CAFU, the MENA region’s first on-demand car service, announces its expansion into Canada on the eve of its second Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report. The business has been developed entirely in the UAE, one of the most innovative nations in the world, launching in 2018, CAFU was inspired by the nation’s visionary leadership and its aspiration to create new smart car solutions for its citizens and residents.
Expanding into Canada with plans to continue growing into other markets, CAFU’s EV charging solution aims to support users with no access to home charging. CAFU’s new innovative service will allow car owners in Quebec to charge their cars with a simple tap of a button, boosting access to charging infrastructure.
“The UAE has created an environment where our business not only started, but also grew. We are humbled to be able to take our homegrown services from Dubai to the world, starting with Canada. Our expansion into a new international market is a bold step towards growth and success as we bring our mobile EV charging solution to North America,” said Rashid Al Ghurair, Founder and CEO of CAFU. “At CAFU, we are constantly utilizing our technology and expertise for good, and this accomplishment would not have been possible without the tireless dedication and hard work of our team. I am proud of how far we have come in a few short years and look forward to opening new possibilities in Canada that we hope to bring in other markets.”
This cutting-edge mobile EV charging solution technology not only expands charging options for EV drivers, but will also promote easy adoption in the future. The CAFU truck can travel to recharge the vehicle on demand – enabling a seamless travel journey for the customer.
As a leader in technology and mobility services, CAFU is committed to creating a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. Coinciding with the expansion, CAFU also reveals its second ESG report. The report highlights the company’s progress in the last year in carbon emissions, promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting local communities, and outlines the company’s future goals.
“We recognize the significance of transparency and accountability in matters related to ESG. Our annual ESG report showcases our unwavering commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices. Though there is still progress to be made, we are determined to continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” added Al Ghurair.
CAFU began reporting its Greenhouse Gas emissions in 2021, as part of its commitment to become a carbon neutral company. CAFU’s 2022 Sustainability Report highlights:
- Throughout 2022, the company included data from both CAFU Petroleum and CAFU Tech (including their BOLT on-demand car services) in the reporting of their greenhouse gas emissions.
- Evolving from a fleet of 20 trucks in 2018, to become the technology platform of choice for all vehicle services, CAFU increased its fleet size by approximately 41% in the past year.
- CAFU saw a 19% increase in their customer base over the last year and added 70 additional trucks to their fleet, which resulted in a slight increase in emissions of 10% from 2021.
- Driving forward its commitment towards a more sustainable future on the road to carbon neutrality – CAFU entered the second phase of its Ghaf Tree Project, with the aim to plant 1 million Ghaf seeds, in partnership with UAE University. Pivoting from its aerial technology, CAFU will launch new patented technology, scaling the program to help combat climate change in such harsh and arid climates.
- Implementing emission-reducing initiatives, such as the Route80 Project, CAFU improved the efficiency of their trucks, reducing their emissions per order by 10 percent.
Al Ghurair said, “This is just the beginning of our journey, as we grow our footprint regionally and globally, and sustainability and clean energy will remain at the core of our business. Our understanding of tomorrow’s mobility requirements has grown due to forward-thinking businesses and the ever-changing consumer behavior. We look forward to contributing to a more sustainable future while delivering value to our customers.”
By leveraging technology and innovation, CAFU is committed to delivering car solutions that make people’s lives more efficient. With its continued expansion and commitment to ESG, the company is poised to make a positive impact on a regional and global scale.
Source: Zawya
The Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) meeting, headed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Council, explored the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the top three global cities and double the size of its economy in the next decade.
The Council affirmed its commitment to achieving the goals of D33 through several initiatives and discussed its plan of action in light of the UAE’s preparations to host the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in Dubai Expo City. This was in addition to outlining its packages that simplify services and enhance the experience of foreign investors. The Council also highlighted the importance of attracting Emirati talents to work in free zone companies in Dubai by coordinating with the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai and several other topics related to the business sectors in the free zones.
The Council discussed the outcomes of the Free Zones Energy Demand Management Strategy, which seeks to reduce the free zone companies' demand for electricity and energy consumption to achieve sustainability and contribute to achieving the wise leadership’s vision to consolidate Dubai's leading position and build innovative and environmentally friendly communities. This strategy paves the way for supporting the objectives of the UAE Net Zero strategic initiative, which seeks to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, in conjunction with the Year of Sustainability and preparations to host COP 28.
The strategy aims to reduce demand for energy and water by 30 percent by 2030 for free zones and companies, in addition to providing added value to businesses. The strategy further outlines methods to introduce innovation, awareness technologies, and processes related to energy demand reduction and sustainability, as well as providing resources, tools, programs, and policies, and reducing the carbon footprint of free zones, in cooperation with the concerned government agencies.
The Council also explored a proposal to unify the title and classifications of services at Dubai free zones. This follows the methodology adopted by the Dubai Model, which offers packages that contribute to simplifying services, upgrading service channels within free zones, meeting the needs and expectations of clients, and raising their satisfaction levels.
The Council discussed the importance of attracting Emirati talents to work in free zone companies in Dubai by reviewing the initiatives and achievements realized during the past period. It also affirmed the importance of continuing coordination with free zone authorities to encourage their companies to employ UAE nationals and benefit from government capabilities and incentives, such as the Nafis program. The Council underlined the need to support these initiatives and maintain collaboration with work teams and the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai to achieve the best results and empower a new generation of Emirati talents in various sectors within Dubai Free Zones.
Source: Amjad Saleh, Emirates News Agency - WAM
Hilton, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia, Winnow and Goumbook, has announced the launch of Green Ramadan, an initiative which will see food waste reduction efforts implemented at hotels across several key markets in the Middle East, including Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha in Qatar, Conrad Dubai in the UAE, and Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences in Saudi Arabia.
With reports from UNEP West Asia showing that food waste increases by 25% - 50% in the region during religious and social festivities, Hilton is introducing measures to minimise waste during the holy month of Ramadan and drive awareness around local sourcing and food waste. The initiative is in line with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals to reduce food waste sent to landfill by 50%.
The partnership will combine Hilton’s drive towards a net zero future, UNEP’s ‘Recipe of Change’ food waste reduction campaign, Goumbook’s local sustainability expertise, and Winnow’s AI technology – allowing for digitally-led tracking of food waste throughout Ramadan. In doing so, Hilton will gather data to predict future procurement and production needs while also minimising its long-term environmental impact.
As part of the initiative, participating Hilton hotels across Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia will compost excess food waste, prioritise local food sourcing within a 50-mile radius, promote plant-based dishes, restrict plastic use across operations, and partner with food banks.
In Qatar, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha will offer guests a tasteful dining experience at Bywater Restaurant with breathtaking views of the stunning Arabian Gulf. The restaurant takes pride in serving locally sourced produce from the Al Wabra Farm, showcasing a meticulously crafted menu that plays an active role in reducing food-related emissions. The hotel has also partnered with the Hifz Alnaema Food Bank to reinforce charitable giving during the holy month.
In the UAE, Al-Wāha by Conrad Dubai will feature local produce from Fresh on Table, and an innovative plant-based section with a thoughtfully curated menu that helps to significantly cut food-related emissions. The hotel is also partnering with the UAE Food Bank to reinforce charitable giving by donating 100 meals per day throughout Ramadan. Conrad Dubai will also compost food waste from Al-Wāha through The Waste Lab.
Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences will take guests on a gastronomic journey at Amara, its Ramadan tent, which will feature local produce from Nadec and Pure Harvest Smart Farms as part of a thoughtfully curated menu that helps to significantly cut food-related emissions. The hotel is also partnering with the Ita’am Food Bank to reinforce charitable giving and will donate 100 meals per day throughout Ramadan. Additionally, the hotel will collaborate with Black Cow to collect and compost Iftar buffet leftovers to be used as organic fertilisers locally.
Emma Banks, vice president, F&B strategy & development, EMEA, Hilton, said, “As a global hospitality brand, Hilton has a responsibility to lead the industry in the pursuit of sustainable solutions. We are delighted to embrace the holy month of Ramadan with the introduction of the Green Ramadan initiative. Our partner, Winnow, will play a crucial role in this digital-first approach by collecting food waste data and using it to inform our local procurement requirements while working closely with our partner Goumbook to ensure an educated approach towards the implemented sustainable practices. We’re also aligning closely with UNEP West Asia’s ongoing ‘Recipe of Change’ campaign aimed at reducing food waste across the value chain”.
“We hope that Hilton’s Green Ramadan initiative will set the standard for years to come by encouraging local food sourcing and reducing food waste,” said Banks.
Mr. Sami Dimassi, UNEP representative and regional director, West Asia, said, “We are very pleased to collaborate with Hilton to activate this campaign across its key markets in the Middle East. Reducing food waste is not only about saving food, but also about saving resources. The only way forward is to work hand-in-hand by engaging the local community, private sector, and influencers. Today, every plate counts and so does every wasted plate. Let us all fight food waste and work towards a more sustainable future”.
Marc Zornes, CEO and co-founder, Winnow, said, “Winnow is delighted to partner with Hilton, Goumbook and UNEP West Asia on this initiative during Ramadan. Food waste is an important area of interest for the region from a social and environmental perspective. Our intention is for this collaboration to be underpinned by real-world data and behavioural science, offering a playbook for the industry to tackle food waste”.
Tatiana Antonelli, founder and managing director, Goumbook, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Hilton on their Green Ramadan initiative alongside UNEP West Asia and Winnow. With food waste almost doubling in the holy month of Ramadan, there is a great opportunity to raise awareness and spotlight the benefits of local sourcing and food waste management. As we look forward to COP28 happening in the Middle East later in 2023, this is our chance to address the need to instill change and drive action”.
Source: Hilton
The Circular Packaging Association (CPA), a public-private partnership across the packaging value chain, has officially launched in the UAE, with the launch timed to precede Global Recycling Day on March 18th. The event was officiated by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, alongside representatives from the Circular Packaging Association’s 14 founding organisations, at Dubai Chambers' headquarters.
Additionally, representatives from the Executive Committee of COP28, Dubai Chambers, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, GPCA, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and Emirates Nature-WWF were in attendance.
The minister highlighted that packaging is a crucial resource to protect food, prolong product shelf life, and reduce environmental impact by reducing waste. She further stated that the Circular Packaging Association is a vital step toward implementing the UAE’s ambitions to promote sustainable practices across different sectors. She emphasised that the UAE is committed to implementing a circular economy to ensure the sustainable management and effective use of natural resources. She added that the circular economy plays an important role in the UAE's plans to reduce carbon emissions and pollution and accelerate the country's progress towards climate neutrality by 2050.
The Circular Packaging Association aims to integrate the principles of a circular and green economy into the packaging value chain in the UAE, transforming the current linear system, which is based on the concept of buying, using, and disposing of products, into one that considers post-consumption packaging waste as a valuable resource that can be reused. The Association aspires to raise awareness among consumers and provide recommendations on legislation and policies related to circular packaging, through a data-driven and multi-stakeholder approach.
Faisal Juma Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chambers, highlighted that the Circular Packaging Association is a key business group that promotes Dubai’s circular economy and sustainability agendas. He stated that the Association is focused on raising awareness about sustainable packaging and clean production methods while supporting sustainable environment policies and regulations. He added that this is timely and relevant as Dubai prepares to host COP28 this year.
Priya Sarma, Chairperson of the Circular Packaging Association and Head of Sustainability & Corporate Affairs at Unilever Middle East, emphasised that members of the Circular Packaging Association are committed to diverting packaging waste from landfill and contributing to the UAE’s waste-free ambitions utilizing a data-based, multi-stakeholder approach. She added that the official launch builds on their ongoing efforts and is reflective of a collaborative approach that aims to generate innovative solutions to eliminate packaging waste from the environment, while recovering its value as a resource.
The Circular Packaging Association is the result of work initiated in 2019 by founding members of the CIRCLE Coalition for innovation in recycling towards a circular economy. CIRCLE was formalized under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a circular economy for packaging across the GCC. In 2019, the members of CIRCLE funded a study to investigate the barriers and enablers of a circular economy for post-consumer packaging in the UAE.
Source: Khoder Nashar/ Muhammad Aamir, Emirates News Agency
Emirates Steel Arkan has announced its partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and JFE Steel Corporation, a subsidiary of JFE Holdings, to consider the construction of a ferrous raw material production facility in Abu Dhabi that would become an integral part of a global low carbon emission iron supply chain.
Emirates Steel Arkan and the two Japanese companies will work together to conduct feasibility studies on creating a ferrous raw material steel hub at a project site in Abu Dhabi to meet the growing demand for green steel.
As part of the initial plan, high-grade iron ore will be imported into Abu Dhabi to produce the ferrous raw material, which is currently expected to begin in the second half of 2025 and will be supplied to customers primarily operating in Asia, including JFE Steel.
Ferrous raw material would initially be produced through an enhanced decarbonised process using natural gas to reduce the iron ore. The project also makes provisions for the adoption of renewable energy power sources, as well as green hydrogen for the reduction process.
Group CEO of Emirates Steel Arkan Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi said, "We are proud to be leading efforts among steel makers in the Middle East to decarbonise amid an intensification of the global drive to curb CO2 emissions and our collaboration with ITOCHU and JFE Steel is the first of its kind in the region. If hydrogen reduction becomes an established technology in the production of steel, Emirates Steel Arkan will rapidly harness it to further reduce its carbon emissions.
"Globally some 80% of the CO2 emitted from steelmaking is the result of using coke in the blast furnace during the iron ore reduction process. The Group's carbon footprint, however, is already significantly lower than that of its global peers, thanks to its use of natural gas and advanced direct iron reduction technologies. The use of hydrogen might make our high quality and durable steel products even more environmentally friendly and support the sustainability of our customers."
Jun Inomata, COO of Metals & Minerals Resources Division of ITOCHU Corporation, said, "We are also proud to be a part of core members to pursue achieving the goal. The goal of the Project is to create a low carbon emission iron supply chain reducing the carbon footprint and contributing to the global iron and steel industries heading to 'greenalisation'.
"In this project, ITOCHU will be responsible for sourcing the high-grade iron ore through the network built by trading and investment activities over the decades, Emirates Steel Arkan will utilise the experience of successful operation of the direct reduction plant with carbon capture, utilisation and storage 'CCUS' facility, which leads the way on carbon capture and JFE Steel will use the ferrous raw material produced through this project as a steelmaking raw material and promote CO2 emission reduction."
Source: WAM/Esraa Ismail/Rola Alghoul
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) launched the first session of the National Dialogue for Food Security with the aim of facilitating constructive discussions among stakeholders from the government and private sectors to enhance food security in the UAE. The event was inaugurated by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Food Diversity Sector at the MOCCAE. Local farmers, private sector representatives, and members of the media attended the event.
Mariam Almheiri highlighted the importance of food security, particularly during times of increasing challenges such as global food supply chain disruptions following the pandemic and global conflicts, and the pressing challenge of climate change. She praised the UAE's strategic steps to strengthen the local food production sector and reduce food loss and waste, including deploying advanced technology and launching initiatives like 'Nemah' to promote sustainability in national farms.
Almheiri emphasised the UAE's commitment to achieving the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 through partnerships and solutions that bring a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector and food systems, particularly as the host nation of COP28 in 2023. The first session of the National Dialogue for Food Security included panel discussions on topics such as sustainable agriculture, food suppliers' contribution to national farms, agricultural innovation, and sustainable marketing of regional agrarian goods.
“Being the host nation of COP28 in 2023, the UAE is prioritising the acceleration of efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 through partnerships and solutions that bring a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector and food systems. This will enhance the resilience and sustainability of the food sector," Almheiri added.
The first session of the National Dialogue for Food Security commenced with panel discussions on various topics, including sustainable agriculture, food suppliers' contribution to the viability of national farms, agricultural innovation, and sustainable marketing of regional agrarian goods.
Mohammed Mousa Alameeri stated that the UAE considers improving food security as a strategic priority, and it is one of the Ministry's main pillars of effort in collaboration with its strategic partners and stakeholders. To achieve this, the Ministry aims to develop the agricultural sector and promote modern farming systems, including organic, vertical, and aquatic farming, which aligns with the strategy to enhance local production and improve food security.
To improve domestic agricultural output, the Ministry has established numerous strategies, including ongoing development of agricultural legislation and services, as outlined in the National Food Security Strategy 2051. The Ministry also collaborates with private sector institutions to further develop agricultural markets.
The National Farms Sustainability Initiative is a program that aims to meet the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. It aims to improve domestic production through securing purchase agreements, increasing the UAE's self-sufficiency on selected food commodities, and increasing UAE farmer incomes without affecting food trade.
The initiative develops methods to regulate the procurement of fresh national food products, builds a record of the needs of local government and other entities for fresh food products, and prepares a list of national fresh food products. It also develops a strategy to increase their purchases by government entities and rolls out a systematic method for enterprises specialized in sustainable agricultural production to manage the availability of products from farms.
The initiative collaborates with various entities, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, local farms, national enterprises, agricultural companies, government and semi-government entities, and private sector institutions. A working committee was constituted to oversee the initiative's implementation, which includes representatives from various government agencies.
The initiative aims to develop a sustainable market for national and state-level farms by securing contracts with government and semi-government agencies to supply their annual food and agricultural needs over three phases. The first phase aims to increase the percentage of purchases by government contractors to 50% of the domestic production in 2023, followed by increasing it further to 70% by 2025, and ultimately to 100% by 2030.
In the first phase, ten food products and plant varieties were identified, including red meat, poultry, table eggs, dairy products, dates, Leaf vegetable, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants. Based on purchase data from contractors, a study is currently being conducted to identify more products for the second phase.
Five leading businesses in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah manage the contracts and coordinate with the national farms.
The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment's recent statistics show that there are currently 38,000 farms operating in the UAE. These farms use various farming methods and agricultural production systems, including organic farming across a total land area of 46,000 dunam and aquatic farms (without soil) in a total land area of 1000 dunam. The total UAE vegetable production is around 156,000 tons annually, with over 500 tons of field crops and feed, and fruit production is about 200,000 tons. The domestic production of vegetables currently meets more than 20% of the total demand in the country, with cucumbers accounting for 80% of the production, driven by the Ministry's endeavors to enhance the productivity of national farms.
Source: Tariq Al Fahaam/ Muhammad Aamir, Emirates News Agency
Abu Dhabi has issued new regulations for livestock grazing in order to conserve natural grazing areas, with livestock owners and breeders required to have grazing licences under the law.
The regulations - Executive Regulations of Law No. (11) of 2020 regarding grazing in Abu Dhabi - have been issued by the emirate’s environment sector regulator, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
With a mandate to oversee environmental affairs in the emirate, EAD is responsible for the law’s implementation, which aims to regulate grazing and enhance efforts by the concerned authorities to safeguard protected areas, as well as critical and natural habitats, based on principles of sustainable management. This will help guarantee the conservation of wild plant species from overgrazing, and ensure the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity in the emirate.
Grazing licences will now be issued by the EAD to livestock owners and breeders. The practice will not only ensure the recovery of vegetation cover and the promotion and sustainability of biodiversity, but also provides an opportunity for natural regeneration and ensures the continuity of wild plant resources for future generations.
Grazing licensed
Owners and breeders of livestock in Abu Dhabi can apply for a grazing licence from the EAD, in accordance with the procedures and requirements specified by EAD, and after paying the prescribed fees. License applicants must also attach a copy of their Emirates ID, and a copy of a valid animal wealth log certificate proving ownership of the livestock from the concerned authorities. The applicant should further identify the person who will accompany and care for the livestock, and provide a copy of their Emirates ID.
Individuals licensed to enable grazing activity must adhere to several environmental requirements, which include not introducing exotic plants or animals or any harmful substances into the grazing areas. They must also avoid uprooting, burning, transporting, cutting, destroying, logging, removing or collecting wild plants or any other part of it in the grazing areas. Additionally, they must not damage or harm the wild plants and animals in grazing areas or cause any damage to the local environment and should adhere to the permitted grazing seasons. The licensed must also take into account the periods of suspended grazing, which are determined by EAD in coordination with the concerned authorities, to ensure the sustainability of grazing areas.
Grazing pressure
Periodically reducing grazing pressure is a recognised international best practice that allows natural vegetation to recover, and EAD’s enforcement of this decision contributes to protecting the desert environment against pressures caused by overgrazing. These pressures include the destruction of local plant species, as well as soil erosion and degradation, which in turn leads to desertification which can cause a decline in livestock numbers. In response, the regulation will contribute to providing terrestrial habitats the opportunity to recover and regenerate naturally.
EAD recently conducted a study that evaluated the vegetation of 35 locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, which showed a decrease in vegetation cover in open grazing areas compared to protected areas that have no grazing.
EAD role
The executive regulations enhance the EAD’s role in monitoring grazing resources, and the rehabilitation of vegetation cover in terrestrial grazing areas to preserve grazing as a traditional inherited practice in the emirate. Grazing practices will also be documented and maintained it according to scientific criteria. The implementation of the decision also helps to ensure the preservation of natural and cultural heritage through the sustainable use of terrestrial and natural resources, in addition to the preservation of natural wild desert plants, the reduction of soil degradation, and supporting food security through the sustainability of plants and livestock.
The regulations also help ensure traditional grazing practices are continued, and the relationship between humans and the desert’s natural resources are preserved and protected for future generations. The regulations determine the role of EAD, which includes defining Abu Dhabi’s grazing areas and seasons in coordination with the concerned authorities, and according to administrative decisions issued by EAD.
Awareness efforts
Additional efforts have also been conducted by EAD through research and rehabilitation of natural grazing resources, which include key plant species such as ghaf, acacia (samr), white saxaul (ghada), broom bush (markh), salt bush (rimth), and others.
The EAD works to enhance environmental awareness among livestock owners in Abu Dhabi through participation in festivals and heritage events and awareness sessions and presentations. To date, seven awareness sessions have been held at Majalis Abu Dhabi, with 250 local livestock owners attending, and the EAD has conducted 25 individual interviews with oral narrators on matters related to grazing.
Source: Samihah Zaman, Gulf News
The IFFCO Group, one of the UAE’s largest producers of food products, has opened the first 100-percent plant-based meat factory in the region, in Dubai.
Located in the Dubai Industrial City, the THRYVE factory will catalyse the move towards a more sustainable and healthy food chain in the Middle East, actively supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE's Vision 2051 initiative to bolster food security through diversity and innovation. The factory will provide nourishing, sustainable and healthy local plant-based meat products inspired by the unique flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said, “The new 100-percent plant-based meat factory supports the UAE’s Food Security Strategy and our mandate to mitigate the impact of climate change. The opening of this innovative new facility also supports our efforts to protect the country’s ecosystems and enhance its food and water security and diversify our food sources. By fostering such robust research and development focused on producing innovative food products, we seek to raise the UAE’s ability to move up the global food industry value chain and achieve first place on the Global Food Security Index by 2051. The new factory represents a significant contribution to sustainability in the food supply chain.”
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said, "The opening of this factory, which will pave the way for a dynamic new industry that will boost trade across the region, is a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to pioneer the use of innovative technologies to provide sustainable solutions to real world problems. It contributes to Dubai's economic diversification journey in line with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate the emirate’s status as one of the top three global cities. The new facility is a testament to the pivotal role being played by Dubai in promoting the growth and evolution of environmentally sound practices that can alleviate the effects of climate change. By providing opportunities for private companies to invest in sustainable technologies, Dubai is accelerating the creation of a robust and resilient green economy.
“Such initiatives also reflect Dubai’s success in creating a fertile environment for new businesses and investors to thrive, and generating new job opportunities. Dubai and the UAE will continue to work with stakeholders and partners to remain at the forefront of innovation and economic sustainability, inspired by the ambition of our visionary leadership to create a better future for all."
Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President, Industrial Leasing, Dubai Industrial City, said, “DIC is an ideal location for initiatives like the IFFCO Group’s plant-based meat factory that underscore the importance of food security. The Dubai Industrial City is home to a growing number of Dubai-based food manufacturers who are leading the way in introducing innovative food products. This new enterprise adds value to the industry while strengthening our reputation as facilitators of a self-reliant food programme.”
The THRYVE plant-based venture, developed using cutting-edge food technology, contributes to at least three UN's SDG's: good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.
The only 100 percent plant-based meat factory in the Middle East, IFFCO's THRYVE will leverage advanced food technologies to produce tasty, healthy, sustainable and culturally relevant food that meets the needs of the local consumer. In addition, IFFCO is working closely with the government to create regulatory standards for plant-based food products.
The global plant-based meat market was estimated to be worth US$7.9 billion in 2022, and is forecast to reach US$15.7 billion by 2027, according to a report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The newly opened THRYVE factory will cater to 30 percent of the GCC population, stimulating the development of the market for local plant-based products. As per proprietary research, the GCC has the potential to be a future leader in developing food products for flexitarians, people whose diet is primarily vegetarian.
Source: Emirates 24/7
UAE-based smart and green facilities management company Farnek has launched a new online remote digital platform called PowerTek, developed by in-house experts at its innovative digital solutions sister company HITEK.
The comprehensive and data-driven energy performance monitoring tool supports hotels and the wider business community, through efficient measuring, tracking, monitoring and benchmarking of energy and water consumption as well as waste management.
“This analysis helps to reduce carbon emissions, which are key to fulfilling any roadmap towards net zero,” said Nadia Ibrahim, Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek.
PowerTek analyses consumption and waste, with respect to multiple variables that can influence a hotel’s environmental metrics such as occupancy, guest nights, number of guest rooms, F&B covers, guest profiles, staff hours, air-conditioned areas as well as general weather conditions. This helps hotels to maintain higher operational efficiency, lower costs and the associated carbon emissions.
“Following the science, to prevent irreversible climate change, we must restrict the global increase in temperature to 1.5C. To achieve this, the net emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2e) will need to be reduced by up to 50% by 2030 and reach net zero levels by around 2050,” added Ibrahim.
“Putting that into perspective, according to an international study by Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hospitality industry needs to reduce its carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030, and by 90% per room by 2050. Currently the hospitality industry is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“These statistics clearly underscore the urgency of combatting climate change. Hotels have just seven years to reduce their emissions by nearly two thirds.”
According to Farnek’s analysis, which uses data from its own hotel clients as well as comparing EGBC & Cornell Hotel benchmarking studies, four and five-star hotels have the potential to save up to 10% annually on their utility consumption.
“These hotels spend an average of AED5.16 million ($1.4 million) per year on their utility bills, so they could save up to AED384,000 and AED133,000 on energy and water consumption respectively, as well as additional cost savings in waste disposal which could also reduce their carbon emissions by up to 700 tonnes annually,” she said.
The launch of PowerTek coincides with a recent announcement by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to reintroduce a Carbon Calculator tool that measures the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. Every month, hotels are now mandated to submit their consumption of nine carbon emission sources: electricity, water, district cooling, liquefied petroleum gas, landfill waste, recycled waste, petrol, diesel and refrigerants. This information is collated and analysed by the DET to provide industry insights on the sector’s collective carbon footprint.
“PowerTek is an upgraded replacement for Hotel Optimizer a digital tool that has been supporting hotels throughout the Middle East for the past 20 years. A key part of the upgrade is that this new platform now has a greater flexibility to be integrated with any energy meter, existing BMS systems, connected IoT sensors, CAFM as well as analysing data entered manually, such as updated and ongoing consumption data from utility providers,” commented Javeria Aijaz, managing director of HITEK.
The digital tool can also benchmark a hotel’s performance against its own historical data, making relevant comparisons with its peers based on an energy utilisation index EUI (kWh/m2/year), water utilisation index WUI (litres/guest nights), waste generation (kg/guest night), waste diversion, carbon emissions as well as other operational costs.
“Decarbonisation has become a commercial imperative, not only for the hospitality industry, but for all business sectors. It not only plays a crucial role in limiting global warming, but hotels in particular can reduce up to 60% of their total emissions by adopting energy efficient measures alone,” said Ibrahim.
Source: Zawya
ALEC Energy has partnered with Solar Earth as part of its drive to advance innovation in clean energy production in the region and beyond. Canada-based Solar Earth has developed what’s billed as the world’s most rugged pavement integrated photovoltaic (PIPV) solution, touted by the firm as the ‘Toughest Solar on Earth’.
Solar Earth’s PIPV solution will enable governments and private enterprises to carry out wide scale solarisation of every hardscape infrastructure such as pavements, roads, plazas, and parking lots, turning these into clean energy generating assets, ALEC Energy said in its statement. The firm added that the region’s first PIPV solution is being implemented at ALEC Group’s modular manufacturing factory in Dubai (LINQ Modular).
ALEC Energy is a related business division of ALEC Engineering and Contracting, and offers a complete turnkey solution for all types of solar and hybrid energy plants. ALEC Energy recently delivered the world’s first off-grid micro-grid at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.
“While the GCC has been blessed with a perennial abundance of sunlight, the constraints of traditional solar panels have limited the ability to unlock the immense potential of this clean energy source,” said Basar Kayali, General Manager of ALEC Energy.
Solar Earth panels are said to be skid resistant and unlike their traditional counterparts, they have been designed to be extremely rugged – able to withstand up to five tonnes of weight and harsh weather conditions.
Thanks to this rugged design, the panels enable public and private sector entities to take traditional sunk costs infrastructure and provide a return on investment, by transforming these into dual-use, revenue-generating surfaces. ALEC Energy’s decision to introduce the technology in the GCC followed months of comprehensive evaluation and feasibility studies to ensure a ‘right fit’ for the needs of the region, the firm explained.
“With countries across the GCC clearly outlining intentions to achieve Net Zero by as early as 2050, regional governments are turning to the private sectors to help pioneer advancements in the future of responsible energy production. We are thrilled to see the UAE taking the lead in innovation, clean energy, and Net Zero action,” explained Damarys Zampini, representative of Solar Earth.
The PIPV solution was unveiled at an event held at ALEC Group’s modular construction facility (LINQ Modular) in Dubai and attended by Gabriel Jabbour, Trade Commissioner for the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai.
“Today, together with Solar Earth, we are redefining what photovoltaic solutions are capable of and thereby enabling an entirely new range of possibilities for their deployment. In doing so, we are helping usher in the new era of solar energy production, one where it is no longer restricted to large solar farms and commercial facilities alone but can be seamlessly incorporated into the vast amount of commercial, municipal, residential, and other infrastructure that has already been built,” Kayali added.
Source: ME Construction News, Jason Saundalkar
