The European Council and the Parliament negotiators today reached a provisional political agreement to raise the share of renewable energy in the EU’s overall energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030 with an additional 2.5% indicative top up that would allow to reach 45%. Each member state will contribute to this common target. This provisional political agreement will now need to be endorsed by both institutions.

The Council and Parliament negotiators provisionally agreed on more ambitious sector-specific targets in transport, industry, buildings and district heating and cooling. The purpose of the sub-targets is to speed-up the integration of renewables in sectors where incorporation has been slower, WAM reported.

Transport

The provisional agreement gives the possibility for member states to choose between:

A binding target of 14.5% reduction of greenhouse gas intensity in transport from the use of renewables by 2030 or a binding target of at least 29% share of renewables within the final consumption of energy in the transport sector by 2030.

The provisional agreement sets a binding combined sub-target of 5.5% for advanced biofuels (generally derived from non-food-based feedstocks) and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (mostly renewable hydrogen and hydrogen-based synthetic fuels) in the share of renewable energies supplied to the transport sector. Within this target, there is a minimum requirement of 1% of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) in the share of renewable energies supplied to the transport sector in 2030.

Industry

The provisional agreement provides that industry would increase their use of renewable energy annually by 1.6%. They agreed that 42% of the hydrogen used in industry should come from renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) by 2030 and 60% by 2035.

The agreement introduces the possibility for member states to discount the contribution of RFNBOs in industry use by 20% under two conditions:

If the member states’ national contribution to the binding overall EU target meets their expected contribution, the share of hydrogen from fossil fuels consumed in the member state is not more 23% in 2030 and 20% in 2035

Buildings, heating and cooling

The provisional agreement sets an indicative target of at least a 49% renewable energy share in buildings in 2030.

It provides for a gradual increase in renewable targets for heating and cooling, with a binding increase of 0.8% per year at national level until 2026 and 1.1% from 2026 to 2030. The minimum annual average rate applicable to all member states is complemented with additional indicative increases calculated specifically for each member state.

Bioenergy

The provisional agreement strengthens the sustainability criteria for biomass use for energy, in order to reduce the risk of unsustainable bioenergy production. It applies a cascading principle to make sure biomass is used according to its highest economic and environmental added value.

Faster permits for projects

The provisional agreement includes accelerated permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. The purpose is to fast-track the deployment of renewable energies in the context of the EU’s REPowerEU plan to become independent from Russian fossil fuels, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Member states will design renewables acceleration areas where renewable energy projects would undergo simplified and fast permit-granting process. Renewable energy deployment will also be presumed to be of ‘overriding public interest’, which would limit the grounds of legal objections to new installations.

Next steps

The provisional political agreement reached today will first be submitted to the EU member states’ representatives in the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the Council and then in the Parliament for approval.

The directive will then need to be formally adopted by the Parliament and then the Council, before being published in the EU’s Official Journal and enter into force.

The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) and Egypt’s GV Investments Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate for GSAS implementation in Egypt and to promote sustainable solutions.

The signing ceremony took place at GORD headquarters in Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). Under the partnership, GORD and GV will work towards a range of initiatives aimed at accelerating climate solutions and promoting sustainable built environment in the Egyptian market, with focus on the implementation of GSAS in Tarboul City – Egypt’s largest industrial city.

The strategic agreement was signed by Dr. Yousef Alhorr, founding Chairman of GORD, and Mr. Sherif Hamouda, Chairman of GV Investments Group. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Alhorr said, “Our partnership with GV Investments marks a significant milestone for GORD as we expand our GSAS green buildings rating system into Egypt. We recognise that addressing the region’s climate challenges requires cross-country collaboration and shared expertise. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for the Middle East and North Africa region.

Today’s partnership is a testament that we are committed to leveraging our joint strengths to deliver impactful solutions that address the unique needs of this region and contribute to a greener, healthier, and more prosperous world for all.”

Mr. Sherif Hamouda, on his part, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, saying, “Green investment is one of our main businesses in Egypt, and having GSAS in Egypt is an added value for GV Group and our country. GORD will be our strategic partner for Tarboul Industrial City, which is a sustainable mega project in Egypt. We are happy to be part of this cooperation and confident that GORD’s expertise and experience in environmental sustainability will help us achieve our climate goals and create world-class developments that are also ecologically responsible.”

Through the agreement, the partnering entities will collaborate on capacity building and knowledge sharing to encourage industry-wide transition to low-carbon solutions and green building practices. Additionally, GV Investments Group will work towards the adoption of GSAS as a green building standard in Tarboul Industrial City in Egypt, which will work in achieving the city’s green status.

Tarboul City project is dubbed the largest industrial “Green, Smart, Livable” city developed in Egypt. Being developed over an area of 109 million sqm, the industrial city is designed to cater to the needs of sustainable production, the mega development will be home to a variety of manufacturing plants, factories, warehouses, and other industrial facilities.

Since its inception in 2009, GSAS has become the fastest growing green building rating system in the Gulf region with more than 2000 registered projects covering a built-up area exceeding 2 billion square feet in Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. To mention a few, FIFA officially endorsed GSAS for all eight stadiums hosted the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lusail City was the first to implement GSAS standards to assess and rate all developments in the city. Additionally, Ashghal has adopted GSAS for all public buildings in Qatar since 2010. From design, through construction to operations Qatar Rail implemented GSAS’ unique Railways Scheme to rate all Doha metro stations.

The partnership between GORD and GV Investments Group is expected to pave the way for more collaborations in the future, enabling both organsations to make significant contributions to the sustainable development of their respective countries and the region as a whole.

Petrofac, a leading international service provider to the energy industry, and Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader, have been selected by TenneT, the Dutch-German Transmission System Operator, to supply multiple offshore platforms and onshore converter stations to accelerate the integration of bulk renewables into European power grids. 

Petrofac and Hitachi Energy were awarded the multi-year Framework Agreement as part of TenneT’s ambitious 2 gigawatt1 (2GW) high voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore wind programme.

The agreement includes an initial commitment to deploy six record-breaking renewable integration systems, five of which will connect offshore wind farms to the Dutch grid and the sixth to the German grid. Each of these connection systems has a capacity of 2GW and a voltage level of 525 kilovolt – a world-first for offshore wind.

The landmark Framework Agreement represents the largest in Petrofac’s history. It enables Petrofac and Hitachi Energy to plan in advance, secure the required resources and yard space, as well as capturing synergies between successive projects to meet in-service dates. 

Petrofac will undertake the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of the offshore platforms and elements of the onshore converter stations. Hitachi Energy will supply its HVDC Light® converter stations, which convert AC to DC power offshore and DC to AC onshore.

The first contract under the Framework, for the Ijmuiden Ver Alpha project, was awarded with immediate effect. The second, Nederwiek 1, is expected to be awarded later in the year. The Framework also includes projects Doordewind 1, Doordewind 2, Nederwiek 3 and LanWin5, expected to be awarded over a 2024 – 2026 timeframe.

Sami Iskander, Petrofac’s Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement represents an exciting next step in Petrofac and Hitachi Energy’s collaboration. We have already secured key resource and the yard capacity required to expedite the first two projects in TenneT’s ground-breaking programme. By combining Petrofac’s industry-leading EPCI expertise and Hitachi Energy’s well proven technology, we look forward to supporting TenneT to connect larger, more effective wind farms to deliver affordable clean energy for millions of European homes.”

Tareq Kawash, who takes over from Sami Iskander as Petrofac’s Group Chief Executive on 1 April, added: “Today’s award demonstrates the significant new growth horizon presented by the Energy Transition, and the role companies like Petrofac will play. I will be very proud to support Petrofac’s collaboration with Hitachi Energy and delivery of our role on TenneT’s 2GW programme over the coming years.”

Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business said: “This innovative business model will set the course for the integration of a huge amount of offshore wind power and gives visibility of the future.  In fact, we are already hiring to expand our global delivery capacity and effectively fulfill these and other orders. We’re proud to be part of this journey and, along with our partner Petrofac, we are setting the benchmark for deploying offshore HVDC technology at scale and with speed.”

Marco Kuijpers, Director Large Projects Offshore TenneT said: “The new long term approach goes hand in hand with a fundamental change in values towards a strong partnership. This approach enables both sides with more flexibility, technological progress, and planning security. This benefits all parties and secures employment, growth, and the strengthening of supply chains. We can already see that our partners invest in extra resources and facilities.”  

Petrofac and Hitachi Energy began working together in June 2022, to provide joint grid integration and associated infrastructure solutions to support TenneT’s 2GW Programme2.

In the same year, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium agreed to install at least 65 gigawatts of offshore wind energy combined by 2030, as announced with the inter-governmental Esbjerg Declaration3. At 40 gigawatts, almost two-thirds of this capacity is accounted for by TenneT, with 20 gigawatts each in the German and Dutch North Sea sectors.

UAE-based smart and green total facilities management (FM) company Farnek, is starting a campaign to remind healthcare facility managers, about the importance of indoor air quality, particularly as the UAE approaches summer and outdoor temperatures and humidity begin to rise.

“A clean air supply is essential to patient safety, particularly those with reduced immunity. Maintaining and cleaning A/C ducts ensures clean air, as well as controlling the spread of germs. With the summer approaching, the UAE is beginning to experience higher temperatures and levels of humidity, which increases the risk of bacterial contamination,” said Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations at Farnek.

Ventilation systems in hospitals and clinics draw in outside air, which is then circulated within the building. Therefore, the HVAC system including ductwork is liable to become polluted with dust and other contaminants. This may be due to filtration equipment underperforming, or due to leaks within the system.

The presence of excessive dust accumulating within a HVAC system can lead to the development of biological contamination. A HVAC system can act as a source for bioaerosols, which are tiny airborne particles that originate biologically and can contain living organisms. This provides a conducive environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria. If not addressed, this biologically contaminated air is then distributed within the facility.

Poor indoor air quality can be significantly improved. HVAC systems can be cleaned, ventilation rates increased, biological contaminants controlled, and filtration systems upgraded. Other steps can also be taken to ensure that furnishings brought into the indoor environment do not release noxious gases.

“Humidity is often a major factor in selecting cleaning methods because of the types of contaminants generally found in areas with differing levels of moisture in the air. Higher humidity levels often witness greater levels of microbial contamination, including mould, mildew, yeasts and bacteria. Such contaminants, as opposed to common nuisance dust, require more aggressive cleaning techniques, especially when addressing the HVAC unit itself,” said Azhar.

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association Standards, HVAC duct cleaning in hospitals should be carried out annually. In addition, HVAC system cleaning must be performed when any of the following conditions are found in the cleanliness inspection.
Significant accumulations of contaminants or debris are visually observed within the HVAC system, and/or evidence of microbial growth is visually observed or confirmed by analytical methods.

The HVAC system discharges visible particulate into the occupied space, or a significant contribution of airborne particles from the HVAC system into the indoor ambient air is confirmed.
Heat exchange coils, cooling coils, air flow control devices, filtration devices, and air-handling equipment are determined to have restrictions, or contaminated deposits that may cause inefficiencies in system performance, or air flow degradation.

In accordance with Al Sa’fat – Dubai Green Building System, only specialised maintenance companies, approved by Dubai Municipality can carry out this inspection and cleaning. It can also be carried out by the building operator, but only if they can provide sufficient evidence about their qualifications and competence.

“One misconception we come across is that onsite maintenance teams consider the supply of air to be clean because HEPA filters are used in a fan coil unit (FCU), ignoring just how important it is to regularly check air duct systems. This misunderstanding can result in mould and microbial formation, that could cause harm to staff and patients.

“It is also well worth pointing out that these issues also apply to general working environments, not just healthcare facilities. The economic benefits of HVAC duct cleaning can be significant, by reducing worker absenteeism and increasing productivity,” added Azhar.

The U.S. Government estimates that absenteeism costs more than $100 billion a year in lost productivity and medical costs, and medical researchers in the U.S. have found that 50% of employee absenteeism is due to upper respiratory problems – common symptoms of working in ‘sick’ buildings.

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has entered a new phase of sustainability with the expansion of digital infrastructure storage at the world’s largest solar-powered green data centre.

Moro Hub is a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (PJSC). It’s green data centre, which is located at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, was inaugurated recently by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

The facility’s integrated solutions are designed to provide next-generation services in the areas of digital transformation, cloud and hosting services, cybersecurity, IoT services and professional and managed services, as well as Moro services supported by ChatGPT technology.

His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts, said: “The DIFC Courts, in partnership with Moro Hub, is pleased to enter this next phase of sustainable expansion of our digital infrastructure. This partnership is designed to meet our growing demand for more robust solutions and further increase a secure and reliable way to protect our critical data, applications, and systems from unexpected disruptions. As the DIFC Courts expands its digital ecosystem by offering new technology driven services to the public, we strive to minimise downtime and ensure user data and systems are always available. We are also proud to complete this transition to Moro Hub’s facility during the Year of Sustainability and to further demonstrate our commitment to spearhead sustainable public court services and to strengthen the UAE’s sustainable economy.”

Moro Hub’s data centre will offer a range of colocation and disaster recovery services. With the latest in technology and infrastructure, the new data centre is designed to meet the stringent security and privacy requirements of businesses and is equipped with the latest in security and monitoring technology. The data centre is also designed to be highly scalable and flexible, allowing the DIFC Courts digital ecosystem to easily add or remove capacity as its needs change.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. Moro Hub and DIFC Courts represent a shared vision that focuses on sustainability. We are confident that having them as a key associate with our data centre will help both the organisations accelerate towards the net zero goals strategically. Being equipped with the latest technologies and solutions, Moro Hub’s largest solar-powered data centre is a great platform for the DIFC Courts to host their critical data and information. We are confident that this transition will not only enable the DIFC Courts to increase efficiencies, but also improve cost effectiveness. Moreover, the data centre can provide the DIFC Courts with services to scale their needs as an when required, enabling them to make business-critical transactions with speed and ease,” said Mohammad bin Sulaiman, CEO, Moro Hub.

Moro Hub’s green data centre features ground-breaking solutions from Dell Technologies, Microsoft, and Huawei, including the latest advances in cybersecurity and cyber recovery as a service, cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Moro Open Cloud and more. Using 100% renewable energy, the Uptime TIER III-Certified data centre has a capacity exceeding 100 megawatts (MW).

In 2022, the DIFC Courts launched a global digital vault engineered to help address issues of storage privacy and integrity and security of documents to enable individuals to now transfer this data to one secure location. ‘tejouri’ enables the upload and secure storing of documents ranging from insurance contracts, title deeds, Wills, and financial certificates, to images and multimedia files and can be utilised by all individuals globally.

All uploaded life admin files will be secured under the highest standards of security regulation, using multiple factors of authentication, encrypted data, personalised biometric information, and safe-keeping ledgers through advanced cryptography. Using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), the vault also ensures the transmission of your entire portfolio to your designated stakeholders, or loved ones, at a key time.

Confirmed as the first regional paperless court in 2021, statistics confirm that the DIFC Courts is not only maintaining all services, but is simultaneously increasing operational efficiency, substantially increasing digital Orders & Judgments, issuing over 1,500 in digital format in 2022, as well as over 95% of hearings conducted remotely.

This rapid transition to fully digital remote hearings also aligns the DIFC Courts with the directive issued in June 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, with the Ministry of Justice instructed to hold 80% of litigation sessions virtually on a permanent basis.

 Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) has announced the launch of its Metaverse for dispute resolution, reforming how the world resolves disputes. The Metaverse provides a virtual reality space where parties can participate in dispute resolution proceedings from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for physical transportation and further establishing the sustainability and eco-friendliness of arbitration.

DIAC’s move to the Metaverse aligns with its objectives around sustainability, accessibility, and equity of dispute resolution. By leveraging the Metaverse technology, DIAC can now provide an even higher level of alternative dispute resolution services that are both effective and accessible. The Metaverse also provides an equal opportunity for all parties to participate in dispute resolution proceedings, minimising the impact of their resources or financial ability.

The DIAC Metaverse platform employs state-of-the-art technology to create immersive environments that facilitate seamless communication, document sharing, and real-time collaboration among participants. As the use cases for the Metaverse continue to develop, parties can expect further advancements in virtual dispute resolution, such as AI-driven analytics, enhanced security measures, and personalised avatars for better user experience.

According to Dr Tariq Humaid Al Tayer, The Chairman of DIAC’s board of Directors, “The launch of DIAC’s metaverse came after months of hard work and dedication from the team. This new offering comes in line with Dubai’s aspiration to be a global metaverse hub. Further, it reinforces DIAC’s position as the leading international arbitration centre, enhances our capabilities to offer innovative and novel methods for resolving disputes, and reflects our vision to be the ultimate global destination for dispute resolution.”

Dubai’s vision towards the Metaverse aligns with Dubai’s commitment to embracing technology and innovation as key drivers of growth and development. The DIAC Metaverse initiative reflects this progressive mindset, demonstrating the importance of staying at the forefront of emerging technologies to deliver world-class services and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

Following the issuance of Decree No. (34) of 2021, DIAC has achieved significant milestones by introducing New Arbitration Rules in 2022 to optimise and modernise its arbitration procedures in line with international best practices, further consolidating Dubai’s position as a dispute resolution hub. In addition, DIAC completed the formulation of its new strategy, which will be launched during the second quarter of 2023, along with improvements to its corporate governance, operations and the introduction of its fresh visual identity.

A ground-breaking ceremony took place today for a major integrated refinery and petrochemical complex being developed by Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Company (HAPCO). The joint venture between Aramco (30%), NORINCO Group (51%) and Panjin Xincheng Industrial Group (19%) is developing the complex in the city of Panjin, in China’s Liaoning Province.

On March 26, it was announced that the complex was expected to be fully operational by 2026. Aramco is expected to supply up to 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil feedstock to the facility.

Among those attending the ground-breaking ceremony were Abdulrahman Alharbi, Saudi Ambassador to China; Hao Peng, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress; Li Lecheng, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor of the Liaoning Provincial Government; Liu Shiquan, Chairman of Norinco Group; Wang Bingsen, Secretary of the Panjin Municipal Party Committee; and Zou Wenchao, Vice President of Norinco Group.

Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Executive Vice President of Downstream, said in a speech at the event: “This complex is a cornerstone of our efforts to support a world-class, integrated Downstream sector here in China, as petrochemicals will play a vital role in our joint success. Once complete, we believe HAPCO will be a model for China’s modern petrochemicals industry moving forward, able to deliver lower carbon products, chemicals, and advanced materials.”

On March 27, Aramco also announced it had signed definitive agreements to acquire a 10% interest in Shenzhen-listed Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. for RMB 24.6 billion ($3.6 billion at current exchange rates). Combined, the partnership with Rongsheng and the HAPCO joint venture would see Aramco supply a total of 690,000 bpd of crude to high chemical conversion assets in China, in line with its strategy of converting four million bpd of crude to chemicals by 2030.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global award for recognising excellence in sustainability, has launched a special category called ‘Climate Action.’ This new category is aimed at recognising and promoting innovative solutions that address climate change and protect the planet’s natural resources.

The launch of the Climate Action category coincides with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, a national initiative that aims to accelerate sustainable development across the country in line with the UAE’s national strategy. It also comes ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted in the UAE later this year.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President-Designate said: “As we mark the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and prepare to host COP28, it is more important than ever to recognise and support innovative solutions that protect the planet and people from the impacts of climate change. The UAE is committed to delivering a COP of Action – a solutions-focused COP that promotes inclusive sustainable development and accelerates the adoption of policies that will deliver across mitigation, adaptation, climate finance and loss and damage. The new Climate Action category of the Zayed Sustainability Prize reinforces this commitment by supporting the deployment of solutions the world needs today to keep the Paris Agreement alive and limit warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

H.E. Al Jaber added, “In this critical decade of action, the Climate Action category is a significant addition to the Prize’s mandate, and we look forward to receiving submissions from around the world. We are proud to encourage and reward innovative solutions needed to turn climate pledges into concrete action, and drive tangible, inclusive and lasting progress for our planet and communities.”

The Zayed Sustainability Prize was established in 2008 as a tribute to the sustainability and humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. The Prize recognises organisations and high schools that are delivering impactful, and inspiring innovations across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Global High Schools and now Climate Action.

The new Climate Action category will further broaden the Prize’s reach and impact by rewarding solutions that protect and enhance the natural environment, while also addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. This includes organisations that promote climate adaptation, build resilience and deploy environmental solutions. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and nonprofit organisations (NPOs) are eligible to apply to the Climate Action category.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has a 15-year track record of transforming lives by empowering sustainable solutions across health, food, energy and water. Now, through its special Climate Action category, and as the world’s efforts to fight climate change grows ever larger, the Prize will help scale innovative solutions that tackle environmental problems and enable communities to build climate resilience.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has become a global platform for promoting sustainable development, with winners and finalists hailing from all corners of the planet. Today, the Prize celebrates 15 years of global impact with over 378 million people around the world benefiting from its 106 winners’ solutions.

The Prize rewards US $600,000 to each winner in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories. The Global High Schools category is split into six world regions, with each school able to claim up to US $100,000 to start or further expand their project.

The launch of the Climate Action category is expected to attract a wide range of submissions from around the world. The Zayed Sustainability Prize is calling for entries from nonprofit organisations and small and medium sized enterprises from now until 23 May 2023. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

 DP World has kicked off the development of a new edible oil terminal at the Port of Berbera in Somaliland, which will reduce supply chain costs and create vital local jobs. It has already agreed to a long-term lease for the facility. 

The edible oil terminal will be the latest addition to Berbera’s growing trade ecosystem, following the recent opening of the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ), 15 km from the port along the Berbera to Wajaale road (Berbera Corridor) that connects to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. 

DP World plans to transform Berbera, which sits alongside one of the world’s busiest sea routes, into an integrated maritime, logistics and industrial trade hub to serve the Horn of Africa, a region with a population of more than 140 million people. 

The terminal will initially have a storage capacity of 18,000 tonnes, which will be expanded as demand grows. It will be able to service vessels with a draught of up to 16 metres, allowing Berbera Port to handle bulk imports of edible oil for the first time. The ability to import oil in bulk and package it locally will make edible oil more affordable for people in the region and create jobs locally. 

The initial phase of the terminal is already fully leased on a long-term basis to Mzahim Investment LLC, a subsidiary of Essa Al Ghurair Investments (EGI) of the United Arab Emirates. Mzahim Investment will also develop a local packaging plant in Berbera to supply existing customers in Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa, which could employ up to 100 people. 

“Our development of the edible oil terminal is a game changer for the region and is another example of how we are reducing the cost to trade by finding solutions that meet the needs of our customers, while having a positive impact on local communities in terms of job creation and easier access to goods. As part of the Berbera port and economic zone ecosystem, this facility is the type of integrated port infrastructure that attracts international investors such as EGI looking to get closer to their customers,” Suhail Albanna, CEO and Managing Director of DP World Middle East and Africa, said.

Essa Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Essa Al Ghurair Investments, said: “As a UAE-based family business, we have traded with the region for nearly 40 years. Having a facility in Berbera will continue to strengthen our business ties with the region. The presence of DP World played a significant role towards encouraging businesses like ours to invest in the region. The Berbera edible oil facility will allow us to manufacture locally, ensuring essential commodities such as edible oil are affordable and freshly available to the locals. Through manufacturing, we can play a role in creating employment and nurturing talent, especially in the skilled and semi-skilled workforce.” 
 

The holy month of Ramadan is a time for reflection and togetherness. It is also a month where you spend more time with family and friends, plan community meets, and organise charity events. And a lot of that planning and organising takes place within the privacy of WhatsApp chats. Here are  some tips and ideas on how to use WhatsApp effectively as you create new memories with loved ones this  Ramadan.

Plan your virtual iftar

Iftar or the act of breaking a fast during Ramadan is often undertaken with family and friends. But what if you have family members who live overseas, or elderly grandparents who are not able to join in person? You can still stay connected by organising a virtual iftar evening  on WhatsApp with video calls for up to 32 people. You can also use call links to plan ahead, so everyone knows when to join in and you aren’t adding people in one by one.

Share inspiring meal ideas with family and friends

Sahur and iftar  are the  two most important meals during Ramadan, but sometimes, planning meals for a month can become a chore. Why not inspire others and get inspired by creating a WhatsApp Group of home cooks and foodies where you can share meal ideas. You can also upload photos of your meals to Status and let your connections know how you are channeling your inner chef this Ramadan.

Embark on acts of charity and goodwill

Giving to the community and being charitable are characteristic to Ramadan. Set a reminder for yourself to fulfill your Zakat rites with WhatsApp’s message yourself and pin the chat so it stays top of mind. But charity doesn’t end with Zakat, you can also start organising people to support a social cause through WhatsApp Communities.

Get creative with your Ramadan greetings

Throughout Ramadan, you will want to connect with family and friends as you convey your heartfelt wishes. Make greetings personal by creating your avatar or try recording your greetings in a voice note to really let your personality shine through your message. When you receive greetings, Reactions are an easy and great way to show how you feel.