The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), participated in the BRICS Transport Ministers’ meeting held in Brasília, Brazil. Sheikh Nasser Al Qasimi, the Assistant Undersecretary for the Infrastructure Regulation Sector at MoEI, delivered the UAE’s address during the session.

In his speech, Sheikh Nasser highlighted the UAE’s significant achievements in sustainable transport and smart infrastructure. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a forward-looking vision driven by data and innovation, and emphasized the necessity of multilateral cooperation to tackle global challenges in the transport sector.

He detailed the UAE’s ongoing efforts to develop an integrated and sustainable infrastructure, specifically mentioning the Etihad Rail project. This project spans 1,200 kilometers and aims to transport over 60 million tons of freight and 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030, which will help reduce approximately 8.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Sheikh Nasser also discussed advancements in urban mobility, particularly the rise in electric vehicle usage and plans to initiate an air taxi network by 2026. He indicated that the country had developed a modern electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which had surpassed 700 stations by the end of 2024.

In the aviation sector, he presented the UAE’s roadmap for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), targeting an annual production of 700 million liters by 2030, with a mandatory blending rate of at least one percent by 2031. He noted that UAE airports recorded over 140 million passengers and 4 million tons of air cargo in 2024.

Regarding maritime transport, Sheikh Nasser reiterated the UAE’s commitment to reducing emissions at national ports by 70 percent by 2030, and to operate Jebel Ali Port entirely on renewable energy. He also voiced support for the proposal to create a BRICS International Logistics Alliance.

During the meeting, the UAE renewed its backing for the establishment of the BRICS Institute for Sustainable Transport and Logistics, which aims to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and enhance regional integration. This initiative supports the global sustainable development agenda in the transport sector.

The UAE delegation also took part in preparatory meetings with specialized working groups prior to the ministerial meeting, involving official delegations and experts from various countries. In these sessions, national best practices were shared in areas such as sustainable transport, smart urban mobility, sustainable aviation fuel, air connectivity, port emissions reduction, and maritime transport. A proposal for establishing an international logistics alliance within the BRICS framework was also discussed.

The technical teams produced a set of recommendations that were incorporated into the ministerial declaration, reflecting the member states’ dedication to promoting collaborative efforts and sharing expertise to foster a sustainable and resilient transport system that addresses future needs.