Three GCC countries pledge to cut emissions post COP18

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have collaborated on a paper at the COP18 UN climate change conference and the GCC states have revealed plans to cut emissions and improve climate mitigation.

The decision leads the way for the participating countries to present "Economic Diversification Plans" under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The four states are pursuing a wide range of initiatives that represent substantial contributions to clean energy technology and energy management.

The drive for low-carbon development has been felt with the investment in light rail systems in Dubai and the one under construction in Qatar, the statement noted.

UAE's Masdar City has also been an example of modern, 'green' urban development and Qatar's Lusail City also reflects the regional commitment to technolgical and building innovation.

The Msherieb Project in Doha will represent the world's highest concentration of "green" buildings when completed, with 108 of its 110 buildings eligible for certificates, and the project will boast the worlds first platinum LEED mosque.

Major investments have also been made to develop technologies for reducing gas-flaring, improving carbon capture and storage and in launching the world's largest Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project in Qatar's Al Shaheen field.