Breaking news

UAE Launches First Phase Of Blue Visa System For Environmental Champions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2025

The UAE has officially launched the first phase of its Blue Visa system, granting 10-year residency permits to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. The announcement was made during the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025 in Dubai on February 11–13.

Aimed At Sustainability Advocates

The Blue Visa targets environmental champions, including NGOs, international organizations, award winners, and activists who have significantly contributed to sustainability. The first recipients of the visa will include 20 thought leaders and innovators in the field of sustainability, as confirmed by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP).

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

How To Apply For The Blue Visa

This new visa offers 10-year residency to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental causes. Eligible applicants include members of international organizations, global award winners, and environmental researchers or activists. Applicants can apply directly to the ICP or be nominated by the appropriate authorities in the UAE.

The Blue Visa will be granted electronically, with applications submitted through government agencies working in the sustainability sector, following the ICP’s approved procedures. The system, activated during the first phase, is an extension of the Golden and Green Residency programs.

Strengthening UAE’s Global Sustainability Role

Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the country’s commitment to becoming a global sustainability leader. She noted that the Blue Visa initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision of attracting innovators and environmental leaders to achieve ambitious national sustainability goals.

Continuous Access To Blue Visa Services

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, ICP’s director-general, announced that eligible individuals will have 24/7 access to the Blue Visa service through the ICP’s website and mobile app, subject to the established terms and conditions.

This initiative marks another significant step in the UAE’s sustainability journey, continuing its efforts to build a more sustainable future for its citizens and the world.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Remains Among EU’s Lowest Renewable Electricity Producers

Cyprus remained among the European Union’s weakest performers in renewable energy adoption in 2025, with renewables accounting for 27.5% of gross electricity consumption, according to new data published by Eurostat.

Across the EU, renewable sources supplied 49.9% of gross electricity consumption last year, bringing the bloc close to generating half of its electricity from renewable energy.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Cyprus Remains Among The EU’s Lowest Performers

Cyprus ranked among the EU countries with the lowest share of renewable electricity, ahead of only Malta at 11.2%, the Czech Republic at 19.2%, Luxembourg at 23.3% and Slovakia at 24.1%.

Across the country’s broader energy system, renewables accounted for 21.5% of gross final energy consumption in 2025.

EU Renewable Electricity Continues To Grow

Renewables supplied 49.9% of gross electricity consumption across the EU in 2025, up from 47.5% a year earlier. Since Eurostat began collecting comparable data in 2004, the share has risen from 15.9%.

Austria recorded the highest share at 90.8%, followed by Sweden at 89.2%. Denmark generated 77.7% of its electricity from renewable sources, followed by Portugal at 65.6%, Greece at 60.9% and Spain at 60.7%.

Overall Energy Transition Still Has Work Ahead

Renewables accounted for 26.2% of the EU’s gross final energy consumption in 2025, up from 25.2% in 2024 and 9.6% in 2004.

Despite the increase, the bloc remains below its legally binding target of 42.5% by 2030. According to Eurostat, achieving that goal will require an average annual increase of 3.3 percentage points between 2026 and 2030.

Sweden recorded the highest overall renewable energy share at 65.4%, followed by Finland at 53% and Denmark at 48.2%. Belgium recorded the lowest share at 14.9%, followed by Slovakia at 16.3% and Ireland at 17.2%.

Heating And Cooling Also Show Steady Progress

Renewable energy accounted for 27.4% of heating and cooling across the EU in 2025, the highest level since comparable records began in 2004. The share increased by 0.7 percentage points from 2024, slightly below the long-term annual average increase of 0.75 percentage points.