Shoppers in Dubai and Sharjah were left surprised after discovering some supermarkets had stopped the sale of single-use plastic bags.

“When I paid for the products I purchased at a supermarket in Sharjah City Centre, I was left with no choice but to carry the products to the car without the bag,” said Ahmed Abid, a Sudanese expat residing in Al Nahda, Sharjah.

In January 2023, the UAE declared a comprehensive prohibition on the use of single-use plastic items, including shopping bags, set to be enforced starting January 1, 2024.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council issued the resolution on Sunday announcing a ban on single-use plastic bags and products in the emirate from January 1, 2024. The ban applies to single-use disposable products and recycled ones, including both plastics and non-plastic items, regardless of their material composition.

Shoppers were taken aback as they entered supermarkets to find a lack of single-use plastic bags, a common item in shopping routines, which was charged Dh0.25 last year.

Abid had been to the supermarket to get quick essentials as he was expecting guests at home for dinner. “I had been to the supermarket to buy some juices and pastries. But the lady at the billing counter mentioned that the plastic bags has been banned with effect from January 1.”

Similarly, Muhamed Nael, a Jordanian expat had been to Carrefour to shop for his daily essentials. Without knowledge of the ban, he purchased his monthly groceries, “But I did not have any bags to carry the purchased items. The cheaper bags at the counter were no more on sale and I had to purchase a reusable bag for Dh2.50,” said Nael.

“I will be keeping these bags in my car and whenever I go shopping, I will use them,” added Nael.

Krishna Kondattam, an Indian expat, working at an MNC in Dubai was shopping at a gift center and was surprised to find that stores were no longer offering single-use plastic carrier bags. “I always carry bags while shopping. This was the first time in the last 9 months that I entered a supermarket without the reusable bags,” said Kondattam.

“I had to walk up to my car to get the bags and then take the purchased items with it. It’s really a great initiative and people will now learn to carry their own bags.”

STORES PUT UP NOTICES

Stores at petrol stations across Dubai have put up a notice that plastic bags will not be sold and stocks will be removed from the counter. “An alternative bag will be provided as per directives from the authorities,” read the notice at one of the petrol stations.

Some petrol stations had also displayed news from Khaleej Times regarding the ban on single-use plastics. Attendants at Zoom in Oud Metha said that they were giving away over 200 bags on a daily basis, and for now people are carrying the items directly to their car. “We are waiting for instructions from the management about the alternatives,” said the attendant.

Source: SM Ayaz Zakir, Khaleej Times

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has praised commercial transport entities, especially those operating trucks and heavy vehicles, for their adherence to standards to reduce carbon emissions from their exhausts. This commitment has resulted in an impressive compliance rate of around 98 percent.

Recently, the Licensing Activities Monitoring Department field teams, in coordination with the Administration Services Department at the Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, RTA, led inspection and awareness campaigns. These campaigns were carried out in collaboration with the General Department of Traffic at the Dubai Police HQ and Emirates Transport. The main objective of these campaigns was to emphasise the importance of reducing carbon emissions from heavy vehicle exhausts.

Essa Al Amiri, Director of Licensing Activities Monitoring at the Licensing Agency of RTA, praised the compliance of companies that own heavy vehicles, including freight transport trucks, to carbon emission reduction standards.

He stated that the rate of adherence to regulations has reached around 98 percent, which reflects the high level of awareness and commitment of these companies. These results were a part of a week-long inspection campaign which involved various heavy vehicles across various key streets and roads in Dubai. These efforts align with RTA's second strategic goal (sustainability) and the third strategic goal (health, safety, and security).

Al Amiri stated that RTA conducts various campaigns to promote environmental awareness and enhance road traffic safety. These campaigns include educational and awareness-raising elements aimed at drivers to highlight the importance of adhering to technical specifications and traffic safety standards that govern the safe operation of trucks and heavy vehicles. He emphasised that these efforts align with RTA's objectives to improve transportation safety and ensure safer roads, in line with its vision of becoming the world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility.

Source: WAM

Dubai-based Dulsco Group has announced a partnership with Assured Aviation Services, a pioneer in providing dry washing services tailored for aircraft and airport ground service equipment.

This collaboration signifies a monumental stride in sustainable aviation services, introducing an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional wet washing techniques in the UAE aviation sector.

The aviation industry has long grappled with the labour-intensive and costly nature of traditional wet washing methods. Dulsco has integrated Assured’s advanced dry washing technology. This employs specialised chemicals and state-of-the-art equipment to efficiently eliminate dirt, grease, and debris from aircraft, buses, tugs, and other equipment.

Dry washing has several key advantages, including its flexibility to be performed in various locations and its suitability for comprehensive exterior aircraft wash during maintenance downtime, all without the necessity of a dirty water drainage system. This empowers airlines to maintain the appearance of their aircraft, even during on-line parking. A study conducted by a UAE-based carrier revealed that dry washing a fleet of 260 aircraft saved over 11 million litres of fresh water in a single year over wet washing. Assured Aviation has saved more than 1.5 million litres of water in less than 20 months through the adoption of the dry wash process.

Furthermore, this technique mitigates the risk of corrosion, prolongs the lifespan of ground equipment, shields paint from sun exposure and ensures enhanced safety for both equipment operators and maintenance personnel by eliminating slippery surfaces.

Antony Marke, COO of Dulsco People, said: “As we join hands with Assured Aviation, we are not only promoting sustainable aircraft and airside vehicle maintenance but also championing environmental responsibility in the aviation industry.”

Matthew Chitty, Director of Assured Aviation Services said: “This partnership is a commitment to elevating the passenger and customer experience while pioneering a sustainable and dynamic future for airport services in the heart of the UAE.”

Beyond significant cost and time savings, dry washing delivers environmental benefits. In contrast to traditional methods that often involve harmful detergents and chemicals, dry washing relies on environmentally friendly cleaning agents, reducing the overall environmental impact of the cleaning process. Crucially, it eliminates the need for water in the cleaning process, addressing concerns in regions facing water scarcity or prioritising water conservation.

Source: Khaleej Times

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. 124 of 2023 on single-use products, with the ultimate goal of protecting the environment, encouraging people to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, and promoting the culture of using reusable products to advance sustainable development.

The move also aims to encourage the private sector to promote the use of recycled products, aligning with circular economy practices that foster sustainable recycling of products in local markets. The Resolution also seeks to regulate the use and recycling of single-use and plastic products.

The Resolution applies to single-use disposable products and recycled ones, including both plastics and non-plastic items, regardless of their material composition. These include plastic and non-plastic single-use products, as well as food delivery packaging materials, fruit and vegetable wrapping, thick plastic bags, plastic containers, and packaging materials either partially or entirely made of plastic, such as those used for plastic bottles, snack bags, wet wipes, balloons, and balloon sticks besides food packaging. These regulations extend to sellers and consumers within the Emirate of Dubai, covering private development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Municipality’s mandate

According to the Resolution, Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with relevant entities, is entrusted with a number of responsibilities including organising awareness campaigns to educate and motivate community members to reduce the use of plastic materials and single-use products, encouraging sellers to actively support projects, initiatives, and programmes focused on reducing the usage of plastic materials and single-use products, while also promoting the availability of reusable alternatives to reduce environmental impact.

The Resolution imposes a ban on the import and trading of single-use products in a phased approach. The ban will apply to plastic bags starting from 1st January, 2024. Non-plastic single-use products, including single-use bags, will come under the ambit of the ban from 1st June, 2024. Starting from 1st January, 2025, single-use plastic products, including items such as plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and plastic cotton swabs, will be prohibited. Commencing on 1st January, 2026, the ban will extend to other single-use plastic products including plastic plates, plastic food containers, plastic tableware, and beverage cups and their plastic lids.

Limited exceptions

As per the Resolution, the ban does not apply to the following products: single-use plastic bags, which include thin-film rolls for packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, and bread, along with garbage bags. Exemptions also extend to products intended for export or re-export outside the country. These items include single-use plastic shopping bags, single-use shopping bags, and single-use disposable plastic products. The resolution prohibits the trading of these products in local markets and necessitates a clear indication of their purpose for export or re-export outside the country.

The Resolution requires all relevant authorities and entities, as well as consumers, to collaborate on developing and implementing mechanisms and practices aimed at reducing the production and consumption of single-use products, and to adopt practices and initiatives that foster increased reliance on the use of reusable products.

The Resolution also mandates sellers to actively participate in projects, initiatives, and programmes targeting the reduction of plastic materials and single-use products. Sellers must offer specified reusable alternatives at reasonable prices, as outlined by the relevant authorities.

Non-compliance and penalties

Violators of this Resolution shall face a fine of AED200. If the same violation is repeated within one year from the date of the previous offence, the penalty will be doubled, with a maximum not exceeding AED2,000 when doubled.

Violators may contest the decisions taken against them by submitting written grievances to the Director-General of the relevant government department responsible for licensing economic activities in the emirate. These entities include the Department of Economy and Tourism, as well as authorities overseeing private development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre. The grievances must be submitted within ten working days from the date of notification regarding the decision, action, or administrative penalty. A committee, formed for this purpose by the Director-General, will resolve the complaint within ten working days from its submission. The decision issued on the complaint is deemed final.

This Resolution annuls any other decision that may contradict its provisions. The Resolution is effective from 1st January, 2024 and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Source: WAM

An innovative agricultural project in the UAE, ‘David & Goliath’ farms, has marked a significant milestone by generating 5 million euros ($5.53 million) from carbon credit sales.

Carbon credits are permits that allow a company to emit a certain quantity of greenhouse gases, with one credit equalling the emission of one tonne of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

Companies are allocated a specific number of these credits. If they reduce their emissions and have surplus credits, they can sell these to other companies in what is known as carbon markets.

Vertical farms

‘David & Goliath’ farms has capitalised on the UAE's commitment to innovative and sustainable agricultural technologies.

These include vertical farms, automated irrigation systems, and technologically advanced greenhouses. The project focuses on cultivating rare and exotic fruits, combining unique agricultural methods with environmental and investment strategies aimed at sustainable agriculture. A key component of their revenue comes from monetising carbon credits.

According to the project's investor, Dr Lal Bhatia, the farm's annual carbon credit provision amounts to 15,000 metric tonnes.

These credits are traded at 50 euros per tonne, bringing in an annual revenue of 750,000 euros. Accumulated over seven years, this represents a significant financial and environmental achievement.

Supportive environment

Dr Bhatia lauds the supportive environment in the UAE for such innovative projects, aligning with the nation's goals for sustainability and agricultural advancements.

The ‘David & Goliath’ farms not only focuses on the production of exotic fruits using cutting-edge technology but also prioritise sustainable practices that yield carbon credits.

These practices not only reduce carbon emissions but also convert them into a financial asset. The project's foresight into the future of carbon trading has allowed them to venture into futures contracts, selling future carbon reserves.

The pricing strategy of setting 50 euros per tonne of carbon credit is designed to hedge against market fluctuations, with expectations of a price rise to between 70 and 90 euros by 2030 in regulated markets like the European Union.

Source: TradeArabia

AD Ports Group has completed a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for the development and operation of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Port.

AD Ports had signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Red Sea Port Authority (RSPA) for the development of the port.

The terminal is designed to handle 6 million metric tonnes of bulk cargo, 450,000 TEUs of containers, and more than 50,000 roll-on/roll-off units. AD Ports Group will focus on developing the upper infrastructure, including buildings, facilities, and superstructures. The terminal is strategically positioned as the primary gateway for regional development, enhancing trade efficiency and connectivity.

Diverse scientific methodologies

The ESIA was conducted using diverse scientific methodologies, complying with Egypt's national regulations and International Requirements, including Egypt's Law No 4 of 1994 for environmental protection, the IFC Performance Standards, and the World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines.

Highlighted within the assessment’s findings were the significant benefits of the project, including economic growth through stimulating local economies, job creation, and boosting regional economic activity. Leveraging AD Ports Group’s experience in developing advanced port infrastructure, the terminal is well-positioned to improve accessibility and connectivity, while adopting environment-friendly practices that will reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.

The ESIA further highlights the impacts on community development, noting the anticipated improvement in community infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.

Mitigation measures

Comprehensive plans have been established, which include mitigation measures to address potential negative impacts during construction and operational phases, including dust emissions, noise levels, waste management, and occupational health and safety. This environmental management plan further outlines procedures for environmental management, self-monitoring, and social management, ensuring sustainable and responsible practices.

In parallel with the ESIA, the design of the multi-purpose terminal is aiming for net-zero certifications for two of its buildings, while incorporating various sustainable design features in the buildings and infrastructure. These features include carefully selected low-carbon materials, as well as energy and water efficient systems.

Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer, Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “As a Group, we are committed to sustainable and responsible port development, particularly in the communities in which we operate, so that we can actively contribute, positively, to the local economy and environment. However, we understand that our commitment extends beyond infrastructure and, together with the Red Sea Port Authority, we hope to create meaningful change that drives sustainable economic growth.

Source: TradeArabia

Reducing carbon footprint for any organisation, means less pressure on the use of fossil fuels. Decarbonisation refers to all methods through which any entity, business, government, or organisation reduce their carbon footprint, mainly greenhouse gasses like CO2 and CH4.

One of the country’s leading logistics and courier service companies, Zajel is looking into different methods in which the company can contribute to the plight against climate change and environmental degradation via various means.

Part of its methods will be in raising awareness amongst employees in simple ways in which carbon footprint can be reduced, whilst the company studies further for ways to shift to alternative energy methods, in lines with the UAEs Net Zero 2050 plan. One of the way’s the company has decided to do this is through educational workshops and raising awareness amongst its employees.

“There are small changes everyone can do that would make a difference. Even if the steps are small, eventually we will all reach the goal of reducing our carbon footprint, which will benefit the bigger goal of net zero 2050” Nabeel Al Kharabsheh, Zajels General Manager. Moreover, Zajel operates and is, ISO14001 – 2015 Environmental Management System Certified.

The company is dedicated to embracing environmentally friendly practices and has taken measures in implementing the strategy through the utilization of recyclable materials for all operations. In addition, to avoiding the purchase of non-recyclable materials, the company has also partnered with other companies committed to environmental preservation. Moreover, office staff are advised to unplug devices and turn off lights when not in use. As part of this sustainability initiative, Zajel is actively collaborating with vendors who possess environmental certifications or utilize recycled materials, aligning with the company's CSR vision and working towards ensuring that all vendors are certified or use recyclable materials.

The UAE is bidding 2023 farewell, as the year, dubbed the ‘Year of Sustainability' ends with trails blazed with success across a wide range of sectors, both locally and globally.

Sustainability drive

- 28th UN Climate Change Conference's (COP28) culmination in the historic ‘UAE Consensus' on climate change, which was adopted by representatives of 197 countries plus the European Union.
- UAE's launch of the $30 billion ALTÉRRA, the world’s largest private investment climate action vehicle, aimed at raising and mobilising an additional $250 billion to support the global drive to combat climate change.
- Lunch of the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, taking its production capacity to over 2.4 gigawatts (GW).
- Inauguration of the 2GW Al Dhafra Solar PV facility.
- Launch of UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Humanitarian efforts

- Launch of Operation ‘Gallant Knight 2’ and the ‘Bridges of Giving’ campaign to alleviate the suffering of the people of Türkiye and Syria and provide them with aid in the wake of the earthquake that struck on 6th February.
- Launch of ‘Gallant Knight 3' humanitarian operation to support the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, which included establishing a Gaza-based field hospital, and three desalination plants in Rafah.
- 1,000 Palestinian cancer patients from the Gaza Strip welcomed to receive treatment in UAE hospitals.
- 1,000 Palestinian children requiring medical care hosted in the UAE, along with their families, in UAE hospitals until they fully recover.
- Launch of ‘Tarahum - for Gaza’ campaign to provide relief aid to the Palestinian people.
- US$20 million contribution by the UAE to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

- Provision of urgent relief aid and search and rescue (SAR) teams to support victims of Storm Daniel in Libya.
- Provision of humanitarian and relief aid to support quake-affected Moroccans.

Legislation

- Issuance of the Federal Law on Sports (UAE Sports Law).
- Issuance of the Federal Law on Mental Health.
- Issuance of a Federal Decree-Law establishing the National Media Office.
- Issuance of a Federal Decree-Law establishing the UAE Accountability Authority.
- Issuance of a Federal Decree-Law establishing the UAE Media Council.
- Issuance of a Federal Decree-Law on regulating media.
- Issuance of a Federal Decree-Law on the Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues.

Decisions and initiatives

- Adoption of the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031.
- Launch of the UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter.
- Launch of the Emirates Labour Market Award.
- Launch of the National Agenda for Re-Export Development 2030.
- Establishment of the UAE Ministry of Investment.
- Launch of the National Hydrogen Strategy.
- Announcement of the UAE's ‘Zero Government Bureaucracy’ programme.
- Launch of the UAE's new Government Excellence Model (GEM).
- Launch of the ‘Delivery Catalysts’ programme.

Space

- Conclusion of the longest space mission in Arab history (lasting 6 months) by Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi.
- Launch of the development phase of the Sirb satellite programme.
- Announcement of Rashid Rover 2, UAE's second lunar exploration mission.
- Announcement of details of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA).

Economy

- 3.3% year-on-year growth projected for the UAE economy in 2024, according to the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).
- Approval of the budget plan 2024-2026 totalling AED192 billion.
- Approval of the 2024 general federal budget 2024, with total revenues estimated at AED65.728 billion, and total expenditures estimated at AED64 billion.

Culture

- 24.8 million students from 46 countries participated in the Arab Reading Challenge 2023.
- Major archaeological discoveries dating back to the Iron Age made in Al Ain, and new evidence found confirming existence of the oldest pearling town on Al Sinniyah Island, Umm Al Qaiwain.
- ‘Harees’ becomes the UAE's 15th element to be inscribed on UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Inauguration of Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai.

Global summits and events

- The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai.
- The ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) in Dubai.
- The International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress Abu Dhabi 2023.
- The eighth edition of UNCTAD's World Investment Forum (WIF) in Abu Dhabi.
- ICAO's Third Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai.
- The Global Summit of Women 2023 in Abu Dhabi.
- UAE Climate Tech in Abu Dhabi.
- Fortune Global Forum 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

Projects

- Inauguration of Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
- Inauguration of the UAE National Railway Network.
- Launch of the Abrahamic Family House.
- Commencement of commercial operation of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.
- Opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

Source: WAM

Millennium Hotels and Resorts, MEA, has partnered with Switch Foods, a pioneering UAE-based FoodTech start-up, marking a significant step towards reducing its environmental impact. This collaboration is a testament to Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while delivering a unique culinary experience to its guests through locally sourced, plant-based, and sustainable products.

As part of the agreement, Switch Foods' plant-based offerings will be incorporated into the menus at Millennium Hotels, spanning their F&B outlets and in-room dining. Highlighting Millennium Hotels and Resorts' commitment to community engagement, this initiative plays an important role in supporting local businesses, fueling innovation and mutual growth, and providing equal opportunities. The partnership also spearheads sustainability and climate change initiatives, embodying UAE’s Vision to position the country as a global leader in the food security index by 2051.

“Our collaboration with Switch Foods is a significant step in our journey towards a greener and more responsible approach to culinary excellence. We are proud to embrace this partnership, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to eco-conscious practices," said Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO of Millennium Hotels and Resorts. “By working with Switch Foods, our shared vision is to introduce cuisines that are not only nutritionally rich but also authentically flavorful, with no compromise on taste.”

Switch Foods is a homegrown  UAE-based FoodTech start-up on a mission to change eating habits by offering sustainable plant-based meat alternatives. Offering 100% clean-label meat alternatives, Switch Foods does not compromise on taste and well-being while celebrating local cuisines. The company aims to empower individuals and brands with the choice to embrace a healthier lifestyle and enjoy the authentic flavours of their beloved regional dishes.

Edward Hamod, Founder & CEO of Switch Foods, said: “This partnership with Millennium Hotels and Resorts underscores our shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Millennium hotels & Resorts, like Switch, have always integrated local sourcing and sustainability into their practices and made them a top priority. Therefore, it was easy to find alignment and explore the opportunity of redefining dining experiences to promote a greener and more sustainable future for all across their hotels and outlets. "

Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Switch Foods are set to unveil an extensive selection of plant-based dishes, including delectable options such as loaded nachos, Switch Fajita Wrap, Spaghetti Bolognese and Lasagna Al Forno. Guests at Millenium Palace Mirdif or the Copthorne hotel can now enjoy a diverse selection of plant-based meat alternatives, with availability expanding to other Millennium properties in the near future.

Aldar Properties PJSC (“Aldar”) has partnered with Yellow Door Energy, a leading sustainable energy organisation, to bring solar power to 45 properties across the UAE, supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Energy Strategy.

The partnership between Aldar and Yellow Door Energy was formalised on the sidelines of COP28, signed by Salwa Al Maflahi, Aldar’s Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach and Rory McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of Yellow Door Energy. 

This transition to solar power will prioritise the use of on-site clean energy generation as part of Aldar’s Net Zero Plan, a commitment launched in January 2023 to decarbonise its business and assets by 2050. To significantly reduce Aldar’s operational carbon footprint requires a successful energy transition based on cross-sector collaboration and responsible investing to create long-term value.

The solar systems used as part of this project will be financed, designed, built, operated, and maintained by Yellow Door Energy across 45 of Aldar’s assets in retail, education, and hospitality for the next 20 years. Using rooftop, carport, and ground-mount solar photovoltaic (PV) applications, the clean energy systems have a capacity of 34 megawatts, contributing to cost savings and operational resiliency. 

The transition to solar, which will begin in 2024, will reduce 23,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in its first year, facilitating a 12% reduction in Aldar’s Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions related to purchased electricity of the assets against its 2022 baseline. Over the entire lifetime of the project, more than 560,000 tonnes of CO2 will be avoided. Overall, Aldar’s average clean energy consumption will increase by 12% across the whole portfolio with selected assets benefiting from up to 25%.

Salwa Al Maflahi, Aldar’s Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach, said: “The real estate sector plays a critical role in transitioning the power used in properties to be more sustainable. By harnessing solar, one of the UAE’s natural resources, our partnership with Yellow Door Energy supports this transition while also reducing energy costs and fostering energy technology in the UAE. At Aldar, we continue to find ways to progress towards our net zero ambition and promote greener places”. 

“I am honoured to announce my support for Aldar on this part of its sustainability journey towards Net Zero during COP28,” said Rory McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of Yellow Door Energy. “For close to a decade, Yellow Door Energy has been helping leading UAE businesses reduce their energy costs and progress towards their sustainability goals, all without any of their capital investment. At COP28, I’m excited to see motion translated into action, and today’s signing ceremony with Aldar showcases our commitment to unite, act and deliver.”

In line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to triple the contribution of the renewable energy, Aldar is committed to use renewable energy in its developments such as The Sustainable City in Yas Island which will be powered by clean renewable energy. The residential development will include solar panels embedded on all parking structures and measures within the community to help reduce carbon emissions, water consumption, energy usage, and waste.