close

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. 

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled a green initiative targeting delivery companies advocating a migration to eco-friendly electric bikes.

The plan involves enhancing the infrastructure of commercial transport business, reviewing licensing and registration processes, and developing experimental charging stations for electric bike batteries. These measures are crucial to fulfil the objective of maintaining sustainable, clean and environmentally friendly power for these bikes.

Elaborating on the initiative, Muhannad Khaled Al Muhairi, Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA’s Licensing Agency, said: "This project is a part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to elevate the efficiency and user experience of sustainable transportation. It seeks to offer more effective and sustainable services consistent with the objectives of Dubai Vision 2030 to reduce carbon emissions by 30%. This initiative also coincides with the Year of Sustainability 2023.

"The goal of this initiative is to broaden and improve the scope of current and future commercial transport services, and accelerate the shift towards zero-emission transportation means. As such, it echoes an enhanced corporate responsibility towards all community segments. “In collaboration with industry experts, RTA has initiated steps to research and develop a prototype e-bike model befitting the job nature of delivery business, thereby encouraging companies in this field to embrace green, eco-friendly transportation means,” he explained. 

“The plan also envisages setting up charging stations across Dubai to serve as enablers of the gradual migration to electric bikes, which will undoubtedly cut operational costs by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It will also curb the negative driving conduct by using electric bikes, equipped with advanced technology superior to traditional motorcycles, which in turn will consequently decrease incident rates.

"RTA is committed to fulfilling the vision of our leaders and offering optimal solutions for commercial transport activities. These measures will enhance the efficiency of transportation means, and serve the strategic goals of the commercial transport sector," concluded the Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA’s Licensing Agency. 

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading financial institution, has arranged an AED 1 billion sustainable bilateral facility for Aldar Properties PJSC (Aldar). The financing takes Aldar’s total ESG financing facilities to AED 4.8 billion as the company transitions towards sustainable financing for its projects and investments. The transaction underscores both entities’ commitment to supporting environmentally beneficial projects aligned with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

ADIB acted as the sole facility provider and Aldar intends to utilize the proceeds to finance sustainable projects such as green buildings, property upgrades to enhance energy efficiency, sustainable water management, pollution control measures, and renewable energy sources.

Commenting on the announcement, Mohammed Al Fahim, Acting Global Head of Wholesale Banking at ADIB: "We are excited to support Aldar in its effort to decarbonize the real estate industry and extend our long-term relationship to support the company’s dedication to contributing to a low carbon economy. The closure of the AED 1 billion Sustainable Finance Facility is a testament to ADIB's commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how the financial sector can play an active role in expediting the nation’s green transition.  ADIB remains committed to empower companies to embrace more sustainable practices. ADIB’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate change and enable sustainable projects and initiatives through funding are wholly aligned with our ESG strategy and sustainable finance framework."

Faisal Falaknaz, Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar commented: “Aldar is pursuing a transformational growth strategy and implementing a rigorous programme to achieve net zero by 2050. Partnership is at the core of our approach, and sustainable financing is playing a crucial role in delivering our goals. We are pleased to extend our relationship with ADIB and look forward to making further strong progress on sustainability in the coming years.”          

In addition to providing this facility for Aldar, ADIB has also arranged and taken part in numerous sustainable financing solutions tailored for companies of different sectors and sizes. ADIB has launched its sustainable Finance Framework as part of its journey to embedding sustainability into the business. The framework establishes criteria and eligibility requirements that determine which projects are labelled “green”, “social”, or “sustainable”. The framework will determine eligibility of projects for the bank to finance or refinance, including the issuance of Green, Social and Sustainability Sukuks.

DP World has signed a Carbon Removal Certification Agreement for its UAE operations with Industrial Innovation Group, a global leader in the creation of high-tech global carbon removal initiatives. 

Decarbonisation is a priority for DP World, which has already committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2040 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This collaborative effort aims to design an effective long-term solution for sustainable development and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, particularly in the supply chain and logistics industries. 

With its extensive experience in implementing sustainable solutions and drafting decarbonisation strategies for various business sectors, Industrial Innovation Group will develop a carbon removal roadmap across DP World’s UAE value chain.

It will ensure the progressive involvement in Voluntary Carbon Removal Projects and support stringent reporting on carbon emission reductions. 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: "As a leading provider of comprehensive logistics solutions, DP World is fully aware of the impact of its activities on the environment and is ready to step up and progressively expand our efforts by collaborating with industry leaders like Industrial Innovation Group to systematise the efforts of both companies in the field of decarbonisation and achieve climate-responsible business practices." 

Taryam Matar Taryam, CEO of Industrial Innovation Group, said: "Industrial Innovation Group and DP World have joined forces for an effective fight against climate change and the creation of a future supply chain with zero carbon emissions.

"The essence of our companies' leadership lies in demonstrating the responsible value-based approach to business and developing effective long-term solutions for the global climate agenda." 

Source: Transport and Logistics Middle East

Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the major divisions of Al-Futtaim Group - the Strategic E-Mobility Partner of the recently concluded COP28, today unveiled the findings of an extensive survey exploring the challenges and perceptions of UAE residents towards Electric Vehicles (EV) adoption. The survey was conducted in partnership with YouGov, collating responses from 2,008 respondents.

The survey revealed significant shifts in perspectives underscoring the changing landscape of transportation preferences, starting with 64% sharing that they are concerned about the environmental impact of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles; a fact clearly reinforced in their strong interest to shift to electric vehicles in the coming years.

Huge Wave Of Interest in EVs

Katib Belkhodja, Customer Centricity Director, Al-Futtaim Automotive, commented on the survey, “Firstly, the results surpassed all our expectations. With 63% of respondents unequivocally choosing to make electric vehicles their primary mode of transportation, the results are not only overwhelmingly positive but also comprehensively reflect the evolving perceptions of the UAE customers towards electric mobility. It was very important for us at Al-Futtaim Automotive to conduct this survey, and get an accurate understanding of the customer mindset, especially against the backdrop of COP28.”

The Survey Also Highlighted Key Barriers To EV Adoption

Katib Belkhodja further added: “While there are still some barriers to overcome, the results have strengthened our belief in the e-mobility strategies we are currently pursuing. Our commitment to develop the electric mobility ecosystem - covering a wide EV portfolio, our own charging station (Charge2Moov) as well as e-mobility training for aftersales - directly answers most of the concerns obstructing widespread electric adoption. We are the only automotive group in the region committed to delivering this integrated, end-to-end EV offering, and through this, we are confident that we will be able to accelerate the green transition as well as fulfill our pledge to deliver 50% New Energy Vehicles and install 10% of the country’s charging stations by 2030.”

“Our main objective now is to democratize the EV landscape by offering a wide choice of electric mobility products at diverse price and performance capabilities, and this specifically addresses a key price perception that majority of the customers have with regards to costs of EVs vs. conventional fuel cars.”  

Influential Factors Prompting The Shift To EVs

Faster charging time (54%), more charging stations (54%) advancements in battery technology (54%) and a longer driving range (52%) top the list as the crucial factors that will influence their decisions and encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles.

“This survey not only helps us at Al-Futtaim Group but also the wider industry in clearly underlining the decisive factors that will accelerate sustainable mobility in the UAE”, Katib concluded.

Since 2008, Al-Futtaim Automotive has been focused on steering the green mobility transition in the UAE. The company first introduced alternative propulsion in the UAE, launching hybrid vehicles in collaboration with Toyota, and then later became the first automotive group to hand over a fleet of hybrid vehicles for taxi companies. In the last two years, Al-Futtaim Automotive has accelerated its focus on electric mobility, with numerous groundbreaking initiatives including launching a dedicated new company – Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company.

Beyond bringing best-in-class new energy vehicle brands, which include Polestar, Volvo Cars, BYD, Toyota, Lexus, and Volvo Group (heavy-duty electric trucks, buses and construction equipment), Al-Futtaim Automotive has also developed its own UAE-specific charging technology, Charge2Moov, and launched the region’s first IMI-accredited electric mobility training centre to train technicians to become EV experts.

Al-Futtaim Automotive’s e-mobility ecosystem was showcased at COP28, giving audiences within the UAE and the world a chance to experience the growth trajectory of green mobility within the region as well as the tangible products, solutions and innovations that the company is introducing to making sustainable mobility an everyday reality.

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of UAE National Rail Network, has signed a MoU with Al Dahra Holding, one of the most prominent Emirati companies working in the agricultural field, to provide sustainable rail transport services for agricultural products.

It is aimed at strengthening the collaborative efforts to bolster the development of the railway sector in the UAE and region, said a statement from Etihad Rail.

Furthermore, it aims to instill a culture of sustainability within the transport and logistics sector, particularly through rail freight transportation, it stated. 

As per the MoU, Al Dahra Holding will integrate rail into its supply chain activities, aligning with its ongoing efforts to shift to more sustainable modes of transporting its goods within the country. 

By leveraging Etihad Rail’s freight terminals and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect major commercial hubs and industrial zones across the country, Al Dahra will easily and conveniently access markets, it stated.

The MoU was signed by Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak and Al Dahra Holding Group CEO Arnoud van den Berg in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, at the COP28 event.

Sheikh Theyab said: "This agreement stands as a testament to the close collaboration between national entities, such as Etihad Rail and Al Dahra Holding, to drive sustainable economic growth."

"Through the UAE National Railway Network, Etihad Rail plays a pivotal role in supporting companies’ transition to adopt sustainable modes of transport, enabling them to rely on Etihad Rail’s integrated and flexible freight services and innovative logistics solutions to meet their business goals more effectively, reliably, and sustainably," he noted.

He underscored Etihad Rail’s commitment to providing sustainable shipping solutions to its customers, in line with the vision of the wise leadership, who laid the foundation for sustainability by launching national strategies and agendas, steering the nation toward a more sustainable centennial. 

"This commitment is further reinforced in hosting the world’s largest climate change dialogue COP28, dedicating 2023 as the Year of Sustainability under the slogan “Today for Tomorrow”, in addition to other impactful initiatives," he stated.

Arnoud van den Berg said: "Our primary objective at Al Dahra is to sustainably meet the nutritional needs of the developing world. The UAE National Railway Network enables us to advance our efforts to transition our supply chain activities to low-carbon alternatives. We are very much looking forward to exploring how we can collaborate in the future to boost Al Dahra’s operational efficiency."

As both parties realize the importance of sustainable business practices, they aspire to maximize energy efficiency, reduce resource consumption in supply chains, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with freight operations by relying on rail, explore innovative solutions and best practices that further enhance the sustainability of freight transportation, in addition to raising awareness about the environmental benefits associated with rail, it is worth noting that each train trip removes up to 300 trucks off the roads, contributing to road safety and savings in maintenance costs, he noted. 

Furthermore, the UAE National Railway Network will reduce CO2 emissions in the UAE road transport sector by 21%, by 2050, aligning with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, he added.

Soucr: TradeArabia News Service

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has partnered with the French-headquartered International Energy Agency (IEA) to accelerate clean energy transition and climate action both in Abu Dhabi and globally.

The agreement aims to drive regional and global cooperation in charting decarbonisation pathways and sustainable energy policies that will drive renewable energy efficiency and low-emission technologies.

The DoE and IEA will collaborate on low-emission power generation targets (including nuclear power and renewables), reducing CO2 emissions, implementing an energy and water efficiency policy, and sustaining a cost-competitive electricity and water supply, while working to balance energy security, affordability and sustainability, in both the supply and demand side, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.

Mary Warlick, Deputy Executive Director of IEA, said: “The emirate’s development of low-emissions energy solutions has accelerated in recent years, driving progress towards its climate goals while increasing its overall economic competitiveness."

The UAE was the first country in the region to commit to a Net Zero by 2050 goal. Based on its clean energy targets, UAE is expected to adopt 60% clean electricity by 2035.

Outcomes from this agreement with the IEA will support Abu Dhabi the UAE’s Nationally Determined Contribution and Net Zero by 2050 target in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The partnership was signed at the UAE House of Sustainability Pavilion in the COP28 UAE Green Zone.

Source: ZAWYA (Writing by Seban Scaria; editing by Daniel Luiz)

As part of its social responsibility, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plays an integral role in supporting biodiversity and preserving the environment and terrestrial and marine habitats. DEWA continuously launches awareness and environmental campaigns that aim to include all members of society in efforts to protect precious natural resources, plant more trees, and encourage the use of digital channels and green transport. DEWA promotes the adoption of a responsible lifestyle by following sustainable practices. These include enhancing the efficiency of electricity and water consumption, limiting waste, reducing the consumption of plastic materials, and reusing and recycling plastic.

“We are working to consolidate the leadership of the UAE in climate action and biodiversity, as the UAE is one of the first countries in the region to pay great attention to protecting the environment and addressing the consequences of climate change by adopting green policies and launching pioneering initiatives in this vital sector, in addition to taking measures to address the root causes of plastic pollution and promote the transition towards a circular economy. Our commitment to sustainability is an extension of the legacy of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and in support of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for smart investment in our natural wealth to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

We are keen to achieve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. DEWA is committed to strengthening the position of the UAE on the indicators of achieving the global sustainable development goals, and supporting its efforts to be one of the first countries in the world to achieve Net-Zero. This is especially important in the Year of Sustainability in the UAE under the theme ‘Today for Tomorrow’, during which the country hosted COP28 at Expo City Dubai. This also reflects the growing awareness of the correlation between the world’s climate and its biodiversity,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

DEWA’s efforts have contributed to reducing net carbon dioxide emissions in Dubai by 19% in 2022 compared to 2010.

“Climate change impacts food production and security. Technologies that help make existing methods more efficient and resilient, as well as technologies that provide novel ways of producing food sustainably, are urgently needed. Solutions promoting biodiversity so ecosystems can function accordingly are of increasing importance. DEWA has demonstrated great leadership in championing the cause in the World Green Economy Summit 2023, bringing experts from all fields to deliberate on actionable strategies for policymakers and public & private sectors,” said Carrie Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Avant Meats.

Environmental awareness campaigns

DEWA launches awareness campaigns around the year to share tips and guidelines on adopting a responsible and sustainable lifestyle among all segments of society. The campaigns include lectures, workshops, contests, and interactive shows with DEWA’s cartoon characters, Noor and Hayat, that represent electricity and water, to introduce children and the new generation to ways to preserve the environment.

DEWA also organised four campaigns in 2023, in cooperation with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, to clean the beach and plant mangroves at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary. DEWA realises the importance of mangrove trees to preserve biodiversity, especially in the marine ecosystem. These campaigns support national goals to promote the sustainability of mangrove forests by planting 100 million mangrove trees in the UAE by 2030.

The campaigns collect tonnes of algae and seaweed from the shores of the reserve that is used for scientific research to study marine environments. Seaweed is a valuable resource that can be used as organic fertilisers, reducing the use of artificial fertilisers. It can also be processed for biofuel and other applications.

The campaigns saw the participation of hundreds of DEWA employees and their families, as well as employees from some of DEWA’s subsidiaries, and students from DEWA Academy. The campaigns contributed to enhancing water quality and the marine habitat within the sanctuary, which is one of the most important sanctuaries in Dubai.

Smart Living

Through its Smart Living initiative, DEWA enables customers to effectively manage their electricity and water consumption. The initiative includes features like the Smart Living dashboard, which allows customers to monitor their consumption and obtain annual, monthly, and daily consumption reports. ‘My Sustainable Living Programme’ allows customers to compare their consumption with those of similarly efficient homes in their area and get customised tips. The Self-Assessment tool includes a survey for customers to assess their consumption. After completing the assessment, customers receive a detailed report on their usage. DEWA also provides the High-Water Usage Alert to help customers detect leakages in water connections after the meter. The service sends instant notifications to customers if the smart meter system detects any unusual increase in consumption.

Machines for recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans

In line with its vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, DEWA has provided smart machines to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans in some of its buildings. DEWA currently has two smart recycling machines in its head office and Warsan office. This initiative supports the circular economy model and its applications across its various divisions. Since the smart recycling machines were installed in October 2022 and until the end of October 2023, more than 570 employees have recycled over 430,000 plastic bottles and aluminium cans, equivalent to 6,483 kgs of plastic. The recycled materials wove their way into T-shirts and other items, courtesy of a local company deploying sustainable manufacturing solutions.

Digital transformation

DEWA supports Dubai’s progress in leading the future by reworking the traditional concepts of work mechanisms to suit the rapid global changes through Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA. DEWA utilises the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies and provides all its services around the clock through its website and smart app. DEWA provides high-quality and advanced digital services, and innovates channels that ensure continuous improvement of its processes and procedures. By the end of October 2023, adoption of DEWA’s smart services had reached 99.20%, and DEWA’s customers had conducted over 11 million digital transactions.

Sustainable Action Now
© 2024 Living Business. All rights reserved.