Abu Dhabi-listed steel and building materials manufacturer Emirates Steel Arkan (ESA) announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with Finland’s MAGSORT to initiate an industrial pilot project targeting a CO2 footprint reduction up to 15 percent at Al Ain Cement plant.
The project involves the deployment of proprietary MAGSORT solution to process steel slag, while reducing both limestone and fuel consumption.
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Steel Arkan, said the project, which follows through from the company’s COP28 commitment last year, will contribute to the UAE First Long-Term Strategy (LTS) targets towards Net Zero by 2050.
“The possibility to process steel slag produced by Emirates Steel, is also an extraordinary example of circular economy within UAE, where both business units (Steel and Building Materials) will develop solid economical synergies while contributing to sustainable practices,” he said.
Hugo Losada, CEO of Building Materials, an ESA company, said the collaboration with MAGSORT will drive ESA’s decarbonisation agenda.
He said: “Al Ain cement plant will be the first large scale industrial pilot project in the MENA region for this solution. The objective is to achieve by 2026 the decarbonisation targets defined for 2030 [40 percent reduction], placing ESA as the industry leader in the MENA region, while placing a solid step forward towards the decarbonisation of cement.”
The project investments weren’t disclosed.
Read more: Emirates Steel Arkan, A³&Co. collaborate for cement decarbonization ahead of COP28
Emirates Steel Arkan, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and ITOCHU sign MoU
Source: Zawya Projects (Editing by Anoop Menon: anoop.menon@lseg.com)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) adopts a well thought-out roadmap to implement all sustainability measures in DEWA’s transactions and activities across all its divisions. Environmental practices are a key pillar to meet DEWA’s commitment to leadership as a global organisation. DEWA is keen to achieve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, as well as the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Clean and sustainable energy sources:
Since 1992, DEWA has continued to develop and expand its production capacity, as well as its ability to keep pace with the increasing demand for energy in Dubai. The demand for power reached 56.5 TWh in 2023 marking a 6.3% annual increase from the 53.2 TWh recorded in 2022. Notably, DEWA generated 6.2 TWh of clean power during the year, which is 32.7% increase over the previous year. This clean power accounted for 11% of the total power generated in 2023. DEWA is committed to using clean energy to maintain a sustainable generation mix to meet the consistently growing demand. DEWA’s total capacity increased to 16,270MW of electricity and 495 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of desalinated water. This includes 2,627MW from renewable energy sources, especially solar power. In 2023, DEWA reduced 9.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This included 6.6 million tonnes through its efficiency improvement and emission reduction initiatives and 2.5 million tonnes through the operating phases of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
“In line with our keenness to provide sustainable services, DEWA continues to provide energy and water supplies according to the highest standards to meet the increasing demand for energy and keep pace with the population growth in Dubai. DEWA is working tirelessly to turn Dubai into a global hub for clean energy by providing 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. DEWA strives to meet the increasing demand for power and water services by implementing pioneering and sustainable projects using clean and renewable energy sources. This supports the UAE’s efforts to keep pace with the transition in the energy sector by enhancing capabilities in the clean energy and reducing carbon emissions locally and globally,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
Sustainable projects:
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park that DEWA is implementing is the largest single-site solar park in the world, based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, with a planned production capacity of 5,000W by 2030 and total investments of AED 50 billion. The solar park’s current production capacity has reached 2,627MW.
DEWA has also launched several promising projects being implemented at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. These include the Green Hydrogen project that DEWA has implemented. It is the first project of its kind in the MENA region to produce hydrogen using solar power. The pilot project has been designed and built to accommodate future applications and test platforms for various uses of hydrogen, including energy production and transportation. The production of green hydrogen is mainly carried out through electrolysis using renewable energy sources. In 2023, DEWA received the Hydrogen Project of the Year Award for its green hydrogen project at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. DEWA is also building a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, which is first of its kind in the GCC, with investments of up to AED 1.421 billion. The project will have a production capacity of 250 MW, a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and a life span of 80 years. This system boasts high efficiency in power generation and storage, reaching up to 78.9%, with a rapid 90-second response to electricity demand.
DEWA’s digital transformation strategy:
DEWA aims to develop a corporate wide digital transformation strategy to define its digital aspiration, key areas of work and prepare a roadmap to achieve effective and value-added digital transformation across all divisions to support stakeholders’ happiness. DEWA provides high-quality and advanced digital services through innovative channels that ensure continuous improvement of its processes and procedures. By the end of 2023, adoption of DEWA’s smart services had reached 99.62%, and DEWA’s customers had conducted over 12.5 million digital transactions.
Rammas:
Rammas is the first robot launched by a government organisation to serve customers and answer their enquiries in Arabic and English. Rammas has been developed and launched to support DEWA’s customer service centres by simulating DEWA employees.
DEWA’s smart document system:
DEWA Smart Document system is a smart app that provides various services and operations to DEWA employees. All employees can easily access the app anytime, anywhere to perform their day-to-day work-related services.
Digital integration:
DEWA has completed the digital integration of more than 70 projects with government and private organisations. Through this step, DEWA makes it easier to get a wide range of services, including bill payment, information updates, activation of electricity/water (Move-in), housing fees adjustment, refunds, and updating trade license among others. In 2021, DEWA received the 100% Paperless Stamp from Digital Dubai Authority.
Volunteering campaigns to preserve a sustainable environment:
In cooperation with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, DEWA organised four campaigns in 2023 to clean the beaches and plant mangroves at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary. DEWA realises the importance of mangrove trees to preserve biodiversity, especially in the marine ecosystem. These campaigns support national goals to promote the sustainability of mangrove forests by planting 100 million mangrove trees in the UAE by 2030.
Annual Sustainability Report in accordance with GRI:
DEWA has been preparing its annual sustainability report since 2013, following the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and in accordance with the UN SDGs and the principles of the UN Global Compact.
The report reflects DEWA’s ongoing efforts to keep pace with developments. DEWA is keen to adopt the latest GRI guidelines 2021, which entail that this edition will enter into force for data that will be published in or after 2023. DEWA aligned its previous (10th) report, which reflects its performance in 2022, with the revised universal standards 2021 well in advance of the mandatory implementation deadline. DEWA continues to implement the latest update on GRI standards and its disclosure requirements for utilities (G4) in its report.
International awards:
DEWA has won the Hydrogen Project of the Year 2023 Award for its green hydrogen project at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This was part of the Hydrogen Future Awards 2023, organised during the ‘Connecting Green Hydrogen MENA’ (CGHM2023) conference in Dubai.
-Ends-
For more information, please contact:
Shaikha Almheiri / Mohammad Almheiri / Ribal Dayek/ Afaf Abaza / Mohammed Meshal
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
shaikha.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Mohammad.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Ribal.Dayekh@dewa.gov.ae
afaf@hattlan.com / mohammed@hattlan.com
For more information, please visit DEWA’s website www.dewa.gov.ae
DEWA’s social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/dewaofficial
https://www.youtube.com/dewaofficial
https://twitter.com/dewaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/dewaofficial
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dewaofficial
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, Living Business, Imdaad Group, and Dubai Municipality Waste Management joined forces to champion the cleanliness of our precious desert landscape. The Social Responsibility Initiative, "One Hour with the Cleaner," brought together companies and volunteers from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared goal: to make a positive impact on our environment.
With over 130 registrations for the event, the overwhelming response reflects our collective commitment to environmental sustainability.
Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to the volunteers who ended up collecting rubbish amidst high winds and swirling sand. So through this collaborative cleanup initiative, we uncovered not only waste but also an abundance of determination to protect our natural heritage. Amidst the sand, we found splashes of color from plastic bottles and packaging to discarded camping tools. Despite the somewhat inhospitable conditions we were still able to collect a significant amount of waste.
In our efforts to preserve the beauty of our desert landscapes, we prioritize positive action. Through community-led clean-up efforts, we celebrate diversity and our shared commitment to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our deserts for future generations. By advocating for sustainable practices and eco-friendly alternatives, we foster a culture of responsibility and care towards our environment. Join us on this journey of discovery, restoration, and celebration of our desert's timeless splendor by signing up for our next desert clean up: https://livingbusiness.com/desert-clean-up-registration/?
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, has partnered with beverage can-makers Crown and CANPACK to launch Every Can Counts, an innovative campaign that aims to encourage consumers to recycle used aluminium drink cans, boosting the circular economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Every Can Counts is a leading global awareness programme for drink can recycling. The UAE chapter, which held its first public events during COP28, is the third non-European chapter after Brazil and the USA. The programme already operates in 21 countries, to inspire, encourage and empower people to recycle their drink cans wherever they are, with a focus on out-of-home consumption and collection. The campaign runs educational and recreational activations at festivals, beaches and other popular places.
UAE citizens and residents each on average consume more than 60 aluminium drink cans every year - some 660 million aluminium beverage cans in total annually. Only a third are currently recycled, compared to over 95 per cent in leading recycling countries. More than 440 million aluminium cans currently end up in UAE landfill sites annually.
The fate of used aluminium beverage cans is often decided by individual consumers’ choices whether to put their used can in a recycling bin.
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable. Recycling aluminium takes 95 per cent less energy than making new metal, and generates only a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions. The UAE COP28 Presidency and global aluminium industry leaders set a target to reach at least 80 per cent aluminium beverage can recycling by 2030 and near 100 per cent by 2050. Recycling all used aluminium beverage cans globally would save 60 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said: “Infinite recyclability is one of many reasons why aluminium is essential for the development of a more sustainable society. Aluminium is already one of the world’s most recycled materials, but too much of this valuable material is still thrown away. Increasing recycling requires supportive government policies and the development of infrastructure. It also depends on individuals making the right decisions every day about how to dispose of items they no longer need. We are excited about the potential of Every Can Counts to improve aluminium beverage can recycling rates in the UAE.”
Bartlomiej Wojdylo, Sustainability Director Europe at Canpack said: “For CANPACK, sustainability is a core responsibility. Aluminium beverage cans are the most recycled packaging in the world, and we know from countries like Brazil that it is possible to collect and recycle all cans. We would like to see this fantastic performance replicated in other countries. By supporting Every Can Counts in UAE, we want to inspire consumers to recycle more.”
Sandrine Duquerroy-Delesalle, Director Sustainability & External Affairs at Crown Holdings, said: “We are excited to see the expansion of Every Can Counts to the UAE, after supporting it in other countries since its launch more than a decade ago. Circularity is a key element of our sustainability and we know we have the best package and material to keep delivering it. It is great to see the industry working all together to keep the cycle going.”
David Van Heuverswyn, Director Every Can Counts Europe, said: “I am delighted that Every Can Counts has just been launched in the UAE thanks to a new partnership between the aluminium industry and local drink can producers. Our vision of empowering people to recycle their aluminium drink cans wherever they consume them can now spread in a new region. We are fully committed and ready to make a positive change in the UAE.”
At COP28, Every Can Counts emphasised the event’s theme of ‘Actionism’ by showcasing a large PixelCan art installation created from over 2,000 aluminium drink cans. Displayed at the Sustainability Entrance, the artwork depicted a young woman holding Planet Earth, symbolising the significant impact of simple actions like can recycling on environmental sustainability.
The programme also deployed recycling ambassadors at COP28 with QR-coded backpacks, actively promoting on-the-spot recycling and highlighting aluminium’s sustainable packaging properties.
Last year, EGA formed the UAE Aluminium Recycling Coalition which brings together Crown and Canpack, as well as beverage producers and waste management companies to increase the rate of aluminium recycling in the country. EGA has started construction of the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling facility in Al Taweelah. The plant, which will have a capacity of 170 thousand tonnes per year. Construction is expected to take three years.
The Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman announced that the total number of green buildings in the emirate has reached 8,335 buildings according to the green building standards for residential buildings.
This comes in line with the state's directives and embodies the methodologies adopted in the Year of Sustainability, which continues its journey for the second consecutive year, emphasising its tangible positive results.
The municipality clarified in a press statement that the figure includes the buildings that have been completed since the beginning of the implementation of the first phase of the Green Building Decision issued in 2018 and until the end of last year 2023.
Eng. Khalifa Abdullah Al Falasi, Director of the Buildings at the department, confirmed that the municipality achieved the target number for last year related to green buildings due to its continuous efforts to increase energy efficiency, rationalise water consumption, and raise the vitality of buildings by applying the standards and requirements of green buildings for new residential villas in the emirate.
He explained that the department seeks to build a happy community that contributes to building a green economy, and accordingly, it aimed to provide a developed and sustainable infrastructure in a way that ensures that residents and visitors reduce carbon emissions in the emirate's atmosphere and raise it to be a healthy and attractive city.
Source: WAM
Zero Carbon Ventures, an Abu Dhabi based developer of emission reduction technologies and solutions will establish a joint venture (JV) with Green Planet for Sustainable Environmental Solutions, part of the Egyptian Special Group for Trading and Investment for a waste-to-value project in the Arab country.
According to a press statement, the JV company, called Zero Carbon Green Planet (ZCGP), will deploy Zero Carbon’s patent-pending high technology system, which processes methane and organic waste into graphene, hydrogen, fertilisers and other valuable commodities, at the 15 May landfill site in Cairo.
The JV will be incorporated in Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM).
The first phase of project at the landfill site will be operational by 2025, the statement said, adding that the entire project will be completed in 2027.
It said the advanced manufacturing process at the facility will process 400 tonnes of organic waste per day whilst preventing methane and CO2 from escaping into the atmosphere.
The project will employ up to 250 people once it is fully operational.
Zero Carbon CEO and CO-Founder Martin Reynolds said: “Our aim is to build a circular economy, an innovative and sustainable economic model that aims to redefine traditional linear production and consumption patterns. This holistic concept not only addresses environmental concerns, but also promotes economic opportunities and innovation. The new advanced manufacturing facility we plan to build in Egypt takes every drop of value from the waste that otherwise would go to landfill, making new products to be used again in the market.”
Dr Mohammed Asaad, Chairman of Green Planet said, "Green Planet, and Special Group hold innovation and growth for Egypt at the core of its values. It is a pleasure to be partnering with such an inventive and experienced team at Zero Carbon Ventures, to deliver and scale impactful projects and bring new technology to the region.”
Tarek El-Araby, CEO, Waste Management Regulatory Authority said, "We applaud the collaborative efforts of Zero Carbon Ventures and Green Planet in spearheading this innovative project. It’s a significant stride not only in advancing our circular economy but also in bolstering Egypt's position as a regional hub for economic growth and manufacturing.”
Source: Zawya Projects (Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s EV Green Charger initiative witnessed an impressive 59% increase in the usage of its "Green Charger" services for electric vehicles throughout 2023, clearly indicating the initiative’s success in promoting green mobility in Dubai.
By 31st December 2023, DEWA’s EV Green Charger initiative recorded 1,145,427 charging sessions conducted by registered electric vehicles, with a 59% increase compared to 2022. Through this initiative, DEWA provided 23419.821MWh of electricity for charging EVs in Dubai from 2015 to the end of 2023, powering a cumulative electric vehicle distance of 117 million kilometres.
The EV Green Charger initiative supports the UAE’s leading position in the region in the adoption of EVs, as the UAE has one of the highest ratios of charging stations to EVs in the world. The initiative promotes green and sustainable transport in Dubai in line with the Emirate’s strategic objectives regarding sustainability, air quality, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Dubai has seen a notable increase in the use of EVs since 2015. The number of EVs in the Emirate reached 25,929 vehicles by December 2023, significantly advancing Dubai’s plans to shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. The number of EV owners registered under the initiative has increased from a mere 14 in 2015 to more than 13,959 by the end of December 2023.
“We are keen to realise the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest, happiest, and most future-ready city in the world. This supports the Dubai Green Mobility Initiative 2030 and the National Electric Vehicles Policy. We are committed to advancing the UAE’s efforts to achieve net-zero. This is by lowering the carbon footprint in the transport sector, reducing energy consumption in the transport sector by 40%, reducing carbon emissions by 10 million tonnes by 2050, and increasing the share of EVs to 50% of the total vehicles on UAE roads by 2050. We will continue to foster the use of electric vehicles through the continuous development of green charging stations using technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,'' said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.
‘’DEWA has launched several features to facilitate the charging of EVs on its public charging network, reduce charging time, enhance the infrastructure, and provide better access to charging facilities across Dubai. We provide innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to ensure a fast and smooth customer experience for users of electric and hybrid vehicles,” Al Tayer added.
As part of its efforts to encourage environmentally friendly electric vehicles, DEWA has deployed 382 EV Green Charging Stations across Dubai, with many chargers having dual charging outlets. DEWA has installed four types of chargers: Ultra-Fast Charger (150 kW DC with ChadeMO and combo CCS sockets); Fast Charger (43 kW AC with Type 2 Socket, 50 kW DC ChadeMO and Combo CCS Sockets; Public Charger (2 x 22 kW AC, with double Type 2 Socket); and Wall-Box (22 kW AC, with single Type 2 Socket).
EV Green Charger Stations are available around the clock at key locations across Dubai. Customers can easily find charging station locations through DEWA’s website, smart app, and 14 other digital platforms.
DEWA allows customers to create an EV account through its website, smart app, or the Interactive Voice System (IVR) at DEWA Customer Care Centre. They can utilise the charging stations within an hour of vehicle registration. DEWA also launched the EV Green Charger User Dashboard to help customers better manage their EV Green Charger services. All customers, including unregistered ones, can also use the guest mode feature to charge their EVs.
Source: WAM, Tariq Al Fahaam / Ahlam Almazrooi
Danfoss, the Danish multinational engineering group, has acquired ENFOR’s district energy software and will bring the solutions to the global market under the Danfoss Leanheat® suite of sustainable heating and cooling solutions. The Danfoss Leanheat® solution combines cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to optimize energy consumption and improve operational efficiency of district energy and buildings. “District Energy is an important topic for Danfoss, and very much relevant for our region, where we focus more on District Cooling solutions.
Implementation of AI technology is key in enhancing energy efficiency and achieve ambitious decarbonization goals set by MENA countries”, stated Ziad Al Bawaliz, Regional President at Danfoss Turkey, Middle East and Africa.
Danfoss had been a minority shareholder in ENFOR since 2020. By fully acquiring ENFOR’s district heating software business, Danfoss enhances the capabilities and accuracy of its Leanheat network suite for district energy utilities to include data-driven temperature optimization, intelligent load forecasting and micro weather forecasting, which support district energy utilities and energy companies with their green transitions.
ENFOR is an innovative spin-off from the Danish Technical University and delivers solutions for forecasting and optimization of energy production and demand, incl. optimization of district energy systems. The potential of using data and machine learning in the energy sector is massive. The latest Danfoss Impact White Paper reveals that an ambitious but realistic roll out of demand-side flexibility technology in the EU and UK can save 40 million tons of CO2 emissions each year by 2030, more than Denmark’s domestic climate footprint.
With countless solutions on the market focused on siloed changes, utilities, building owners, and public stakeholders are left without a holistic solution. Danfoss Leanheat® offers innovative end-to-end software systems and services for the control and optimization of district energy systems—from people to production. ENFOR’s solution will be a core part of Danfoss Leanheat® and going forward the Danfoss team will continuously evolve the combined solution to develop new features to meet the needs of the evolving market.
After the separation of the district heating activities, ENFOR will continue as an independent legal entity and will focus on developing its advanced machine learning technologies for the electricity sector, with a dedication to renewables and the green energy transition.
Jürgen Fischer, President Danfoss Climate Solutions, says:“We are thrilled to welcome ENFOR’s district energy experts and software to Danfoss. Together we can offer a complete solution to utilities for measuring and optimizing the energy efficiency of district energy networks, to better serve our customers. For Danfoss, scaling and enhancing our digital portfolio and offerings is a key priority. By unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence, connectivity, and optimization tools, we make it possible for the utilities and service providers to effectively meet the growing demands for energy efficiency while improving business operations and costs.”
Mikkel Westenholz, CEO ENFOR A/S, says: “We are happy that our district heating services have found a new home with Danfoss, who will be able to integrate the services into their digital platform, and bring the services to the market through their global organization. It has been an exciting journey for ENFOR, where we were an early pioneer for the use of data and machine learning in forecasting and optimization of energy systems. We see it as a strong validation of our business and technology, that a company like Danfoss has acquired our district heating and cooling technology, and we will continue our journey with a focus on renewable energy and the power sector.”
For further information please contact:
Martina Pozgaj
Email: martina.pozgaj@danfoss.com
Related links:
Leanheat Software Suite & Services
In a collaborative effort to enhance sustainability in sports, Dubai Sports Council and the "Desert Vipers" team are joining forces, aligning with the nation's commitment to a rational government approach and the strategic plan for the sports sector 2024-2033.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, the Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, welcomed Mr. Avram Glazer and the Desert Vipers team, along with attendees, to Dubai Sports Council headquarters.
H.E Saeed Hareb said: “An agreement has been reached to unify efforts, focusing on integrating sustainability applications in sports stadiums and tournaments. This collaboration will encompass awareness campaigns and practical applications to make events and sports more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”
While addressing the media, he also said: “Dubai has already set a precedent by organizing international events, such as the European Golf Tour Championship – Road to Dubai and the SAIL GP race, that adhere to sustainability standards. Today, we proudly announce the addition of new cricket tournaments in cooperation with "Desert Vipers."
Dubai Sports Council remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering an effective contribution of sports towards a green future. By doing so, we aim to create a world where all can enjoy a healthy and happy life for ourselves and for future generations.
The Desert Vipers, a cricket team that plays in the UAE’s own Twenty20 competition, the DP World ILT20, has joined forces with Dubai Sports Council, the official body responsible for the development of the sports sector in the Emirate.
In a ground-breaking partnership, Dubai Sports Council has become the Lead Partner in the Desert Vipers’ Sustainability Programme. Dubai Sports Council will endorse the Vipers’ Sustainability Match at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday 3 February.
And it will be the key contributor to a Sustainability in Sport Summit in Dubai in late 2024 in the presence of Desert Vipers owner Mr Avram Glazer.
Dubai Sports Council will also play a key role in supporting the Desert Vipers’ schools programme which is introducing the sport of cricket and the issue of sustainability into Arab and international schools across the Emirate of Dubai in association with Sports Spirit Events LLC.
Commenting on the partnership between the Desert Vipers and the Dubai Sports Council, Desert Vipers owner Mr Avram Glazer said: “This is a proud day, a landmark day for the Desert Vipers, to join with the Dubai Sports Council in addressing the fundamentally important opportunity to promote sustainability in sport.
“We are thankful for the far-sighted approach of the Dubai Sports Council in joining with us to lead the way in this matter. Together we will set the path for others to follow.”
CEO of the Desert Vipers, Mr Philip Oliver, said: “Our partnership is a perfect coming together of two organisations with shared objectives – namely, the fast-forwarding of sustainability in sport in Dubai and, more broadly, the UAE, and contributing to the future of sports movements worldwide.
“Both the Desert Vipers and the Dubai Sports Council are aware that we are in a position to influence behaviour that will help safeguard the environment and allow sport to be played, watched and enjoyed for now and for the future.
“By acting together, we will create meaningful change for sustainability in sport in Dubai and the UAE."
The synergy between the Desert Vipers and Dubai Sports Council means the partnership in sustainability makes perfect sense for both organisations.
The Desert Vipers have eschewed the use of single-use plastic water bottles from their dressing room and have replaced them with reusable bottles filled with locally sourced water while the Dubai Government has banned single-use plastic bags.
The Vipers have also undertaken an extensive education programme across schools in the Emirate, in keeping with DSC’s mandate to nurture talent.
The partnership with the Dubai Sports Council will only serve to enhance and to shine a brighter light on activities the Vipers are undertaking.
That includes its Sustainability Match at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday 3 February which will feature plastic bottle recycling at the venue for first time.
The match, against the Gulf Giants, a repeat of the final match of the inaugural tournament in 2023, will also feature a ‘fan carnival’, including sustainability-themed fan engagement and hospitality catering with reduced carbon emissions in mind.
And the match will take place in the presence of sustainability departments of more than 80 UAE businesses.
The coupling of Dubai Sports Council and the Desert Vipers is also intended to cut across all sports, not only cricket, in raising awareness of the need for sustainability.
Later in 2024 under the auspices of this partnership, the first Sustainability in Sport Summit and Awards Dinner will be held with Mr Avram Glazer in attendance, details of which will be announced in due course.
Source: SME News Service
Besides flying cars and robotaxis, Dubai is looking to introduce two more ultra-modern transport systems to further elevate passenger experience in the emirate.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed on Thursday two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with private firms based in the United Kingdom and the United States (US) to explore the potential deployment of driverless pods travelling on an elevated track and a solar-powered rail bus system.
The two systems, dubbed as sustainable, eco-friendly and efficient means to transport passengers, are the latest futuristic technologies being explored to further enhance public transport in the emirate.
Dubai had previously announced plans to deploy self-driving taxis and flying cars, which are envisioned to be operational in a few years.
Latest deals
In the first agreement, signed with British company Urban.Mass, Dubai will explore the potential deployment of the Floc Duo Rail, which features double tracks that allow electric-powered transportation units to move swiftly and efficiently in various parts of the city, according to Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of RTA.
The plan is to deliver the system’s first operational pilot in the emirate, which promises to cut carbon emissions by 50%, and ultimately scale up the adoption of the new concept worldwide, Urban.Mass said in a separate statement.
The system offers capacity to match demand with high frequency “platoons” of pods, the company said on its website. It doesn’t require a huge footprint, including expensive tunnels and massive stations.
The UK firm also said it is now looking to raise funds through the London Stock Exchange Group’s Floww platform to accelerate the development and deployment of the duo rail.
“This agreement between Urban.Mass and Dubai’s RTA is testament to the strength of the UK and the UAE’s joint commitment to reduce climate change, paving the way for sustainable mass transit through technology that will change the way people move around the city,” said Oliver Christian, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan.
In the second deal, signed with American company Rail Bus Inc, Dubai will consider the adoption of another eco-friendly transport system that features vehicles travelling on a bridge outfitted with solar panels.
“These panels harness solar energy to power the system, ensuring its operation in Dubai,” Kalbat said.
“This system is distinguished by its contemporary design and offers the advantage of lower costs in comparison to similar transportation systems.”
Rail Bus is a developer of small, driverless vehicles that also run on elevated tracks.
The vehicles are ultra-lightweight in that they require track infrastructure that costs about less than 20% of the budget required in a Metro system with the same length and capacity, the company said on its website.
Source: Zawya (Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria seban.scaria@lseg.com)
