The UAE and Scotland share a common legacy in being two of the world's most important countries for producing oil and gas. While both countries continue to benefit from economies built on hydrocarbons, they now face - more than ever - a genuine requirement to develop and invest in alternative sources of energy.
What's the alternative?
Energy Join The National as it explores alternative to fossil fuels. Learn more
It is my firm belief that the global energy leaders of today can continue to be the global energy leaders of tomorrow.
Scotland has been pursuing measures to exploit its potential renewable energy resources during the past eight years. We are relatively small in terms of population and land area, but the country boasts a quarter of Europe's wind and tidal power and a tenth of Europe's wave resources.
To ensure this opportunity does not go to waste, the Scottish government has created a low-carbon economic strategy comprising targets, mechanisms to support investment in research and development, and incentives for international firms to invest in Scotland's renewables infrastructure.
The Scottish government's commitment to developing its renewable energy capacity includes setting the country some of the world's most ambitious targets.
For example, Scotland aims to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of its own electricity demand from renewable resources by 2020.
Scotland's original target had been to generate the equivalent of 40 per cent of its electricity consumption from renewables by 2020, but steady progress in capacity building (particularly in offshore wind) has allowed Scotland to increase the target to first 50 per cent, then 80 per cent and now 100 per cent.
The aim is to generate twice as much energy as the country needs, just over half of it from renewables, and just under half from other conventional sources. Scotland will thus become a net exporter of electricity, exporting as much electricity as it consumes.
Scotland also aims to deliver an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an interim target of 42 per cent reduction by 2020, and is committed to meeting 30 per cent of all primary energy demand from renewables by 2020.
The country's natural energy potential equates to about 206 gigawatts of recoverable offshore renewable capacity, in addition to a current onshore capacity of 2.8 gigawatts, provided by 117 wind farms.
We recognise that international partnership and investment is critical to pushing forward innovation and realising the full potential of green energy.
As such, some of the biggest names in the energy sector have chosen to expand their offshore wind turbine operations in Scotland, including Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe, Gamesa and Doosan Power Systems.
Scottish Development International (SDI), the Scottish government's trade and investment arm, has dedicated energy specialists that can help Emirati companies make the most of investment opportunities in this thriving industry. SDI has offices around the world, including the Middle East, and seeks to maintain close relationships with energy companies who could benefit from partnering with Scotland.
Scottish trade in the region already tops US$1.6 billion (Dh5.87bn). Trade with the UAE is estimated to be $620 million each year, specifically in key sectors such as traditional energy and education.
SDI can connect Emirati decision-makers within the low-carbon sector with their peer group in Scotland's leading renewable energy companies and research organisations.
SDI can also help them to identify and access sources of funding, government grants, training and other support measures to ensure Emirati companies can take full advantage of the vibrant renewables sector in Scotland.
Our investor support programme offers comprehensive advice and business development support including marketing and market research assistance, investment advice and specialised training.
The Scottish government has also established a $110m fund to help attract infrastructure providers to Scotland to assist with the development of ports servicing the offshore wind industry.
One of the key challenges faced by the world, as it continues to expand in population and wealth, is sustainable energy. As the GCC countries continue to be among the world's biggest users of electricity per capita domestically, a sustainable approach to electricity generation is now critical.
Together, I see the UAE and Scotland as pioneers in this power revolution, as we combine our legacy experience and diversified investment in alternative sources of energy.
Future innovation in renewable sources such as marine energy has great scope for growth, but it needs to be nurtured by a supportive environment with a strong framework for progress.
Scotland aims to continue to provide an important part of that environment for many companies from around the world.
*Alex Salmond, the first minister of Scotland, began a three-day visit to the UAE yesterday
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3
Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)
Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)
Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)
Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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Other ways to buy used products in the UAE
UAE insurance firm Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC) last year launched an e-commerce website with a facility enabling users to buy car wrecks.
Bidders and potential buyers register on the online salvage car auction portal to view vehicles, review condition reports, or arrange physical surveys, and then start bidding for motors they plan to restore or harvest for parts.
Physical salvage car auctions are a common method for insurers around the world to move on heavily damaged vehicles, but AWNIC is one of the few UAE insurers to offer such services online.
For cars and less sizeable items such as bicycles and furniture, Dubizzle is arguably the best-known marketplace for pre-loved.
Founded in 2005, in recent years it has been joined by a plethora of Facebook community pages for shifting used goods, including Abu Dhabi Marketplace, Flea Market UAE and Arabian Ranches Souq Market while sites such as The Luxury Closet and Riot deal largely in second-hand fashion.
At the high-end of the pre-used spectrum, resellers such as Timepiece360.ae, WatchBox Middle East and Watches Market Dubai deal in authenticated second-hand luxury timepieces from brands such as Rolex, Hublot and Tag Heuer, with a warranty.
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The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS
Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR
Engine: 5.7-litre V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 362hp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)
Sweet%20Tooth
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Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press
MATCH INFO
Argentina 47 (Tries: Sanchez, Tuculet (2), Mallia (2), De La Fuente, Bertranou; Cons: Sanchez 5, Urdapilleta)
United States 17 (Tries: Scully (2), Lasike; Cons: MacGinty)