• The Sustainability Report 2021 introduces partners, relevant entities and all stakeholders to its performance and practices in sustainability.
• The report demonstrates the progress made by DEWA, and its contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

DUBAI, UAE – The ninth Sustainability Report 2021 issued by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) highlights its efforts and achievements in supporting sustainable development in all its economic, social and environmental aspects.

It introduces partners, relevant entities and all stakeholders to its performance and practices in sustainability. The report demonstrates the progress made by DEWA, and its significant contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.  

It also mentions DEWA’s success in supporting sustainable recovery and continuing to implement its projects in the field of sustainability during 2021, despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. DEWA’s report is based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.

The report also highlights DEWA’s commitment to the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), including Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

The report is also in line with GRI G4 Electric Utilities Sector Disclosures.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “The Sustainability Report issued annually by DEWA reflects our long-term commitment to achieving sustainability.”

He said, “This supports the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global capital for a green economy.” He added, “The Sustainability Report issued by DEWA is a useful and transparent guide that documents DEWA’s achievements and efforts throughout the year towards achieving the UAE Centennial 2071, to make the UAE the world’s leading nation.”

Al Tayer said, “DEWA adopts the best international practices as well as sustainable and integrated systems that ensure providing value-added services that meet stakeholder expectations.”

He said, “This reflects the importance of sustainability as an indispensable part of DEWA’s strategy and being the centre of its operations and services.”

He added, “We support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 percent of Dubai’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050 through the implementation of world-leading projects.”

The DEWA CEO said, “The projects include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer Model (IPP). Its production capacity will reach 5,000 megawatts by 2030.”

He said, “DEWA’s efforts have contributed to reducing carbon emissions in Dubai by 21 percent in 2021, exceeding the target percentage in the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021, which aimed to reduce 16 percent of carbon emissions by 2021.”

The report has nine chapters, including climate change, sustainable development, energy, water, employees, customers, community, and the environment.

DEWA has been issuing its sustainability reports since 2013.

It has consolidated its position in this area by becoming a member of the GRI Gold Community and part of the Standards Pioneers Program, becoming one of the first 100 organizations to adopt the new standards from the 2016 report onwards.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023, the global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar to accelerate sustainable development, will feature a series of high-level sessions focused on the key priorities for sustainable development ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), to be held in the UAE from 30th November to 12th December, 2023.

The fifteenth edition of the annual event will be held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who has championed sustainability as a key pillar of the UAE’s economic and social progress and prosperity.

Taking place from 14th to 19th January under the theme of ‘United on Climate Action Toward COP28', ADSW will convene heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, youth, and entrepreneurs, for a series of impactful dialogues on the transition to a net-zero future. Key stakeholders will discuss key priorities for the global climate agenda at COP28, the need for all stakeholders across society to be engaged and included, and how to leverage the assessments from the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement to accelerate climate progress at COP28 and beyond.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, said, “For over 15 years, ADSW has reinforced the UAE’s commitment to addressing global challenges as a responsible leader driving climate action and sustainable economic development. ADSW 2023 will help shape the sustainability agenda and drive momentum toward COP28 in the UAE by convening the global community and facilitating meaningful dialogue to foster consensus, groundbreaking partnerships and innovative solutions.

“The world needs a just and inclusive energy transition that supports the needs of developing nations while ensuring a more sustainable future for us all. ADSW can serve as an ideal platform to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and put partnerships together that can take them to scale around the world, leaving no one behind.”

ADSW 2023 will feature for the first time a Green Hydrogen Summit, hosted by Masdar’s green hydrogen business on 18th January, highlighting its potential to decarbonise key industries – helping countries to achieve their net-zero objectives.

Earlier this month, Masdar formally announced a new shareholding structure and the launch of its green hydrogen business – forming a clean energy powerhouse that will spearhead global decarbonisation efforts. Masdar is now one of the largest clean energy companies of its kind and is well-positioned to lead the industry on a global scale, strengthening the UAE’s role as an energy leader.

The first international sustainability gathering of the year, ADSW 2023 will drive discussion and debate around climate action in the run-up to COP28. The ADSW Summit, hosted by Masdar and taking place on16th January, will focus on a wide range of critical topics including Food and Water Security, Energy Access, Industrial Decarbonisation, Health, and Climate Adaptation.

Between 16th and 18th January, ADSW 2023 will seek to engage youth in climate action, with its Youth for Sustainability platform holding the Y4S Hub, which aims to attract 3,000 young people. ADSW 2023 will also feature the annual forum for Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform, giving women a greater voice in the sustainability debate.

As in previous years, ADSW 2023 will also feature partner-led events and opportunities for international engagement on sustainability-related topics, including the International Renewable Energy Agency’s IRENA Assembly (14th – 15th January), the Atlantic Council Energy Forum (14th – 15th January), the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (18th January), and the World Future Energy Summit (16th – 18th January).

The 2023 ADSW will also mark the 15th anniversary of the Zayed Sustainability Prize – the UAE’s pioneering global award for recognising excellence in sustainability, with the awards ceremony to be held on 16th January. With 96 winners across its categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Global High Schools, the Prize has positively impacted the lives of over 378 million people around the world, including in Vietnam, Nepal, Sudan, Ethiopia, Maldives and Tuvalu.

Over the years, the Prize has provided communities across the world with access to quality education, clean food and water, quality healthcare, energy, jobs, and improved community safety.

With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) making up roughly 90 percent of businesses worldwide, ADSW 2023 will welcome over 70 SMEs and start-ups across several sectors, including Masdar City’s global initiative Innovate, which will showcase groundbreaking international technologies

Source: WAM: Amjad Saleh/ Muhammad Aamir

The UAE’s First Abu Dhabi Bank has launched a new sustainability-linked current account for corporate clients in an effort to help companies achieve environmental, social, and corporate governance objectives.   

As with traditional current accounts, FAB corporate clients will be able to use their sustainable accounts to retain their intraday liquidity for business needs, and to carry out daily payables and receivables, the bank said in a press release.  

Meanwhile, FAB said it will ensure that cash amounts held in the account are used to fund sustainable projects based on FAB’s Sustainable Finance Framework.  

Landmark Retail, an omnichannel retailer, is the first corporate to open a sustainable current account with FAB in line with its commitment to convert its Treasury products to sustainable ones, it said.  

This comes as FAB is growing its portfolio of ESG-linked products and services, including sustainability-linked loans and green bonds. It was among the first in the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council to issue a green bond in 2017 and to join the global Net-Zero Banking Alliance in 2021.  

Mustafa Al Khalfawi, head of Global Banking UAE & Global Head of Government, Sovereigns & Public Sector at FAB, said, “We are pleased to partner with Landmark Retail in piloting our new sustainable account offering in the UAE. This partnership demonstrates our staunch commitment to key stakeholders in our core market as they embark on strategic and operational shifts necessary to deliver on their ESG aspirations.”   

The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) inaugurated a new car parking project equipped with solar panels that produce renewable and clean energy, as part of the authority’s efforts to achieve environmental sustainability and make a quantum leap in the course of its projects so as to keep pace with recent developments in the field of energy and contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and confronting global warming challenges.

The project included the installation of 240 bi-facial solar panels, each with a capacity of 530 watts. The total electrical energy expected to be generated from the project is 205,000 kilowatt / hour yearly. The project also included 4 fast electric car chargers with a capacity of 22 kW each. This is within the framework of the Emirate of Sharjah's plan to expand the implementation of electric car chargers in various regions of the emirate, and it was implemented according to the best specifications.

Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, Director General of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, stressed during the opening of the project that the establishment of car parks that produce clean energy through solar panels contributes to enhancing the concept of green and sustainable buildings, spreading a culture of sustainability in energy consumption, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. He confirms SEWA’s commitment to providing the best services, and its keenness to implement initiatives related to the transition to sustainable buildings.

He pointed out the need for concerted governmental and private efforts to protect the environment and preserve its natural resources, as well as achieving  a balance between economic, social and environmental development, through integration between the various bodies and institutions, and concerted efforts to implement sustainable environmental initiatives and programmes in order to translate the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

He added that the authority seeks, during the next stage, to encourage various groups to expand the experience in public and private buildings, which supports efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Source: Sharjah 24

Dubai last month announced a roadmap to make its public transport emission-free by 2050, taking its ambitious strategy to transition to the green economy another step closer to reality. Featuring infrastructure, circular economy and green mobility initiatives, the implementation of the roadmap will bring AED3 billion worth of savings and eliminate 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of planting 132 million trees, over the next three decades.

The roadmap forms part of a series of initiatives driving the emirate’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 that aim to generate 100% of Dubai’s total energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. Already one of the world’s leading cities in clean power infrastructure, Dubai is moving rapidly to achieve this target. 

Green economy hub

Dubai has set its sights on becoming a green economy hub with a five-pronged strategy focused on infrastructure, legislation, funding, capacity building and creating an environment-friendly energy mix. 

Dubai’s plans are aligned with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, which aim to significantly replace traditional energy production with renewable resources. Next year, the UAE will play host to the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), more commonly known as COP28. The conference, to be held in Dubai Expo City, will provide both the UAE and Dubai an opportunity to showcase their unique clean energy projects and achievements in reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.  

DEWA’s mega infrastructure projects

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is leading the charge to create a diverse infrastructure base for Dubai’s green energy transition. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, is set to produce some of the most cost-effective clean electricity on the planet. On completion in 2030, the AED50 billion Park will have 5,000 MW production capacity. The fifth phase of the project, currently being built, will be fully commissioned in 2023. It is adequate to serve more than 270,000 homes, eliminating 1.1 million tonnes (MT) of annual carbon emissions. Upon the Solar Park’s completion, it will reduce more than 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The Solar Park will build on DEWA’s current power generation assets, which include the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex, a key pillar of Dubai’s clean energy infrastructure aimed at meeting the needs of its growing daytime population estimated to expand to 7.8 million people by 2040. The Complex is the world’s largest single-site natural gas power generation facility and the largest single-site water desalination plant. 

Another project powering the emirate’s clean energy transition is DEWA’s Green Hydrogen Project, which has been built in cooperation with Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens Energy at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park over an area of 10,000 square metres. The first initiative that uses solar power to produce hydrogen in the Middle East and North Africa region, the project is key to the UAE’s aim to acquire 25% of the global green hydrogen market by 2030. A high-value export commodity, green hydrogen, dubbed by many as the fuel of the future, has a variety of uses including power generation, transportation, feedstock for the chemical industry, reducing agent for the steel industry, and gas for residential heating and cooking.

Green Ammonia

In yet another major green energy project announced last month, Dubai’s leading oil and gas player ENOC Group signed an agreement with Japanese heavy-industry manufacturer IHI Corporation to establish a first-of-its-kind manufacturing unit for green ammonia, often dubbed as a ‘fuel of the future’. The produced fuel will be exported to Japan and supplied within the UAE and the region.

Produced by combining green hydrogen and nitrogen at high temperatures and pressures, green ammonia can help reduce global carbon emissions and be used within the transportation, power generation and industrial sectors. 

Complementing these projects is the pumped-storage hydroelectric power station that is being built by DEWA in Hatta, which will have a production capacity of 250 megawatts (MW), and a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours. The first station of its kind in the GCC region, the AED1.42 billion project is almost halfway through to completion. 

Another unique project that adds to Dubai’s renewable energy mix is the Dubai Waste Management Centre (DWMC), the largest waste-to-energy project in the world, being built by Dubai Municipality. The facility, which will be fully operational in 2024, has the capacity to process 5,600 tonnes of solid waste per day, converting 45% of Dubai’s municipal waste into renewable energy, feeding the grid with 215 MWh of clean energy capacity.

Legislative framework

Underpinning Dubai’s clean energy transition plan is a regulatory framework designed to encourage the private sector, global investors and developers to participate in clean and renewable energy projects, using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. DEWA has attracted investments of around AED40 billion through this model, which encourages value-added partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Talent and innovation

Capacity building in the green economy is another vital pillar in the clean energy strategy. The emirate seeks to develop its pool of professional talent and industry expertise through various learning and training programmes conducted in cooperation with global institutions. It is also working with global organisations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to develop the specialised capabilities needed to boost research, innovation and excellence in this field.

Leading by example, DEWA has created an R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to offer a global platform for emerging sustainability technologies.  The Centre aims to contribute to enhancing Dubai’s position as a global hub for R&D in solar power, smart grids, energy and water efficiency and capacity building. Projects launched at the R&D Centre include a pilot project for energy storage using Tesla’s lithium-ion battery solution. In July this year, the DEWA R&D Centre filed a patent for a redox flow battery stack with an improved electrolyte distribution that offers better battery performance and lower manufacturing costs.

The abundance of solar energy sources in Dubai, its massive infrastructure projects and the city’s emergence as a preferred destination for talent and expertise in the green energy sector, are set to make the emirate a global leader in transitioning to clean energy.

Dulsco Group, the integrated solutions provider across the UAE, has signed a Climate-Responsible Pledge in support of the UAE’s decarbonisation drive and in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, to fulfill both national and international climate commitments.

The Pledge, signed in collaboration with the Government of the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, took place in a ceremony held at Ajman X - Ajman Accelerators.

Dignitaries of the event included Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment and Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department. The event was attended by John Grainger, COO of Environmental Solutions at Dulsco Group, who presented on the group’s environmental and climate action efforts and world-class facilities.

David Stockton, CEO of Dulsco Group, commented, "Our commitment to the UAE Climate Action Pledge will further support Dulsco Group’s commitment to reinforce the UAE circular economy and the UAE Net Zero target by 2050. We have worked tirelessly through numerous action and awareness campaign initiatives, including our renowned treatment, recycling and waste-to-fuel facilities and our most recent drive to vehicle fleet conversion to Compressed natural gas (CNG) to realise this vision.”

“We anticipate a very productive COP28 conference next year. The UAE has a history of leading world-class events, most recently with Expo 2020 Dubai, and we look forward to welcoming the world leaders” Stockton continued.

The group has announced the onboarding of KPMG as a supplier and audit service, to aid Dulsco with measuring and reporting GHG emissions with full transparency and accuracy. KPMG, well known for its decarbonisation efforts and push towards renewable energy, will aid Dulsco in performing an in-depth carbon footprint exercise to determine the group’s baseline carbon emissions for 2022.

Dulsco Group continues to explore and invest in research for its portfolio of environmentally conscious driven facilities and public recycling awareness campaigns.

Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF, and Al Dahra, one of the largest integrated agri-businesses in the Middle East, have announced a strategic partnership to develop a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at Al Dahra Food Industry at Khalifa Industrial Zone Facility Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).

The rooftop solar system will be installed on Al Dahra’s rice processing facility at KIZAD and will produce about 45 percent of its annual energy demand. Under the agreement, Emerge will provide a full turnkey solution for the 1.2-megawatt peak (MWp) project, including the design, procurement, and construction, as well as operation and maintenance of the plant. The project is scheduled to be operational next year.

"Al Dahra is always conscious of its impact when it comes to the environment. We believe that solar energy and this project justify our commitment to reduce our carbon emission in line with our goals,” said Gianluca Fabbri, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Al Dahra Group. “At Al Dahra, our vision aligns with our objective to give the greatest food and goods to our community by using our considerable agricultural expertise every step of the way, through partnering with national and international companies."

“Food security is a key strategic priority for the United Arab Emirates, so we are pleased to enter into this partnership with Al Dahra, which underpins their aim to optimise the energy consumption of their facilities. We look forward to leveraging our extensive energy services experience as we continue to support the UAE’s efforts to enhance availability, accessibility and affordability of crops and food supply,” said Michel Abi Saab, General Manager, Emerge.

Al Dahra is a pioneer of innovative farming in the world. The strategic partnership with Emerge aims to support the country's food security strategy by assisting with sustainable agricultural practices, supplementing existing electricity demand, and showcasing renewable energy technology and its impacts on industrial facilities.

The International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) REmap 2030 report on renewable energy prospects for the UAE stated that rooftop solar PV could potentially provide 6 percent of the country’s total power generation by 2030.

Source: WAM: Amjad Saleh/ Muhammad Aamir

The Cabinet has approved a nationwide plan to introduce new sustainability standards for buildings, roads and homes to preserve resources and reduce the country's carbon footprint.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, led a meeting of ministers in Ajman's Al Zorah nature reserve on Sunday.

The government has put the country on a path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and was the first in the Middle East to set such a target.

On Sunday, they put in place a plan to cut the energy requirements of buildings and homes by 25 per cent and to reduce water consumption by 16 per cent.

The amount of energy and materials it takes to build roads would be cut by 45 per cent.

“Today, we approved the National Building Regulations policy, which includes sustainability standards for roads, buildings, housing and other [areas],” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

“The objective is to reduce the use of natural resources and our carbon footprint, and to promote environmental sustainability standards for buildings in the UAE.”

Winter tourism campaign

Sheikh Mohammed also launched a winter tourism campaign, following the success of the World's Coolest Winter drive last year.

He said the 2021 winter campaign was credited with creating 1.3 million domestic tourists, boosting the staycation economy.

“Ajman, with its white sands, the Red Fort, the Masfout Mountains, and the valleys of Manama, is the starting point for the campaign,” he wrote.

He congratulated Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, his son Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid and his brothers for boosting the emirate's attraction as a tourism destination and its economy.

“This year's theme is 'our heritage', to spread the values ​​of these most beautiful Emirati people,” he said.

One-stop-shop for foreign investors

The Cabinet further approved the creation of a single platform for foreign investors to visit.

It would serve as a one-stop shop for people looking to invest in vital sectors such as financial technology, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, and others.

Education, agriculture and the creative industry will also feature.

This would allow a nationwide approach for foreign investment and streamline the process.

“The platform, which is supervised by the Ministry of Economy, works to highlight opportunities in all these sectors for investors of all categories,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Emirates clean campaign

Ministers also approved the launch of the “Clean Emirates” campaign, coinciding with International Volunteer Day on December 5.

The campaign, launched by the Ministry of Community Development and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment until December 15, aims to involve officials, ministers and work teams of federal and local authorities volunteering to clean up tourist destinations.

Decisions were also made to increase the efficiency of border crossings and economic free zones.

Other decisions related to a new campaign to tackle the root causes of unhealthy lifestyles, “strengthening the structural, institutional, human and health systems' capabilities and redirecting them to the process of preventing diseases,” state news agency Wam said.

A decision relating to provision of health services was also approved, while the Cabinet approved the UAE's accession to the Beijing Convention, which relates to security in civil aviation.

Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping malls and leisure pioneer in the region, has signed its second Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL), structured as a $1.25 billion revolving credit facility (RCF) linked to the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) related targets.

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, led the transaction as Sustainability Coordinator and Agent. In line with Majid Al Futtaim's ambitious sustainability strategy, the company has set Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) which will be measured on an annual basis throughout the tenor of the facility.

The SLL aims to facilitate the reduction in Majid Al Futtaim’s carbon footprint by reducing its Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions and implementing LEED certification for its buildings as well as improving gender diversity within the organisation demonstrating its commitment towards the environment as a socially responsible employer.

The facility positions Majid Al Futtaim as the largest SLL borrower in the region and the company continues to be the region's only "penalty-only" borrower, demonstrating the Company’s commitment to achieving real, tangible sustainability targets.

Ziad Chalhoub, Chief Financial Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: “Sustainable finance options are a vital solution in the quest to ensure the private sector creates a resilient economy and supports development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future. Today’s announcement maintains Majid Al Futtaim’s long-held commitment to becoming one of the most sustainably considerate companies regionally and globally.

“Through the new SLL, we are further extending our accountability in how we finance our operational and capital expenditures across the Group. As our second such SLL signed in as many years, we are aligning our actions with our long-term strategic target of reaching a Net Positive business model by 2040.”

Mustafa Al Khalfawi, Head of Global Banking UAE & Global Head of Government, Sovereigns & Public Sector at FAB, said: “We are proud to lead this transaction with Majid Al Futtaim and to support a key UAE entity in achieving its ambitious sustainability targets. FAB is the region’s leading bank for unlocking innovative sustainable finance solutions, having issued the first green bond in the GCC in 2017 and as the first UAE bank to commit to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across our operations and portfolio.

“There is strong and growing demand for sustainability-linked banking facilities from UAE and GCC corporates, and we are working closely with our clients to drive positive environmental outcomes.”

The facility is structured on the basis of three key performance indicators (KPIs) which will be independently assessed on an annual basis. The KPIs for the facility are ambitious and core to Majid Al Futtaim’s operations and in line with Sustainability Linked Loan Principles as published by the Loan Market Association (LMA) as follows:

•    Reducing the Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity of Majid Al Futtaim’s property portfolio, calculated as tCO 2 e/managed sqm, in line with the Company’s science-based targets (SBTi) towards net positive by 2040
•    Having all its malls certified LEED Gold or equivalent or better by 2026. In addition, the Company has set a target of increasing the number of malls in Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio with a LEED Platinum or equivalent rating by 2027
•    Achieving 32% of women in the top 3 seniority levels (board, senior executive and senior management) by 2027, exceeding the previous 30% target set on the Company’s existing SLL – TradeArabia News Service

Rahmania Mall, a one-stop community shopping and leisure destination in Sharjah, achieved significant milestones in its sustainability agenda during the third quarter of 2022. The mall, in line with its commitment towards the sustainability goals of the UAE, has cut its carbon emissions by 944 tonnes, recycled 236 tonnes of waste, and reduced its general waste generation to 58 tonnes. In addition, the mall recorded a significant reduction in water consumption, bringing it down from 285,357 gallons in July 2022, to 206,298 gallons in September 2022.

As part of its waste management policy, the Mall deployed a cutting-edge food digester which enabled it to recycle 16, 19, and 17.5 tonnes of food waste, in July, August, and September

Abdullah Al Huraimel, Executive Director of New Enterprises at Sharjah Coop, said: “Since its inception in March 2021, Rahmania Mall has channeled its efforts to promote the sustainability agenda of the UAE and Sharjah, while also implementing several eco-friendly projects and recycling initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The innovative programs at the mall reflect the need for sustainable practices among the population of the Emirate, in line with the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030, which has a key role in steering the sustainability vision of the region.” 

“In keeping with this vision, we look forward to implementing more initiatives, such as the installation of a photovoltaic system. We will also install solar system panels on the mall's roof, covering nearly 600 meters, to help with renewable energy production of approximately one megawatt, as well as convert the centre management system from manual to automatic, in order to reduce energy usage,” he added.

Rahmania Mall’s sustainability-focused efforts have raised the benchmarks for eco-friendly practices in the business community of Sharjah in terms of operational sustainability and adherence to environmental safety conditions. In accordance with its 2022 vision and efforts to implement sustainable practices, Rahmania Mall has conducted a feasibility study for a photovoltaic system which is being evaluated by the authority and has also amped up its focus on improving safety and security policies. 

The mall’s efforts in contributing to a sustainable future for the UAE and Sharjah, have established it as a leader in the region’s transition towards a clean and green future. The third quarter report clearly underlines its commitment towards encouraging sustainable practices among the business community of the Emirate.