Emirates NBD has signed the UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge initiated by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Emirates NBD Group is among the seventh cohort of 15 signatories in the UAE to sign the pledge, commit to implementing carbon emission reduction goals, and follow more sustainable methods in managing their operations, according to a timeline compatible with the UAE's national path to climate neutrality by 2050.

The pledge was made at the launch of the 11th National Dialogue for Climate Ambition organised by the Ministry under the slogan 'Accelerating the Shift; Decarbonising Ground Mobility' in collaboration with Emirates Driving Company.

The initiative coincides with the UAE's Year of Sustainability as the Emirate of Dubai prepares to host the Conference of the Parties (COP28) meetings this year.

The pledge commitments include organisations stepping up their collective efforts to combat climate change by measuring and reporting their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions transparently, developing ambitious science-based plans to reduce their carbon footprint, and sharing these plans with the UAE government to contribute to achieving the national net-zero target by 2050.

Moreover, signatories pledge to factor in climate change mitigation and adaptation as core values and principles of their businesses and operational models and adopt an all-inclusive approach that engages youth, women, and vulnerable segments of society in developing their net-zero plans.

Vijay Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, said, "As a leading local banking group, sustainability is embedded into our culture, operations, and strategy and supports all strategic decision-making at the Group. The pledge signing further solidifies our commitment to supporting the UAE's decarbonisation efforts and is closely aligned with the Group's sustainability framework."

He added, "As the UAE prepares for COP28 this year, we look forward to innovative collaborations with other private sector companies and government entities in our effort to mitigate climate change."

Aligned with its commitment to gender equality and diversity, the Group joined the UAE Gender Balance Pledge to accelerate the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) in June 2023. As a pledge member, the banking group shall work closely with the UAE Gender Balance Council to align with UAE's vision to achieve the 17 UN SDGs, specifically goal number 5, which aims at achieving gender equality and empowering women.

Source: Ahlam Almazrooi and Rola AlGhoul, WAM (Emirates News Agency)

Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) on Monday announced the 'Sustainable Tourism Stamp', a new sustainability initiative that recognises hotels with the highest adherence to DET's 19 'Sustainability Requirements'.

The new stamp is designed to accelerate efforts towards empowering the tourism sector to achieve its sustainability goals and support the UAE’s NetZero 2050 initiative. It will serve as a validation of the hotel's dedication to sustainability and showcase its sustainable practices.

To obtain the stamp, hotels of all classifications must meet the highest standards of DET's 19 Sustainability requirements, which include criteria such as energy and water efficiency, waste management programmes, and staff education and engagement initiatives. The accreditation process will be overseen by a committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and independence, with the initiative designed based on global best practices.

The stamp will feature a three-tier scheme with categories ranging from Gold, Silver and Bronze. Nominations for hotel establishments to obtain the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will begin on 3 August, 2023 and end on 31 August, 2023.

Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism stated: “As part of our efforts to transform Dubai into a leading sustainable tourism destination in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make our city the best place in the world to visit, live and work in, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp champions sustainable practices while setting a benchmark for excellence in environmental stewardship, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033.

"We have carefully curated a set of high standard criteria that will reward hotels that go above and beyond in their sustainable practices. By recognising these exemplary establishments, we are encouraging others to follow suit and embrace sustainable initiatives that not only benefit their businesses but also contribute to the collective well-being of our city and the world at large.

“Supported by Dubai’s vibrant hotel industry, this initiative is a strategic step towards achieving our goal of making Dubai a leading destination for global travellers seeking the ultimate sustainability experience. By supporting businesses and encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly practices and reducing their carbon footprint, we are not only safeguarding the environment but also promoting sustainable growth.

"As Dubai prepares to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), the UN Climate Change Conference from 30 November to 12 December this year, the launch of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp also demonstrates the tourism industry’s foresight and determination to foster an eco-friendly sector that is both economically prosperous and environmentally responsible.”

DET's sustainability strategy has paved the way for innovative initiatives including the Carbon Calculator, a mechanism to help stakeholders and partners identify cost saving opportunities and manage the transition to sustainable practices, in line with the ‘Sustainability Requirements’.

Source: Khaleej Times

The Department of Municipalities and Transport has signed a letter of intent to establish Twin City relationships between Abu Dhabi and Beijing, the capital of the friendly People's Republic of China.

The signing took place during the official visit by a delegation from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), headed by His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the DMT, and a number of officials from the Department. The visit aimed to exchange expertise and learn about the best global practices in the field of municipal work, including supporting the efforts of the Emirate in building a sustainable public transportation system.

It also aimed to review Abu Dhabi's experience and efforts in the field of smart cities and explore ways to enhance cooperation and partnership, as well as to learn about urban development plans and the latest sustainable transportation solutions.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the DMT, said, "The signing of the letter of intent to establish twinning relations between Abu Dhabi and Beijing is an important step in enhancing cooperation between the two cities. This agreement aims to exchange expertise and collaborate in areas related to urban planning, smart cities, and innovation, and to accelerate progress towards sustainable development and carbon emissions reduction."

On his part, His Excellency Hussain Al Hammadi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Beijing, expressed his delight to attend the signing ceremony of the letter of intent and said: "The signing of the agreement represents a new chapter in the advanced bilateral cooperation and reflects the shared aspirations of the two friendly countries, especially in the areas of sustainable development and urban planning. Through the exchange of expertise between the two parties, we have an opportunity to develop joint initiatives that contribute to accelerating innovation and building smart and environmentally friendly cities."

During the visit, His Excellency Al Shorafa met with His Excellency Yin Yong, the Mayor of Beijing, and was briefed on the city's urban development master plan for 2040, which presents a futuristic vision for the growth and urban development in the city. 

Source: Zawya

In a groundbreaking move that solidifies the UAE's status as a global leader in sustainability and energy transition, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) has announced the establishment of the "UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre."

As the first-of-its-kind Centre in the MENA region and the fourth globally.

This pioneering initiative, developed in collaboration with DNV marks a historic milestone not only for the UAE but also for the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and sets a new standard for maritime decarbonisation efforts worldwide.

The official signing ceremony to commemorate this historic partnership took place at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters in London, UK.

The signing brought together high-level government officials, industry leaders, and international stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion.

By leveraging the expertise of DNV and harnessing the UAE's strategic geographic location and maritime influence, the Centre aims to drive research, innovation, and collaboration among key stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices, technologies, and policies in the maritime sector.

Setting a new standard for maritime decarbonisation

Commenting on this partnership, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The UAE leads numerous global competitiveness indicators in the maritime sector. It ranks 3rd globally in the Bunker Supply Index, 5th as a key competitive maritime hub and 12th in the transport lines index. This is a result of the competitive business environment the UAE provides, which attracts major international maritime companies and makes the country's ports a preferred destination for international shipping lines. However, we will not rest on our laurels; we want to occupy the top position in all international maritime indicators. We look forward to innovations and digital platforms to contribute to enhancing the UAE’s position and improving its global ranking.”

Al Mazrouei added, "The establishment of the UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices within the maritime industry. By collaborating with DNV, we aim to leverage their expertise and global network to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of decarbonisation technologies. This Centre will play a pivotal role in advancing our national and regional sustainability goals, while contributing to the global efforts in combating climate change."

Reinforcing the UAE sustainability goals

The establishment of the UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre is a testament to the UAE's unwavering dedication to achieving its ambitious sustainability goals outlined in the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy. By spearheading the maritime decarbonisation efforts, the UAE aims to drive greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions that exceed global ambitions, positioning itself as a leading force in the global fight against climate change.

The Centre will serve as a hub for research, development, and implementation of innovative technologies and strategies to reduce CO2 emissions in the maritime industry.

It will conduct joint-industry projects, incubator and accelerator programmes, and future talent development initiatives. Furthermore, it will provide access to funding opportunities, foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, and serve as a knowledge hub by publishing research and information.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with the UAE’s Ministry of Infrastructure & Energy to establish the Maritime Decarbonization Centre,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime. “Initiatives like the Centre are essential as we look to accelerate towards a decarbonised future. We need to build via cooperation, foster innovation, and scale local strengths into global leadership. With its strategic location and strong support from industry leaders, the Centre is poised to become a hub for maritime decarbonisation efforts.”

A maritime hub for business excellence and innovation

This initiative aligns perfectly with the UAE's preparations for hosting COP28, where the nation will showcase its commitment to sustainability and energy transition on a global stage. The UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre will play a crucial role in strengthening the country's position as a hub for sustainable innovation and global collaboration during COP28.

Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “At the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, we seek to unify the maritime sector to build the UAE Maritime Cluster, and turn it into a powerhouse that enhances business growth opportunities and creates new capabilities for companies by bringing them together. Digital technologies are the best way to build this cluster, standardise information related to the maritime sector and develop innovative mechanisms to explore business opportunities that can benefit all stakeholders.”

Al Malek added, “This partnership is yet another step to promote innovation in the maritime sector, which has become an international incubator for quality ideas. At the current stage, we focus all our innovations on building a sustainable and environmentally-friendly maritime sector. The UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre will serve as a vital hub for research, collaboration, and knowledge transfer in the field of maritime decarbonization. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, we will focus on developing and implementing sustainable solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency in maritime operations. This Centre aligns with our vision of positioning the UAE as a global leader in the sustainable maritime sector and driving the transition towards a greener future.

This partnership is complemented by many other quality projects and initiatives the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has already launched. These include the UAE Maritime Cluster initiative and the Maritime Network, which aims to build a global network of professionals and experts to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s maritime sector and market it globally, making use of the strong presence of international maritime companies in the UAE.

Source: WAM / Hazem Hussein

Living Business proudly joins the B Corp community, committing to a sustainable future.

A B Corp, also known as a Benefit Corporation, is a business that is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions not only on its shareholders but also on society and the environment, in addition to generating profits. B Corps are accountable to a set of rigorous standards and undergo a certification process to demonstrate their commitment to meeting the following criteria: Social Responsibility, Environmental Stewardship and Accountability and Transparency.

Social Responsibility: B Corps prioritize social considerations and aim to have a positive impact on their employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. They promote fair and equitable practices within their organization, such as providing good working conditions, fair wages, and opportunities for employee growth and development. B Corps also strive to create products or services that address social needs and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Environmental Stewardship: B Corps are committed to minimizing their environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices. They focus on reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and adopting environmentally friendly production processes. B Corps also consider the lifecycle impact of their products or services, from sourcing raw materials to disposal, and work towards minimizing negative environmental effects throughout their operations.

Accountability and Transparency: B Corps believe in being accountable for their actions and transparent about their impact. They commit to high standards of corporate governance and engage in responsible business practices. B Corps undergo a rigorous assessment process to measure their performance against established social and environmental standards. The assessment evaluates various aspects of the business, such as governance, worker practices, community involvement, and environmental impact. By meeting these standards and obtaining B Corp certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability.

Check out our profile on the B corporation website here: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/globally-llc/

The UAE has set a stricter target for reducing carbon emissions, with major cuts within this decade.

The government is seeking to slash emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 from a business-as-usual level, said the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This compares with an earlier plan for a 31 per cent reduction.

It will seek reductions from industry, agriculture, and in power grid generation and transport.

“In the Year of Sustainability, when our nation hosts Cop28, this milestone announcement underlines our national commitment to more ambitious climate change,” Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam Al Mheiri told reporters in Dubai.

The minister said the government “views climate action not only as a strategic imperative for the environment and our future generations, but also as an opportunity for sustainable economic growth and socially inclusive prosperity”.

The ministry has listed its target reductions across the sectors. These include a 51 per cent cut in emissions from electric power grids; 56 per cent from transport emissions; a reduction of 22 per cent in emissions produced in the agriculture sector as well as an 8 per cent cut in emissions created from waste.

The plan is part of a third update of the UAE's second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

She said this aim will bring together the entire nation, including the public and private sectors, to “accelerate the UAE's journey to net-zero emissions by 2050".

The country aims to triple its investments in renewable energy in the next seven years and to establish a specialised national research and development centre for the hydrogen sector, said the ministry.

These steps “reflect the UAE's pro-climate, pro-growth philosophy – the desire to reduce the UAE's environmental footprint, while driving economic, social and sustainable opportunities that climate action creates,” the ministry added.

Net greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced to 182 million metric tons of Co2 equivalent by the end of the decade.

“This marks an absolute emissions reduction of 19 per cent compared to the 2019 base year level,” said the statement.

The development comes as the UAE is set to host the Cop28 climate summit.

In other news, related to the event, the European Union’s climate chief praised the incoming presidency of the Cop28 summit.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28’s president-designate and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, held talks in Spain on Tuesday with EU EU energy and environment ministers.

Frans Timmermans, the European Commission member in charge of climate action, said EU ministers were “ready to listen” to Dr Al Jaber.

“[This] will be an essential Cop meeting where the world will take stock of what has been done and what still needs to be done,” he said.

“I think it’s no secret when I say that what’s been done is not enough. We need to do more.

“I know that he’s ambitious. I know that he wants to take us forward,” added Mr Timmermans, who was speaking at the meeting in Valladolid, Spain.

“I know that he’s also going to be very clear on reducing unabated fossil fuels which is an important element of getting us to net zero. I know that he also has clear ideas on adaptation, on finance, on loss and damage.”

Source: Mina Aldroubi, The National

Schools in the UAE are fostering a culture of environmentally friendly practices to prepare a sustainable-minded generation, thanks to a public initiative by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).

EAD on Tuesday announced that in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), Emirates Schools Establishment, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), all schools in the emirate have now pledged to join its Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI), globally recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

To mark the occasion, ADEK hosted an event, the Private and Charter Schools Open Day, organised by EAD, to educate school principals and introduce them to SSI in a bid to encourage them to lead their students to adopt eco-conscious activities in their daily lives.

The Private and Charter Schools Open Day was organised as part of an ongoing effort to align the educational ecosystem with national priorities and raise awareness on environmental issues in the lead up towards COP28. During this, youth in their significant role as future leaders, will offer solutions to combat climate change.

For the first time in the global forum’s history, this year’s event will include an Education Pavilion, providing a platform for educating and inspiring the world about the UAE’s climate change education.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information, Science Outreach Management Sector at EAD, said, “At EAD, we have been doing this for decades since the launch of our Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) in 2009 where we had set a target of enlisting all schools in Abu Dhabi. Today, we have realised this ambitious goal, but it does not stop there. We have also set another target of having 700 schools from all across the UAE to join the Sustainable Schools Initiative by the end of this year and I am optimistic that we can achieve it.”

Baharoon gave a presentation on EAD’s SSI, which was recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2015 and declared an innovative model for education in sustainable development, and recommended that the initiative be applied all around the world.

He also announced that EAD will be hosting the 12th World Environmental Educational Congress, in January 2024 and he urged schools to submit applications for abstracts allowing them to share their knowledge and play a significant role at the congress.

Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary of the MoE for the Care and Building Capacity Sector, said, “At the Ministry of Education, we will exert all efforts to enhance the role of education in addressing the climate crisis and highlight the progress made by the UAE in the field of climate change. As such, we will develop environmentally friendly educational materials, curricula, and schools, and we will equip educators with the professional training they need to effectively impart knowledge and skills to students, who will capitalise on the learnings they will gain through education to build a prosperous future.”

Khuloud Al Dhaheri, Executive Director - Education Partnership Sector at ADEK, said, “Education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about adopting values and skills that promote a better world. Sustainability, a core value engraved in the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, is essential to secure a sustainable future for generations to come. As educators, we have a unique opportunity to model and promote sustainable practices and climate actions within our school community and beyond, inspiring our students to become environmentally conscious and responsible leaders of tomorrow.”

The open day concluded with a networking session that saw school principals impart their knowledge, share their experiences, and offer their creative ideas for implementing sustainability in UAE schools successfully with maximum impact.

Source: Gulf News

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched a Dh4 billion ($1.09 billion) renewable energy plant in Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan on Tuesday said the project would be the world's largest and most efficient waste-to-energy centre in the world.

The plant in Warsan is capable of generating 220 megawatt hours of renewable energy which could power 135,000 homes.

It can also process 2 million tonnes of waste a year without harming the environment.

"We congratulate the exceptional teams involved in this unique project," Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Twitter.

"We are committed to deploying advanced technologies to build a brighter and more sustainable future."

Backed by Dh4 billion funding, the project will reinforce "Dubai's status as a global leader in sustainable infrastructure", Sheikh Hamdan added.

It is now in its first operational phase and the project is due for completion next year.

Investing in green power

Sheikh Hamdan's announcement comes a day after the UAE said it would be investing up to Dh200 billion in the renewable energy sector.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the latest Cabinet meeting resulted in the approval of an updated national energy strategy.

"Our goal will be to triple the contribution of renewable energy in the coming seven years and inject national investments ranging from Dh150 billion to Dh200 billion during the same period to meet the increasing demand for energy in the country due to the accelerated economic growth," Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Monday.

"We also approved our national strategy for hydrogen, which has recently emerged as one of the most important clean energy sources."

Sheikh Mohammed said the plan aims to establish the country as a producer of low-emission hydrogen. In addition, a specialised national research and development centre for the hydrogen sector will be established.

Source: The National

 Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, today revealed the details of the updated version of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the development of the National Hydrogen Strategy that were approved by the UAE Cabinet to enhance the country’s efforts to meet its climate and net-zero commitments by 2050.

In a media briefing organised by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), Al Mazrouei said, “Through both strategies, we aim to shape a prosperous, climate-safe, energy-secure future for our nation, while contributing to the global agenda for environmental sustainability. The strategies support the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ Vision, the Circular Economy Policy 2031, the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. Their launch couldn’t be more timely as we mark the Year of Sustainability and gear up to host the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28).”

He added, “The UAE presents a shining example for adopting policies and strategies that contribute to shaping a more sustainable future at home and globally. We took on the task of updating the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to accelerate the energy transition and increase the share of clean energy in our energy mix to become climate neutral by 2050 and help achieve our vision of a sustainable development. The strategy outlines a national programme to balance meeting the rising energy demand and sustaining natural resources for generations to come. It aims to spur a clean energy boom and achieve a robust energy transition as a lever for national economy and a key contributor to the country’s GDP.”

As one of the first countries in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement and as the host of COP28, the UAE is committed to joining forces with the international community to drive collective action to limit global warming, Al Mazrouei further stressed.

In line with the updated objectives of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the country will invest between AED 150-200 billion by 2030 to ensure energy demand is met while sustaining economic growth in the UAE. The strategy aims to improve individual and institutional energy consumption efficiency rates to reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental sustainability. This will contribute to achieving financial saving of AED 100 billion and creating 50,000 new green jobs by 2030.

Speaking on the National Hydrogen Strategy, Al Mazrouei explained, “It is a long-term plan to turn the UAE into a leading and reliable producer and supplier of low-carbon hydrogen by 2031. The strategy serves as a crucial tool to help the UAE achieve its commitment to net zero by 2050 and accelerate the global hydrogen economy.”

For his part, Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, said, “Through updating the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, we seek to increase the deployment of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, in line with our steadfast commitment to the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategy features multiple initiatives to promote the deployment of solar and nuclear energies, drive R&D and innovation in renewables technologies, and encourage local and international companies to invest in the country’s renewable energy sector.”

He added, “The updated UAE Energy Strategy 2050 will position the UAE at the forefront of the global energy transition. It will support the target of achieving a grid emission factor of 0.27 kg CO2/kWh by 2030, which is lower than the global average, to achieve net zero in the energy and water sectors by 2050. It will also help the UAE more than triple the share of renewable energy by 2030 to stay on track with its climate change mitigation goals, as well as help increase the share of installed clean energy capacity in the total energy mix to 30 percent by 2030.”

In reference to the National Hydrogen Strategy, Al Olama stated, “It involves tangible steps to establish two hydrogen oases and explore three future ones to consolidate the UAE’s position as a reliable producer and supplier of clean energy through enhancing hydrogen production capacities. The strategy contributes to fostering the domestic market, developing a regulatory framework and policies that support hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for the future, strengthening regional collaboration, and bolstering investments in research and development.”

He noted that the strategy emphasises the importance of economic growth and will help create thousands of jobs in the hydrogen sector by 2050, in addition to reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, such as heavy industries, land transport, aviation, and sea freight, by 25 percent by 2031.

In 2017, the UAE launched its Energy Strategy 2050, the first unified energy strategy in the country that is based on supply and demand. In collaboration with all stakeholders, the strategy was updated following its first review to factor in the developments in the energy sector and ensure access to reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy.

Source: Khoder Nashar/ Muhammad Aamir, Emirates News Agency (WAM)

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE, has announced the formation of a task force to reinforce the efforts of the National Farm Sustainability Initiative. Chaired by H.E. Eng. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and comprised of leaders from various significant food and agriculture firms in the UAE, the task force has an ambitious goal: to increase government purchases of local products to 50% by the end of 2023.

Hussein Al Hussein, Regional Director of Farm to Plate, has been named to the task force along with Peter Nichols, Chief Operating Officer at ADNH Compass Group; Dr Ray Tinston, Market Director of Monbat; Hamed Ahmed Al Hamed, founder of Gracia Agricultural Group, Omar Al Shamsi, CEO of Watermelon Limited and Yazan Al Qudmani, a partner in 3YAgtech agricultural consulting company and Deputy General Manager of Emirates Biological Farm.

In the Year of Sustainability, the task force is set to play a crucial part in enhancing food security in the Emirates by identifying new mechanisms and partnerships that can help connect leading supply companies with local farms. This will open a clear path for increasing the purchase and adoption of national farm products by major food supply companies operating in UAE. Local production levels can be enhanced through guaranteed revenue streams emerging from purchase agreements, increasing the nation's self-sufficiency ratio for food and improving the income levels of Emirati farmers without affecting the food industry.

Farm To Plate represents the pioneering blockchain track and trace platform and the product division of Paramount Software Solutions, an award-winning technology provider headquartered in Georgia, USA. With over 25 years of industry presence and several industry awards, Paramount is a recognized leader in the IT industry in the United States and North America. True to Paramount’s mission of holistic sustainability and technology for the greater good, Farm to Plate embodies inclusive sustainability for people, communities, and the environment. According to Hussein, “This task force will put in place a structured model for improving the adoption of Emirati farm products through the establishment of trading and supply partnerships and by connecting both public and private stakeholders within the food supply chain. As a leading private food technology firm, we have a responsibility to help local governments identify the best means to achieve food safety and sustainability. Our membership in this task force will enable us to provide the Ministry with our expertise in integrating all stakeholders on the food supply chain, and how we can bring technology and process together to achieve the task force’s lofty goals.”

On this occasion, HE Eng Mohammed Alameeri said: "We move forward in the Year of Sustainability armed with a spirit of determination and commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future for the UAE. The task force to enhance the (National Farm Sustainability Initiative) will play a pivotal role in enhancing food security and will serve as a model for change in adopting sustainable environmental practices."

He added: "The formation of the task force, which includes seasoned experts from various sectors, is an important step towards enhancing the UAE's food security and ensuring the well-being of its society. The task force will work to increase government purchases of local products to 50% by the end of 2023, an ambitious but achievable goal. There is no doubt that the UAE's journey towards sustainability is a shared responsibility. The formation of the task force is tangible evidence of the power of teamwork among the member institutions and our common vision to enhance food security and sustainability in the UAE."

As a leader in the food technology sector in the UAE and the MENA region, Farm To Plate will look to leverage its technological prowess with blockchain and AI as well as its experience working with all tiers of the supply chain – from producers facing technology barriers to consumer transparency challenges – to help the task force identify the best partners and the right process models for increasing local product purchasing and self-sustainability.

Actively working on enhancing the National Farms Sustainability Initiative, the task force enjoys the support of ten government agencies: the Government of Ajman, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, Emirates Health Services (EHS), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Abu Dhabi Health Department, Sharjah Agriculture and Animal Wealth Department, Dubai Police General Command, Abu Dhabi Police General Command, and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). In the next few months, the task force will look towards finding new partnership opportunities to enhance purchases of UAE-based farm produce by various industry stakeholders. The task force will periodically inform the public about its progress, strategies.

Source: Gulf News