His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has inaugurated the landmark Dubai Reef project with the launch of the pilot reef modules.
A sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, Dubai Reef is the world’s largest marine reef development project and marks a pioneering step in Dubai’s efforts to promote ecological sustainability. Working around a plan to deploy 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of various sizes over a four-year period, Dubai Reef marks a significant endeavour for the city that will span a staggering 600 square kilometres across Dubai’s waters. The meticulously crafted design of the reef units will see them exceed 400,000 cubic metres in volume.
In line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan and The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Reef project is a city-wide collaboration uniting key partners to support the wider strategic goals and ambitions of Dubai and the UAE, including the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the UAE's Green Agenda – 2030, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.
Sheikh Hamdan said: “The landmark Dubai Reef initiative is a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Reef ecosystems are unique life sources and vital components in the protection of marine life. Dubai Can’s Dubai Reef project will inject vitality into our coastal waters and contribute to global conservation efforts. The project’s significant long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts will serve Dubai’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
With an initial proof of concept championed by Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani and contractors HaejooX in 2021, the first modules have now been activated as part of the Dubai Reef pilot project. Working alongside the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the newly formed Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) will be a critical partner in ensuring successful project delivery. As Director General of DECCA, His Excellency Bin Thani will continue to play a key role in supporting the Dubai Reef project and further strengthen the emirate’s advocacy in the realm of environmental protection and climate action. DP World; Dubai Chambers; Nakheel; the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; and Emirates join DET as strategic partners in the Dubai Reef project.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said: “Aligned with the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Reef project showcases the emirate’s enduring commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. This collaboration between public and private sector entities will see each partner bring their expertise to drive Dubai’s sustainable future and contribute towards achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the D33 Agenda.”
Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of DECCA, said: “The Dubai Reef project will provide diverse environments to attract and stimulate fish and marine life. In 2021, we partnered with leading reef developer HaejooX to launch a two-year proof of concept, analysing the effectiveness of purpose-built reefs in Dubai. The study used advanced technologies and utilised a three-dimensional scanning system to understand the quantities and types of fish present. Preliminary data showed an abundant expansion in marine life.”
The Dubai Reef initiative is a strategic investment set to leave a lasting legacy in terms of protecting marine life and environmental sustainability. The project’s key drivers include enhancing biodiversity, safeguarding Dubai’s coastal and marine habitats, supporting fish populations, and increasing ecosystem resilience. The project will also encourage environmental stewardship, strengthen socio-economic prosperity and ecotourism, and preserve Dubai’s marine heritage.
The project has won over renowned investor Ray Dalio who is involved in various philanthropic initiatives and takes a keen interest in ocean exploration and conservation. “I love this audacious Dubai Reef project because it will be a remarkable contribution to the world’s understanding of the benefits of ocean restoration and as well make the Dubai environment healthier and provide an incredible recreation park. Once again, Dubai is pursuing an ambitiously great project, this time under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan. It is an amazing project in an amazing place under amazing leadership,” he said.
Source: Hatem Mohamed, WAM
The United Arab Emirates is making continuous progress in the renewable energy sector and the country is expected to add 6.34 gigawatts to its power capacity from green projects between 2024 and 2030, through 12 planned projects, an expert has said.
The country ranks advanced among regional countries in terms of clean and renewable energy production capacity, said Ryan McPherson, Regional Director (Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS) for the Energy Industries Council (EIC), according to an Emirates News Agency (Wam) report.
MacPherson was speaking on the occasion of the council's celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of its regional office in Dubai, that according to data from the Energy Industries Council.
MacPherson explained in statements to Wam that these projects reflect the UAE's commitment to enhancing the sustainability of its energy resources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, noting that the country has been investing heavily for decades in new technologies and developing infrastructure to enhance its leading position in the field of renewable energy, which is part of its vision for a greener and more sustainable future.
He pointed out that since the opening of the council's regional office in Dubai, it has significantly contributed to expanding the council's activities in the Middle East and Africa region to serve the energy sector and assist companies operating in it to expand their activities.
ECI's office in the free zone at Dubai Airport, launched in 2004, has organised more than 300 events and hosted more than 50 trade missions, in addition to its continuous growth, with its membership exceeding 300 companies headquartered in the UAE.
Source: TradeArabia
ADNEC Group has partnered with Terrax Environmental Limited at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) to develop TerraTile, a 100% recycled modular flooring system for events.
Made from 100% waste and 100% recyclable, TerraTiles are a fully sustainable circular product. Each TerraTile is equivalent to over five kilograms of recycled waste and represents a breakthrough in event sustainability, offering a practical and sustainable alternative to conventional flooring solutions. Crafted at Terrax's facility in Abu Dhabi, TerraTiles provides a durable and improved flooring design that actively contributes to environmental conservation. Additionally, when TerraTiles reach the end of their life cycle, they can be recycled to produce new ones.
The versatile TerraTile product, designed and manufactured in the UAE, was showcased at ADNEC Group's stand at the WFES, illustrating its potential to support sustainability in the events industry. ADNEC Group will begin to implement TerraTiles at all their organised events at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, with Trident Trackway providing the option for exhibitors to rent on an ongoing basis, contributing to the Group’s pledge of making its events net zero.
At the signing of the contract, Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC Group, said: "TerraTile is a revolutionary product that underscores ADNEC Group's commitment to sustainability in the events industry. By prioritising sustainability in our events, we not only reduce our ecological footprint but also inspire others to join us in building a greener future for the industry. This innovative product reinforces our ongoing efforts to make events more sustainable while delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and attendees."
Theresa Wernery, General Manager at Terrax, said: “Terrax is delighted to have partnered with ADNEC Group on this groundbreaking circular product. Through this collaboration, single use exhibition carpet, along with other ordinarily non-recycleable waste, will be transformed into durable raised exhibition flooring. TerraTile will also significantly reduce the use of plywood at ADNEC Group and enable more efficient and less wasteful stand building.”
The project is supported by an AED 100 million R&D fund launched in 2022 by ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company. The fund forms part of ADQ Growth Lab, a community of innovators across ADQ’s portfolio that realises the company’s commitment to accelerating innovation and R&D with a focus on unlocking growth opportunities and driving value creation and sustainability across priority sectors of the UAE’s economy.
Through initiatives such as this, ADNEC Group is actively contributing to the global effort to achieve net-zero emissions, showcasing a firm commitment to sustainability. As part of its environmental responsibility efforts, ADNEC Group has committed to making its events net-zero carbon, aligning with its proactive approach to addressing climate change. This initiative not only underscores its dedication to sustainability but also represents a proactive step towards mitigating its carbon footprint and fostering a greener future.
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company “Masdar”, one of the world’s largest clean energy companies, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer in the world, agreed an alliance to work together on aluminium decarbonisation and low-carbon aluminium growth opportunities.
The signing was witnessed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar.
Masdar and EGA will explore the joint development of renewable energy projects, with potential battery storage and green hydrogen production and storage, to support the decarbonisation of EGA’s existing operations in the UAE, and any future operations in the country.
The two companies will also work together internationally to find opportunities through which Masdar will support EGA to power new aluminium production facilities with renewable energy sources.
Masdar is a global leader in renewable energy and the UAE’s flagship clean energy company. It develops and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects around the world.
Aluminium production is energy-intensive, and generating the electricity required using fossil fuels accounts for about 60 percent of the global aluminium industry’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Mohamed Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, “Masdar is proud to be collaborating with EGA to help decarbonise the aluminium production process. Strong partnerships such as this are exactly what the world needs to accelerate our path to Net Zero.
He added, “When organisations combine their knowledge and resources to help decarbonise vital industries, we not only protect the environment but we also boost the economy. This is core to our mission at Masdar. We look forward to developing further compelling propositions for international markets to maximise the economic benefits of using renewable energy.”
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said, “Aluminium plays an essential role in decarbonisation economy-wide, which is why demand for this metal has the potential to grow by as much as 80 percent by 2050. Fulfilling this potential depends on how sustainably aluminium is made.
“EGA’s alliance with Masdar, another UAE industrial champion and a global leader in clean energy, should unlock opportunities to decarbonise our existing operations including further expanding our production of CelestiAL solar aluminium, and secure low-carbon growth. We are already exploring opportunities together, and I look forward to working with Masdar both in the UAE and around the world.”
EGA produces one-in-every 25 tonnes of aluminium made worldwide. The company’s metal is the biggest made-in-the-UAE export after oil and gas and is shipped to more than 50 countries.
In 2021, EGA became the first company in the world to make aluminium commercially using solar power, producing almost 39 thousand tonnes that year. In 2023, EGA produced some 66thousand tonnes of CelestiAL solar aluminium.
Established in 2006, Masdar is the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse. It is active in more than 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW. Masdar is committed to achieving at least 100 GW of total renewable energy capacity by 2030 and an annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year.
Source: WAM
Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE) and Masdar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration and potential projects that enhance the adoption of renewable energy in the UAE’s northern emirates.
The signing took place at the ongoing World Future Energy Summit (WFES).
Meanwhile, EtihadWE issued a call to ‘unlock the potential of multi-country corridors’. Eng Yousif Al Ali, EtihadWE CEO, spoke at the Solar & Clean Energy Conference on the issue of ‘Long-distance transmission: Investing in multi-country corridors’, which focused on how low-carbon, long-distance energy transmission will be of increasing importance to countries around the world, as it offers advantages around efficiency, ability to manage fluctuations and can benefit communities that currently do not have access to a stable electricity supply.
Multi-country corridors
“Multi-country corridors, represent a significant investment opportunity, and also facilitate the efficient exchange of resources between nations, promoting regional stability and economic growth,” Al Ali said.
“COP28 championed collaboration as the key to unlocking a greener future. Through strategic investments in transmission networks, countries can harness the benefits of cross-border synergy, promoting sustainable development and prosperity on a regional scale,” he said.
“We are driving social change by powering a cultural shift to frame water and electricity as the precious resources that they are and equipping our customers with the knowledge and tools to make more sustainable choices,” he added.
Private sector ready
Private sector is ‘poised and ready’ for a crucial role in fostering a sustainable and diversified economy, said Ahmed Alsuwaidi, Vice President – Asset Management, EtihadWE.
He emphasised the benefits and significance of collaboration in the private sector during his participation in the panel event titled 'What Water Privatisation Means for Regional Water Development and Security' on the opening day of WFES.
“The most vital component of a successful utility company is its ability to consistently deliver for its customers. Prioritising efficient delivery and consistent innovation ensures a sustainable path to success,” said Alsuwaidi.
“Customers are the lifeline of any utilities company. Our growth and success as an industry comes from emphasising their needs and consistently delivering exceptional value,” he noted.
Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Source: Trade Arabia
The UAE banking sector plays a pivotal role in driving the country's transition towards a sustainable energy fuel mix. This includes providing crucial funding for renewable energy projects and clean technologies, with a specific focus on hydrogen production. Such support is in line with the UAE’s strategic goal of reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
UAE banks like Mashreq have demonstrated significant commitment, pledging over $50 billion to green financing across various projects in renewable energy, waste-to-energy initiatives, and green technology advancements. Within the realm of green finance, several tools are utilised, including green-oriented funds designed to promote sustainability-driven endeavours. The Gulf state, with the region’s second-largest economy, has been a trailblazer in introducing sustainability standards and principles within its banking and finance sectors.
Key initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Sustainable Finance Declarations in 2016 and 2019, respectively, along with the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Financing in 2020 and the National Sustainable Finance Framework in 2021, have been instrumental in shaping a robust green financial market. In addressing global energy demands, the UAE recognizes that a combination of resources—be it gas, oil, solar, wind, nuclear, or hydrogen—are essential.
Mashreq’s contribution
Mashreq, despite its longstanding history as a bank, embraces an innovative mindset, driving advancements from digital-first services for entry-level customers to supporting major corporations and wealth management needs in the region. Our mission is centred on guiding customers towards daily success, partnering with them through challenges and triumphs to fulfil financial aspirations and achieve lasting success.
We are not alone. The major national banks in the UAE are poised to bolster their commitments to green financing, aiming to surpass a collective AED1 trillion ($272 billion). Their strategic focus includes accelerating financing support for businesses transitioning to zero carbon emissions, especially in sectors facing challenges in emission reduction. Additionally, plans are underway to increase funding for innovative projects, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity preservation efforts.
Mashreq stands out as a leading contributor to the UAE Banks Federation's AED1 trillion pledge for enhancing green financing as we are committed to facilitating AED110 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, with substantial allocations already in motion across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, and India. The UAE's financial landscape has also embraced green sukuk and bonds, with a combined market size of approximately $17 billion in recent years. These financial instruments aim to tap into institutional funding sources that contribute to environmental protection while offering attractive returns to investors.
Increased private involvement
Advancing green finance involves not only providing financial support for green projects but also issuing green bonds and fostering eco-friendly practices among stakeholders like customers, SMEs, suppliers, and vendors. At global climate forums like the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), significant agreements are being made to address climate challenges. For instance, at COP28, delegates formalised a loss and damage fund for the first time to aid vulnerable countries grappling with climate change impacts.
The UAE, through its leadership role at COP28, pledged $100 million to support these efforts, highlighting its commitment to climate action. We recognise that public-private partnerships, backed by robust financial policies, play a crucial role in directing investments towards sustainable development goals.
The financial sector's proactive engagement in advancing green finance is pivotal for achieving long-term sustainability objectives. Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, coupled with innovative financing mechanisms like blended finance, present effective pathways towards a low-carbon economy.
To bridge funding gaps for achieving net-zero carbon targets, increased private sector involvement is imperative alongside government initiatives. Blended finance models can help mitigate project risks and facilitate the adoption of new technologies, especially in emerging markets. Financial institutions like Mashreq are incorporating sustainability metrics into investment processes, aligning their investment strategies with long-term environmental goals for holistic impact.
As global energy demands continue to rise, with a growing emphasis on lower emissions, investments in regions like the UAE, known for their reliability and low-carbon energy offerings, attract top-tier investors. Initiatives by entities like ADNOC and Mubadala, which have generated substantial foreign investment through strategic partnerships and financial initiatives, demonstrate the potential for using capital efficiently to unlock growth opportunities while prioritizing sustainability. These initiatives not only benefit individual companies but also have wider economic implications, positively impacting economies like the UAE, the Arab world’s second-largest economy after Saudi Arabia.
(The author is Head of Energy Sector, Mashreq Bank. Any opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own)
Source: Zawya Projects
Borouge Plc, a leading petrochemicals company that provides innovative and differentiated polyolefins solutions, has committed to achieving net zero across its scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2045.
The commitment is an extension of the Company’s best practice approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals. The UAE was the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to commit to net zero and has launched a national Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, setting out a clear pathway for achieving its objective.
To achieve net-zero emissions in its operations, Borouge has set intermediate targets for a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and a 30 percent reduction in energy intensity by 2030. The company will continue its energy efficiency programme and explore new technology and decarbonisation levers, including advancements in the areas of electrification and carbon capture.
Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge, said, “As an industrial champion of the UAE with an extensive international footprint, Borouge embraces the significant role that it can play in providing mitigating solutions to climate change. Our differentiated products are increasingly deployed in renewable energy infrastructure, sustainable mobility, agriculture, and advanced packaging. We are taking strong strides in promoting a circular economy. Inspired by the UAE’s climate ambition, Borouge is resolutely pursuing net zero in its own operations, aiming for an accelerated timeframe of 2045. This marks a substantial step forward in our sustainability journey and we are committed to tracking our progress through a robust governance framework that includes best practice measurement and disclosure.”
In Borouge’s case, scope 1 includes GHG emissions from the manufacture and processing of its high-quality polyethylene and polypropylene. Meanwhile, Borouge’s scope 2 emissions are attributed to energy consumption, including those from the electricity, heating, and cooling used during production.
Borouge has set interim 2030 goals to achieve its ambitions and will continue to pursue resource efficiency alongside decarbonising its operations. The Company’s commitment to successful energy-saving initiatives achieved a 30 percent reduction in emission intensity in 2023 compared to the 2018 baseline, which surpassed the Company’s 25 percent reduction goal for 2030 seven years ahead of schedule.
Source: Amjad Saleh, WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading Islamic financial institution, has announced the signing of an affiliate partnership agreement with Tesla, to offer financing to Tesla car buyers at affordable profit rates starting 1.79% through ADIB’s electrical car financing program “ VOLT”. The partnership will also provide Tesla buyers a free wall charger and complimentary home installation part of the finance package during the Ramadan campaign until 31st of March 2024.
As part of this collaboration, ADIB branches will host self-serve test drives of Tesla vehicles, allowing ADIB customers to experience the innovative technology first hand at their own convenience. Tesla vehicles will be stationed at selected branches, where customers can scan a QR code to schedule their test drive and then download the Tesla App to complete necessary documentation, including uploading their Emirates ID or Driving License, and participate in a test drive. Tesla will oversee the entire process virtually, including remote lock/unlock capabilities for the vehicles.
In addition to this, ADIB will install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at key branches and its headquarters, contributing to the infrastructure necessary for sustainable transportation options.
Amit Malhotra, Global Head of Retail Banking at ADIB, commented: "At ADIB, we believe in driving positive change while offering value to our customers. This collaboration with Tesla allows us to do both. By installing EV chargers at our branches and headquarters, we're contributing to the development of a robust EV infrastructure in the UAE. Additionally, our competitive financing rates and incentives encourage sustainable choices, aligning with our commitment to green finance and our ESG strategy."
This partnership underscores ADIB's commitment to green finance and innovation, aligning with its mission to deliver value and convenience to customers while promoting sustainability. This collaboration also aligns with ADIB's recently unveiled ESG strategy.
The bank recently launched the Volt Electric Vehicle Finance program, offering a highly competitive financing rate of 1.79%, the lowest in the industry for new electric cars. The Volt program aligns with ADIB's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment and aims to make electric vehicle ownership financially accessible to a wider audience.
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ADIB Edelman
Lamia Khaled Hariz Simon Hailes
Head of Public Affairs Director of Financial Communications
Burjeel Holdings has announced a new long-term Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, setting ambitious targets across four key pillars, in a bold move towards sustainable practices. At the heart of this strategy is a pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, signaling a shift towards a greener, more equitable future.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, said, “The nature of our business is clearly about sustaining our society by providing healthcare across the community, and we are seeking to align fully with the best international standards on environmental stewardship and governance.
One of our key ESG priorities has been to strengthen and formalise our public market-oriented corporate governance. At the time of the IPO, we created a Board of acknowledged experts, of whom 70% are independent directors, and in 2023 we established a Business Development and Sustainability Committee to ensure that we integrate sustainability across our entire business.”
At the forefront of Burjeel Holdings’ ESG strategy is its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. To realise this vision, the organisation has set mid-term targets for reducing combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2024.
Additionally, by 2025, the organisation will develop a strategy to account for Scope 3 carbon emissions. Beyond carbon neutrality, Burjeel Holdings is committed to eliminating waste, aiming for zero waste to landfill by 2040. It also aims to reduce water consumption by 10% by 2030, with a focus on reusing 5% of total water consumed annually.
Burjeel Holdings seeks to positively impact over 7 million lives per year by 2026 through various community initiatives. Encouraging employee engagement, the organisation aims to have 30% of corporate employees participate in at least one community volunteer activity annually starting in 2025.
Recognising the importance of patient care, Burjeel Holdings plans to implement patient education programmes for 70% of active patients with chronic conditions by 2026. Regular patient satisfaction surveys will be conducted to ensure a satisfaction rate of 85% or higher, with a focus on continuous improvement.
The organisation aims to ensure 100% of healthcare staff complete patient safety training annually by 2026, prioritising the well-being of both patients and employees.
Burjeel Holdings places a strong emphasis on governance, aiming to maintain a high percentage (50%) of independent directors on its board. Employee training programmes on data privacy and security, ethics and compliance will be integral to fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility within the organisation.
In line with its commitment to excellence, Burjeel Holdings aims to have all hospitals in Abu Dhabi accredited by the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standard (ADHICS) and achieve ISO 27001 certification for all remaining hospitals by 2027, ensuring the highest standards of quality and security.
With a goal of increasing the representation of women in leadership roles to 30% or higher by 2030, the company aims to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment. Additionally, Burjeel Holdings is committed to maintaining a balanced gender ratio (50:50) by 2030 and providing health and safety training for all employees by 2025.
Striving for excellence, Burjeel Holdings aims to have all hospitals accredited by the JCI permanently, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety. Employee satisfaction will be a priority, with a target employee satisfaction score of 95% by 2026 and a reduction in turnover rate by 15% within the same time frame.
Furthermore, Burjeel Holdings is committed to ethical sourcing practices, aiming for 100% compliance of suppliers with ethical labor practices through regular audits by 2026, reinforcing its commitment to responsible business practices throughout its supply chain.
John Sunil, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Holdings, said, “Our ESG performance is absolutely integral to our mission to provide the highest quality of healthcare for communities in the GCC: environmentally, we are aiming for carbon neutrality, the sustainable use and re-use of water; socially, our healthcare network cares for the whole social-economic spectrum, and we are delivering medical humanitarian aid, and improving disease prevention and treatment, in the MENA region.
We have an ethical business culture, strict patient data protection policies, extensive workforce safety and well-being programmes, and we are succeeding in developing a diverse and inclusive work culture.”
Source: WAM
Neeraja Rahul has been appointed to lead the Responsible Business Initiatives in UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman and Qatar driving Radisson Hotel Group's journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050. With the group’s 'Think People, Planet, and Community' focus, Rahul embodies this dedication to sustainability and community engagement.
Neeraja Rahul's new responsibility complements her current role as a Chief Engineer at Radisson RED, Dubai Silicon Oasis, reinforcing the group’s dedication to sustainable practices and female empowerment. In this role, Rahul will play a vital part within the Responsible Business Team, enhancing initiatives centered on sustainability, community engagement, and ethical business practices. Rahul brings a wealth of experience to the role as the first female Chief Engineer for Radisson Hotel Group in the Middle East. With a remarkable ascent in the hospitality sector in just a few years, Rahul’s journey from an engineering admin to her current leadership position exemplifies her dedication and expertise.
As the Group plans its course for 2024, Rahul will lead a range of initiatives for the Responsible Business Team, including but not limited to Iftar for delivery for drivers, Earth Hour, community action month, and sustainability verification efforts across all hotels. Additionally, she will actively support hotels in obtaining eco-labeling certifications and promote participation in initiatives such as the partnership with Just a Drop via towel reuse and green housekeeping program.
Those innovative strategies will help Radisson Hotel Group's commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2050. Looking ahead, the Group will pilot efforts by leveraging green building practices, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable operations, thereby reducing the Group's carbon footprint and aligning with the Paris Agreement.
Jan Hanak, Managing Director, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Radisson Hotel Group's long tradition of being a responsible business, with its first environmental policy defined in 1989, the responsible business coordinator role is vital. Neraaja’s background in engineering brings invaluable technical expertise and problem-solving skills to the role, enabling her to implement sustainable practices and initiatives effectively.’’
Complementing these efforts, Radisson Hotel Group extends its sustainability pledge to its guests. It offers sustainable value propositions such as 100% carbon-neutral meetings and expanding EV charging networks globally, with over 900 installations already in place. This includes supporting the people, communities, and the planet through plans focused on business ethics, supply chain sustainability, carbon footprint reduction, and employability programs to foster a better future for all.
Over the past 10 years, the Group has reduced its average energy and water footprint by 30%. As an intermediate target, it aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% over the next 5 years and halve it by 2030. Additionally, the Group aims to minimize the consumption of natural resources, increase the use of renewable energy, and phasing out single-use plastics.
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Jonsson, Regional PR & Communications Manager, Middle East, Radisson Hotel Group
