Rights, based on the negative impact of climate change on the effective enjoyment of human rights, and in line with NHRC's efforts and its follow-up of various related challenges and developments, and with recognition of the efforts made by the relevant institutions and mechanisms, foremost among which are the efforts of the special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change. He called for the Human Rights Council to encourage countries, and provide them with technical support, when necessary, to accelerate legislative reforms and adopt effective public policies and climate programs, while ensuring that human rights are integrated into the core of these measures. He also called for the involvement of national human rights institutions in these efforts as essential partners, ensuring the participation of various stakeholders - including indigenous peoples and the most vulnerable groups, in formulating climate policies and making decisions, as well as assessing and reviewing their impacts, when necessary, in addition to enabling all affected parties and rights holders to access effective national redress mechanisms.
