Miral, a creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has shared a series of initiatives aimed at accelerating “positive transformation” across the leisure, entertainment, and tourism industry.
Its Group Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy will act as the framework to drive more than 80 economic, social and environmental initiatives over the next two years, it said.
The company highlighted its focus on sustainable design and high-efficiency energy recovery systems in projects such as the Etihad Arena, awarded the Sustainable Building Design of the Year accolade at the MENA Green Buildings Awards in 2018.
It also shared plans for a series of green energy projects across its experiences, implemented in partnership with Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF.
“Sustainability remains an integral part of Miral’s vision to transform the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector. Guided by the UAE’s vision to transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy, our continued commitment to combat climate change is testament to our efforts in creating a sustainable future for the next generation. Together with our partners, we will continue to become a more socially responsible organisation that significantly strengthens Abu Dhabi’s sustainability and eco-tourism ambitions and accelerates the Emirate’s long-term economic growth,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral.
Most recently, a 524-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) project was announced on Yas Bay Waterfront, featuring 920 solar modules designed to offset 450 tonnes of annual CO2 emissions at the destination.
Miral also inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, incorporating approximately 16,000 solar modules, producing nearly 40 per cent of its annual energy demand with a 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity.
The frameworks follow a similar agreement between Miral and Emerge to deploy on-site solar energy systems at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW).
Likewise, nearly 150 rooftop solar panels significantly reduce energy consumption across Miral’s three hotels, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton.
At the Yas SeaWorld® Research & Rescue Center, the company shared marine conservation, research, and rescue are underway, alongside its public awareness and educational initiatives.
The Center’s partnership with the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) is similarly dedicated to response, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, to ensure the safe return of marine animals to their natural habitats, while enhancing public education through capacity building and outreach programmes.
Its partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), meanwhile, is aimed at investigating the impacts of extreme conditions in the Gulf on local fish species and understanding the effects of temperature and salinity extremes on coral bleaching.
The company also shared its sustainability approach across its three hotels on Yas Island, featuring more than 45 electric car chargers for guests, and a commitment to minimising single-use plastic bottles, reducing food waste, and implementing energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning systems.
Air-to-water generators produce more than 148,200 litres of pure, drinkable water for guests per day across all three hotels – equivalent to almost 302,400 plastic water bottles.
Additional water conservation and harvesting measures also contribute to substantial annual savings in water consumption, exceeding 1,200,000 litres between all properties.
Nearly 150 solar collectors for hot water systems also ensure collective monthly savings of 72,000 kWh in energy consumption.