Since its establishment in 2000, DHL Global Forwarding Oman has grown into a logistics giant with a robust presence across the sultanate, boasting five offices dedicated to delivering excellence in logistics. Today, DHL Oman is not just about moving goods; it’s about moving towards a sustainable future.
DHL Oman’s latest milestone is the opening of its future-ready office in Qurum, a testament to the company’s incredible commitment to sustainability.
Roy Scaria, Country Manager, DHL Global Forwarding Oman, said, “Our core focus is now on Sustainable Logistics. We feel it is our responsibility as a leading logistics provider to bring our customers and suppliers together to facilitate the action our planet so urgently needs. Collaboration is key to driving positive change, aligning with Oman’s Sustainable Future initiative and the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”
Innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow
The solution to making supply chains greener is not less globalisation but more collaboration and innovation. DHL is pioneering this approach in the sultanate by prioritising cleaner, greener logistics.
DHL is making significant strides in sustainability with initiatives such as distributing paper pens and locally-made clay bottles to employees, reflecting the company’s commitment to a greener future in Oman.
Through the Paperless Forwarding Program, DHL has significantly reduced paper consumption by digitalising documents and invoices, enhancing efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
Ongoing projects include transitioning facilities to solar energy and upgrading fleets to electric vehicles, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering emissions. Furthermore, the MyDHLi platform now offers real-time data on carbon emissions associated with each operation, empowering customers to make informed decisions and opt for low-carbon alternatives. The LCL (Less than Container Load) services with zero carbon emissions have also been enthusiastically embraced by customers.
DHL’s sustainability initiatives are part of a broader commitment to explore new ways to minimize environmental impact. By collaborating with customers and suppliers, DHL Oman aims to create a more sustainable future for generations to come, driving positive change and making a tangible impact on our environment and communities.
Roy Scaria invites everyone to join this journey. He said, “By prioritising cleaner, greener logistics and working together, we can drive meaningful progress. We owe it to future generations to take bold action and make commitments to protect our planet now.”
Discover more about DHL Oman’s innovative solutions and sustainability initiatives through the MyDHLi platform and GoGreen Solutions. To understand the full scope of DHL’s global sustainability efforts, visit DHL Group Sustainability.
Source: Anirban, Muscat Daily
SOHAR Port and Freezone recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Elite Hazardous Waste Management Solution (FZC) LLC, a project poised to revolutionise industrial waste recycling, treatment, and disposal in Oman. Strategically located within the SOHAR Freezone, this initiative underscores a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and the circular economy, enhancing SOHAR's reputation as a hub for innovative solutions.
The ceremony, graced by Shaikh Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, saw attendance from representatives of Elite Hazardous Waste Management Solution (FZC) LLC, numerous partners, and the executive management team of SOHAR Port and Freezone.
Spanning 10,000 square metres and involving a RO 1.3 million ($3.5 million) investment, the new facility will employ advanced, eco-friendly technology to reduce carbon emissions. It will feature cutting-edge pollution control equipment to safely treat industrial waste, including oil sludge, sludge, and rubber. Key outputs will include heavy oil for slow-moving machinery and low-contamination carbon dust for use in cement manufacturing or road construction. The facility’s initial capacity of 40 tonnes per day is expected to double to 80 tonnes per day within a year.
Shiv Sood, Co-owner of Elite Hazardous Waste Management Solution (FZC) LLC, remarked, “Partnering with SOHAR Freezone aligns with our dedication to advancing sustainable practices and pioneering the circular economy. This milestone highlights our leadership in innovative waste management and our shared vision for a future where SOHAR Freezone continues to drive environmental stewardship and economic growth.”
Omar al Mahrizi, CEO of SOHAR Freezone and DCEO of SOHAR Port, added, “This new facility is a pivotal step in promoting the circular economy. By integrating advanced technology and adhering to stringent environmental standards, we enhance our waste management capabilities while contributing to Oman Vision 2040’s circular economy objectives.”
The groundbreaking of Elite’s Hazardous Waste facility signifies a significant step in their sustainability journey, marking the seventh circular economy project at SOHAR Port & Freezone. This diversification into various fields, including industrial and marine waste management, solidifies SOHAR Freezone as a premier choice for industries committed to the circular economy.
Source: Oman Daily Observer
Leading officials of The Sustainable City – Yiti, a joint venture between Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) and SEE Holding Group, are showcasing the strategies for achieving net zero at the Oman Sustainability Week Expo being held in Muscat.
A major event for future energy, power, water, waste and environment, the Oman Sustainability Week kicked off yesterday (April 28) under the theme ‘Sustainable living in a circular society’ at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The project will highlight its key sustainability efforts through its stand which is the largest in Oman Sustainability Week Expo underscoring the city's commitment to bringing forward global net zero targets, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the sultanate's commitment to achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, said the company officials.
The community will reduce the per capita emissions footprint of its residents by 78% compared to conventional housing.
This includes relying on 100% renewable energy, 100% water recycling, 100% waste diversion from landfill, and up to 80% self-sufficiency in food calorific requirements. It is poised to be the first city to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, they stated.
Furthermore, The Sustainable City – Yiti will organize guided tours for exhibition visitors to the project site to learn about the design, construction, and operational strategies.
Located just outside of Muscat, the ambitious project spans 1 million sq m with an investment value of approximately $1 billion. It accommodate over 10,000 people in villas, townhouses, and apartments.
It follows a resilient and replicable working model powered by intelligent technology under the three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental, and economic.
The project promises a high standard of living throughout the 300 villas/townhouses and 1,225 plaza apartments, said the officials.
To meet sustainability targets, the development seeks to reduce emissions across the six pillars of environmental sustainability: food, energy, water, products, mobility, and waste.
With work in full swing on the project, the infrastructure of The Sustainable City – Yiti is 90% completed and is slated for completion in 2026, they added.
SEE Developers CEO Amjad Hariz said: "As the largest sustainable community in the region and the first to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, The Sustainable City - Yiti embodies our commitment to achieving net zero targets, ten years ahead of schedule. We aim to provide an inspiring and motivating model for what can be achieved in the climate action field, in addition to improving the quality of life and supporting the circular economy in line with Oman's 2040 Vision."
"Achieving these goals is a shared responsibility, and Oman Sustainability Week provides an important platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and expertise to collectively realize a net zero emissions future," he added.
Source: TradeArabia
Environment Authority (EA) is taking a significant step towards environmental sustainability by establishing a national platform to monitor greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative aligns with Oman’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, a goal set in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement’s target to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Net zero neutrality represents the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emitted and the volume removed or offset from the atmosphere, resulting in a net-zero carbon footprint.
An EA official stated, “In collaboration with Microsoft, the authority convened on Monday to discuss the creation of a national platform for greenhouse gas emission inventory and a unified national digital system.”
The meeting also involved reviewing a specialised electronic system for data analysis and emission inventory.
This platform is a crucial part of the National Zero Neutrality Programme, designed to support Oman’s comprehensive strategy for carbon neutrality. The programme focuses on key sectors like electricity, urban development, transportation, industry, and oil and gas.
“Oman’s carbon emissions in 2021 were estimated at 90mn tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The five main sectors – industry, oil and gas, electricity generation, transportation and construction – are responsible for 95% of these emissions,” the EA official informed.
Oman has developed a detailed plan targeting these sectors. To date, EA has launched 49 initiatives, including 22 in 2023, as part of its national programme for zero neutrality.
Of the 49 initiatives and projects starting from 2021, five are in the oil and gas sector, three in environment and economy, six in infrastructure and housing, seven in electricity, ten in industry, and 18 in transportation.
In 2023, 18 projects were initiated in the first quarter, one in the second, and the remaining in the third quarter.
Additionally, EA organised a series of workshops under the National Zero Neutrality Programme, aimed at implementing sectoral plans for achieving zero neutrality. These sessions were pivotal in formulating a unified action plan, bolstered by innovative projects, to reach interim emission reduction targets.
Source: Muscat Daily
The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has formulated a preliminary roadmap aimed at fostering sustainable and green financing within the domestic financial system, a recent report revealed.
The CBO’s Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2023 published recently said, “CBO is also actively encouraging financial institutions to develop policies that facilitate and promote green financing.”
“Moreover, CBO is working on improving its analytical capabilities to better manage and deal with climate-related risks,” the report added.
Climate change poses micro prudential and macroprudential risks for the financial system in the form of direct physical shocks and risk from transition to a low-carbon economy, the CBO report said.
“The transition risks and shocks emanating from climate change and the shift towards net-zero emissions are among the key emerging risks for financial stability.”
As part of national climate risk mitigation efforts, the CBO has taken an active role in fulfilling its responsibilities. “It has advised banks and financial leasing companies to enhance their risk management policies and practices in accordance with the international best practices on climate-related financial risks,” the report added.
Moreover, the financial institutions have been encouraged to develop policies that facilitate and promote green financing.
The CBO in its latest FSR said that embracing new technology is indispensable for the financial sector.
With the increasing use of technology, the frequency of cyberattacks is also on the rise. After a surge in 2020, the number of cyber-attacks declined in 2021, but in 2022 they reached a new peak, with reported cyber incidents showing a significant 46 percent increase. The financial sector is a prime target for cybercriminals due to the potential for large gains.
In 2022, globally the reported cyberattacks on financial institutions doubled compared to 2021. This marked the highest cyberattacks in recent years.
This renewed surge, especially targeting financial institutions, could negatively impact customer trust in digital financial services and the financial sector as a whole.
The CBO elaborated further that Oman has also not experienced any significant disruptions from cyber risks in recent times.
However, like any other jurisdiction, the Omani financial sector is vulnerable to such risks.
“Therefore, cybersecurity remains a top strategic priority for CBO. Despite the increased demands on payment and settlement systems (PSS) since the pandemic, Oman’s PSS infrastructure has remained resilient and robust.”
The CBO is actively monitoring developments in various emerging areas and has established task forces dedicated to studying Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and other digital innovations.
This proactive approach allows the CBO to equip itself with the expertise required to navigate the evolving landscape of digital finance and stay prepared to take appropriate action when necessary.
Source: Zawya
Oman ranks first in the MENA region and ninth globally with an exceptional prospective capacity of 18,349 megawatts (MW), representing for 1.55% of the total global capacity, according to the research, which offers insights into solar farm projects with a capacity of 20 MW and more.
The figures from the Global Solar Power Tracker demonstrate Oman's strong commitment to renewable energy as well as its desire to diversify its energy supply, said a report from the Oman Daily Observer. Oman has realised its solar potential thanks to its wide desert landscapes and an abundance of sunlight, catapulting the nation to the forefront of the MENA region's solar revolution.The potential capacity is the total of all solar farm projects, including those that have already been declared and those that are in different phases of development, including pre-construction and construction. This suggests that Oman's solar business is likely to experience rapid expansion in the years to come.
The study highlights Oman's dedication to renewable energy while also outlining its excellent success in putting solar farm projects into action. Four solar farms are now in operation in Oman, three are being built, twelve are in the pre-construction phase, and two projects have been announced. These accomplishments show that the nation's solar business is thriving and expanding quickly.
The 500 MW Ibri Solar Power Complex, one of the biggest solar projects in the area, is Oman's premier renewable energy project. The facility, which is located in the Al Dhahirah Governorate, provides electricity to 33,000 houses and yearly offsets millions of tonnes of carbon emissions. A pair of IPPs at Manah are now being implemented; once operational in 2025, they will contribute 1,000 MW of additional solar capacity.
Nama Power & Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP), which is in charge of buying electricity and water in Oman, recently declared intentions to buy a brand-new massive solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP) by 2029. The project, provisionally dubbed "Solar PV IPPs 2029," would have two 500 MW IPPs and will have a combined capacity of 1000 MW.
The research also provides information on the worldwide solar farm landscape, which shows a startling total potential capacity of 1,184,296 MW. This underlines how important renewable energy is becoming globally as nations work to cut carbon emissions and lessen the effects of climate change.
China, the United States, Spain, Australia, and India are the top 5 countries on the list. Oman is at the top of the list in the MENA region, coming in at number 11, followed by Egypt (12th) with 17,094 WM, Morocco (15th) with 13,538 MW, Saudi Arabia (17th) with 9,051 MW, Iraq (18th) with 8,385 MW, and Kuwait (19th) with 7,970 MW.
Source: Technical Review Middle East
Oman and Etihad Rail Company, the developer and operator of the UAE-Oman Rail Network signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel (Jindal), an integrated steel producer in the GCC.
The MoU will see the companies establish a sustainable end-to-end transport logistics solution between Jindal’s steel complex at Sohar Port and the UAE, via the UAE-Oman Rail Network.
The agreement will allow Jindal to annually transport up to 4 million tonnes of raw materials and finished products from its steel complex at Sohar Port to the UAE.
Under the terms of the agreement, Oman and Etihad Rail Company will leverage its rail network to support Jindal in optimising operational integration through facilitated loading and unloading processes while guaranteeing rolling stock and facilities’ requirements of iron ore and steel.
Mohammed bin Zahran Al Mahrouqi, deputy CEO of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, said: “Our partnership with Jindal Shadeed Group reinforces Oman and Etihad Rail Company’s commitment to improving logistics services to meet the future needs and expectations of our customers by providing comprehensive solutions and stimulating the growth of various industrial sectors within Oman and the UAE.
“Furthermore, the MoU will enable Jindal to enhance its supply chain efficiency, benefiting from the UAE-Oman Rail Network’s fast, cost-effective, and sustainable services.”
Harsha Shetty, CEO of Jindal, said: “This is an important milestone for our company as we look forward to further expanding the reach of our high-quality, industry-leading products in the region and beyond.”
Through this collaboration, Jindal aims to not only streamline its transportation and logistics operations, but also advance its sustainability objectives and strengthen its green value chain.
Oman and Etihad Rail Company to offer eco-friendly transportation solutions
Oman and Etihad Rail Company will ensure an environmentally friendly transportation and logistics solution through the Oman-UAE Rail Network, and thus, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions in Oman and the UAE, in line with their national goals of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
It recently entered several commercial and investment partnerships with major international players in various industrial sectors to provide innovative logistics solutions and facilities, opening new corridors for economic cooperation, and unlocking promising opportunities for sustainable economic growth in Oman, the UAE, and the wider region.
Source: Gulf Business
Oman Cables has identified 50 projects over the next three years and dedicated investments have been approved for 2023, boosting its sustainability efforts.
Oman Cables Industry (OCI), the leading manufacturer of energy cables and innovative service provider in Oman, along with its strategic partner Prysmian Group, unveiled its vision for a sustainable future, highlighting the group’s dedication to environmental responsibility, social progress and innovation.
A recently held special event on ‘Sustainability Day’ brought together industry leaders from across the GCC region.
‘The OCI reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and its resolute alignment with the ambitious Oman Vision 2040’, the group stated.
Demonstrating their proactive approach, OCI took a pioneering step by organising the event under the theme ‘Going Green, Going Digital’.
With sustainability firmly integrated into its business strategy, the event served as a powerful platform to explore innovative pathways towards a greener and digitally driven future.
Through insightful discussions, experts explored the latest trends in embracing sustainable transformation within the industry.
OCI’s dedication to sustainability has been integral to its growth strategy, leading to the Climate Change Ambition and adherence to the Science Based Target initiatives in 2021.
In the opening address, Cinzia Farisè, Oman Cables CEO outlined the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) approach. This was followed by COO Muhannad al Lawati, who detailed Oman Cables Climate Ambition, outlining the organisation’s projects to combat climate change.
The Social Ambition was illustrated by CSO Giancarlo Esposito, with numerous projects and specific KPIs in term of diversity and inclusion.
The last chapter was dedicated to Innovation4Sustainability, with an excursus of main innovation and innovative projects of a company that recently established in Oman the Renewables Excellence Centre – solar, wind and hydrogen – for the entire region.
The event was graced by H H Dr Adham al Said as Guest of Honour. In his address, H H Dr Said highlighted the key drivers of sustainability in the sultanate. His insightful address explained how sustainability plays a crucial role in shaping the future economic development of Oman.
Cinzia Farisè, CEO, said, “Sustainability is at the heart of our business strategy and through innovation, decarbonisation and customer-centricity, our technology plays a key part in the energy and digital transition processes.
“We engage stakeholders, prioritise the entire value chain and continuously innovate to anticipate Customers’ needs. With a circular economy focus and an inclusive work environment, we are committed to driving positive change. As we align our efforts with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050, we are determined to create a sustainable world that thrives economically while safeguarding our environment for future generations.”
OCI aims contribute effectively to the ambitious target of Prysmian Group: to cut scope 1 and 2 emissions by 47% and scope 3 emissions by 28% by 2030, compared to baseline of 2019. Long-term goals involve achieving a 90% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and scope 3 emissions by 2050.
The group is also advancing a circular economy roadmap, prioritising sustainable revenue streams and increasing the use of recycled content.
Speakers highlighted how OCI seamlessly integrates sustainability into production processes across the entire value chain, anticipating customer needs and fostering stronger supplier collaboration to drive continuous innovation.
As clean energy and digital infrastructures converge, OCI is committed to empowering technological advancements for efficiency, innovation and progress.
Oman Cables has also set clear targets to enhance gender representation in the workforce and aims to participate effectively to Prysmian Group target to increase the percentage of women to 47-49% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
‘The group is proud of its ESG plan, which is supported by a steering committee with leaders who meet regularly to drive sustainability efforts,’ OCI stated.
Source: Muscat Daily
The Environment Authority (EA) announced the commencement of its groundbreaking campaign, 'Planting 1 Million Seeds for Greener Dhofar'. Aligned with the operational objectives of the Environment Authority, which aims to enhance ecosystem efficiency and increase green cover, this ambitious project seeks to foster a sustainable environment by planting a million seeds in the picturesque mountains of Dhofar during the khareef season rains.
The Environment Authority invited the public through their social media to join hands in this campaign. Citizens and residents alike can actively participate in this transformative campaign which will run until July 26.
Taking its first strides towards this endeavour, the EA recently planted 3,000 mangrove seedlings in Khor Warkh, Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands in the Dhofar Governorate. The Authority's grand vision includes planting these carefully curated seeds in various regions of the Dhofar mountains, starting from the Wilayat of Mirbat in the east and extending all the way to the Wilayat of Rakhyout in the west.
An essential aspect of this campaign involves the collection of substantial quantities of local seeds of various types, achieved through the remarkable collaboration of competent authorities, individuals and dedicated volunteer teams. The Environment Authority views this campaign as a testament to its commitment to augmenting vegetation cover in the Sultanate of Oman's natural and pastoral areas.
Furthermore, the Environment Authority remains steadfast in its mission to rehabilitate mangrove nurseries in the Qurum Natural Reserve. The goal is to produce 48,000 seedlings, with the project continuing until July 24. Upon maturity, these seedlings will be planted in targeted sites, significantly bolstering the efficiency of coastal wetland systems.
Mangroves play a pivotal role in Oman's ecosystem, boasting remarkable resistance to salinity and creating a conducive environment for the proliferation and growth of marine life. Additionally, these invaluable trees aid in carbon dioxide sequestration, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.
The Environment Authority unwavering commitment to environmental preservation remains at the core of these efforts. It aims at educating all segments of society about the significance of safeguarding environment and equipping participants in various activities with scientific environmental information and field skills. In addition, to foster a community that actively contributes to the ministry's programmes and activities. The ultimate goal is to instil a profound environmental consciousness among young people through immersive field activities.
Source: Oman Daily Observer/ Ahmed Al Kaabi
Oman Cables Industry (OCI), leading company in the cables and systems industry which is part of Prysmian Group, visited Fujairah Gold, Vedanta Group, to strengthen its partnership towards sustainable goals.
The two Companies, represented by Cinzia Farise’, CEO of Oman Cables, and Puneet Khurana, CEO of Fujairah Gold, signed a Collaboration Agreement at the presence of H.E. Sharief Habib Al Awadhi Director General of Fujairah Free Zone Authority, Guest of Honor, with the scope to explore potential opportunities in different areas of collaboration: from jointly develop green copper rod from 100% secondary copper, to establish acceptability of Green Copper rod for cable manufacturing and jointly develop a value proposition for Green Copper to achieve sustainability goals and support Net Zero Carbon targets by 2050.
OCI’s "Innovation for Sustainability" approach has three fundamental principles and ambitions: environmental, social and innovation responsibility. The company believes in minimizing its environmental impact and has established a set of guiding criteria that directs its innovation efforts involving all value chain, from upstream - through responsible sourcing - to downstream, partnering up with Customers to reduce losses during use phase.
This requires the adoption of a design for sustainability approach that includes strict criteria on carbon footprint, potential recyclability, hazardous substances, recycle input rate, transmission efficiency and environmental benefits in all products and new technologies. By prioritizing these criteria, OCI can develop products that are eco-friendly, energy-efficient and cost-effective, enabling Customers to choose greener options.
After a recent successful Innovation Day titled “Powering a Sustainable Future” conducted together with all Customers across the GCC Region, OCI is now focusing a responsible sourcing. Cinzia Farisè, CEO Oman Cables, said: “We are embarking on a transformational journey. Our ambition towards sustainability requires a joint effort with all our key stakeholders. While pursuing our net zero ambition, we must partner with the best ESG providers who embrace our same values and commitment to sustainability”.
Puneet Khurana, CEO of Fujairah Gold concluded: “Vedanta is committed to delivering sustainable and responsible growth, which creates value for both our shareholders and all our stakeholders. We proactively engage to incorporate sustainability in all our practices, Embracing the philosophy of `Zero Harm, Zero Waste, Zero Discharge. We are very happy to associate with Oman Cables, Prysmian group and will work closely with them to pursue our net Zero ambition.”
Source: ZAWYA
