The Ministry also launched the “Innovative Air Quality Platform” and honored university students’ innovations under the “Air Quality Innovators” initiative at Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, witnessed the signing of a contract with Masdar Institute of Science and Technology for the second phase of the air quality monitoring project in the UAE. The three-year contract was signed at Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences, following the success of Phase-1 of the project that involved Masdar Institute establishing the air quality monitoring system in the UAE.

Phase-2 of the air quality monitoring by satellite project involves the utilization of ground-level and satellite data to measure PM2.5 levels in the air and the use of the air quality network to calculate air quality index and facilitate air quality control programs and initiatives. It will also use satellite imagery, numerical models, and ground observations to understand the variability of air quality across the UAE and identify sources and nature of transboundary pollutants.

H.E. Dr. Al Zeyoudi said: “Air quality is one of the priorities in the UAE because of its health, economic and environmental impacts, where the National Agenda aims at raising the rate of air quality in the UAE from around 70% at present to 90% by 2021. This joint venture to remotely monitor air quality via satellites, underlines our belief that state of the art technology and innovative practices and tools are an important and essential part of the spectrum of solutions. We have to deal with the growing challenges that we face in our quest to achieve our national aspirations, which include improving air quality. We are relying heavily on employing the latest available technologies and developing innovative solutions that contribute to strengthening our capabilities in this area.”

Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf said: “We are privileged to partner with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment once again for the second phase of the air quality monitoring project. This partnership represents the strength of Masdar Institute, applying our innovative research to advance the goals of the UAE leadership. Through this agreement we are proud to collaborate with the Ministry to contribute toward developing a prompt and accurate method of monitoring air quality throughout the UAE, which will help us to recognize the environmental goals in the country’s 2021 vision.”

During UAE Innovation Week 2016, MoCCAE has announced a bunch of innovative initiatives in different environmental fields, where the Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences also witnessed the launch of the “Innovative Air Quality Platform”, which is an innovation lab for discussing the challenges and developing solutions to improve air quality in line with the National Agenda targets. The innovation lab also aims at involving the private sector as a main and supporting partner for environmental projects and initiative.

The ministry also viewed prototypes for university students’ innovations and honored the first three best innovative projects in air quality. This comes under the “Air Quality Innovators” initiative launched by MoCCAE in 2015 in cooperation with Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation.

MoCCAE’s initiatives during UAE Innovation Week 2016 also include the “Innovative 3Rs station” initiative, launched by the Ministry from 24 to 26 November in Ajman City Center and aims to raise awareness and change the behavior of individuals in the field of integrated waste management (reduce, reuse, and recycle).

“Our Happy Environment Encyclopedia” initiative from 24 to 26 November in Dubai Festival Arina is aimed at using 5D technology innovatively to educate individuals and encourage positive behavior in the areas of water, energy, waste, air quality, climate change, sustainability and ecological footprint.

MoCCAE also launched the “Schools Hackathon” initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education during the National Gallery of Innovation from 24 to 25 November at Dubai Festival Arina, to bring students with innovative ideas together with the experts in order to develop innovative projects to tackle environmental challenges.