UICCA, Ministry of Economy launch Circular Economy Cycle for sustainability

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) and the UAE Ministry of Economy (MOEC) have agreed to work together to support the circular economy. This means they will help new businesses that focus on using resources wisely and reducing waste. This plan is part of the UICCA Launchpad Programme and will give startups the tools they need to grow.

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The Ministry of Economy will help by promoting this programme, introducing startups to investors, and making rules easier for green businesses. This will help new ideas turn into real businesses that can make a difference.

The signing of this agreement took place at Investopia 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Important people at the event included Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UICCA, and His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Circular Economy Council. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Foreign Trade and Industry Sector at the Ministry of Economy, and Zainab Aziz, General Counsel at UICCA.

Sheikha Shamma said that the circular economy is very important for the UAE’s future. By reducing waste, reusing materials, and designing things in smarter ways, the UAE wants to become a leader in sustainable development. She added that this programme will help businesses that have new ideas to solve environmental problems while also creating new jobs and opportunities.

The programme will give businesses training, guidance, and support to help them grow. Sheikha Shamma also said that working with the Ministry of Economy shows UICCA’s strong commitment to helping green businesses succeed. The goal is to encourage companies, government leaders, and people to use eco-friendly practices and bring new ideas to life.

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said that the UAE is moving towards a circular economy because of the leadership’s vision. He explained that the UAE has a plan called the Circular Economy Policy 2031. This plan includes 22 policies for different industries like manufacturing, food, infrastructure, and transportation. These policies will help businesses use resources better, recycle more, and invest in new green technologies.

He also mentioned that Investopia has become a big platform where business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs come together to discuss future economic solutions. He added that launching the Circular Economy Cycle at Investopia 2025 is part of the UAE’s goal to attract more investment into circular economy projects and sustainability-focused businesses.

His Excellency Bin Touq said that this agreement between the Ministry of Economy and UICCA will help the UAE and the region move towards a greener economy. The programme will support new businesses that are working on ways to reuse resources and reduce harm to the environment. He also said that this partnership will help create better rules for businesses, improve cooperation between public and private sectors, and encourage investment in green industries.

Following this partnership, UICCA announced that the Circular Economy Cycle of the Launchpad Programme will start in May 2025. The programme will help new businesses that are working on solutions to reduce or reuse waste in different industries. Unlike other programmes, this one will not take any share in the businesses but will help them grow by providing market access.

Startups from the UAE and other countries can apply for this programme. The application portal opened on 27 February 2025. Selected businesses will receive expert advice, opportunities to meet investors, and access to a strong network of industry leaders who are focused on sustainability.

At Investopia 2025, UICCA also held a discussion about the problems that climate-tech startups face. The discussion was based on a report called *Sustaining Start-ups – Bridging the Financial Gap in the UAE Climate-Tech Ecosystem*. Leaders from finance, technology, and business joined the session to talk about how climate-tech startups can get more financial support.

The report found that many climate-tech startups struggle to get funding when they try to grow. While businesses in fintech, health-tech, and e-commerce receive good support, climate-tech startups find it harder to get investments. The discussion suggested solutions like creating special funds for green businesses, encouraging private investment in climate-tech, improving business rules, and helping businesses grow beyond borders.

UICCA remains committed to helping these startups beyond their early stages, making sure they get the support they need to grow and make a real impact.