Degrees in Action
Conferences tracing the path from regulation to implementation, from what UAE law requires, to the science, to the sectors that will decide the Gulf's net-zero future.
Across the Gulf, a quiet transformation is underway. From the deserts to the coral reefs, from the turbines on the coastline to the laws being written today — conferences will trace the path from regulation to implementation. This is Degrees in Action. Come, and help shape the region's net-zero future.
About the MENA Climate Initiative
The MENA Climate Initiative is a new CEBC platform in partnership with Kai Kata, designed to convene business leaders, technical experts and policymakers around focused, solutions-oriented conversations on climate action across the MENA region. It builds on the Degrees in Action format of small-group, discussion-led forums, while establishing a distinct identity and a recurring cadence of themes that map onto CEBC's strategic pillars: clean energy, water, hydrogen, mobility, climate finance and, with this launch, the built environment and circularity.
Background & Rationale
The Clean Energy Business Council MENA (CEBC) and Kai Kata FZE introduce Degrees in Action, a series of climate-focused forums under MENA Climate to bring together industry, government and civil society around practical, sector-specific decarbonisation challenges. This will be a standing platform for cross-sector dialogue on the region's most pressing climate and sustainability transitions, beginning with the built environment.
The built environment is one of the largest contributors to regional emissions and resource consumption, spanning cement and ceramics manufacturing, construction materials, and end-of-life building waste. A forum dedicated to circularity in this sector offers a timely and “concrete” entry point for the Initiative's launch, anchored in the UAE's green building agenda and the growing regional push toward circular economy practices.
From regulation to implementation
Each forum grounds policy in science, then applies both to the region's highest-impact sectors — the built environment, industrial decarbonisation, and the water-energy nexus.
Building Circularity
Circular Construction — circularity in materials, manufacturing and the built environment. Launch of the MENA Climate Initiative, in partnership with Kai Kata. October 7th 2026, EGBC Lounge.
Capturing Carbon
Scaling CCS for the Gulf — technical and commercial pathways, the regional project pipeline, and financing the transition.
The Compliance Imperative
Decarbonisation obligations under UAE Federal Law No. 11 — what the law requires, how penalty tiers apply, and aligning targets with national NDCs.
State of the Climate
Where global and regional emissions stand today — the remaining carbon budget and what it means for Gulf economies specifically.
The MENA Water & Energy Nexus
Where regional water security and the energy transition intersect — practical pathways for a water-scarce, energy-rich Gulf.
A morning built for depth, not breadth
Forum 01 — Building Circularity
Built Environment · EGBC Lounge, Dubai · October 7th 2026The room where the Gulf's net-zero roadmap gets written
Convened by the people building the transition
Degrees in Action is a series of events on climate and the sustainable economy, curated by the Clean Energy Business Council MENA (CEBC) in partnership with Kai Kata.
Regulators, scientists & the firms scaling the solutions
- Dr. Nasser SaidiFounder & Chairman, CEBC MENALinkedIn →
- Dr. Habiba Al Mar'ashiCo-Founder, Emirates Green Building Council
- Abdullatif AlBitawiCEO, Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC)LinkedIn →
- Yomna Hatem GaafarPrincipal Projects Manager, Ministry of Economy & Tourism
- Dr. Firas FayssalEnvironmental & Sustainability Expert Business Development Director, WCS
- Walid SherifCommercial & Business Development Leader, ASGI
- Sufiya SheikhDeputy Manager – PR, Corporate Communications & Sustainability, Marketing & Communications, RAK Ceramics PJSCLinkedIn →
- Willem de JongeEnvironmental & Sustainability SpecialistLinkedIn →
- Adrienne DoolanManaging Director, CEBC MENA
Questions, answered
What is Degrees in Action?
Degrees in Action is a series of sustainable economy forums held across the Emirates. Co-presented by the Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) with Kai Kata. Each forum grounds policy in science and applies both to the region's highest-impact sectors.
When and where is it held?
The forums will run on a yearly basis from October to June, hosted at various venues throughout the Emirates.
Who should attend?
Degrees in Action is built for senior decision-makers working at the intersection of policy, capital and climate and the firms scaling low-carbon solutions across industries.
How do I reserve a seat?
Submit the registration form at menaclimate.com. These forums are invitation only.
Is Degrees in Action free to attend?
Attendance is by invitation only. Submit your details via the registration page and the team will confirm availability for the forum(s) you selected.
Seats are limited
and by registration
Tell us which forum you would like to attend and we will confirm your place, agenda and venue details by email.