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Hadeer Elhadary

Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week embodies the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to achieving sustainability goals

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, affirmed that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week embodies the United Arab Emirates’ and Abu Dhabi’s commitment to achieving sustainability goals and reflects their ongoing dedication to addressing the challenges of climate change both locally and globally.

His Excellency added: “This global event serves as a key strategic platform for knowledge exchange and enhancing international cooperation in sustainable energy. It is an integral part of our ambitious vision for transitioning towards a low-carbon future.”

He continued: “At the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, we remain at the forefront of transforming the sector by developing strategies, policies, and regulatory frameworks that support the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. We believe that effective coordination between government entities and international partners is the cornerstone for achieving these ambitious goals. Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in developing renewable energy infrastructure and enhancing energy efficiency, and we are committed to accelerating innovation in clean energy technologies to achieve a sustainable transformation in this vital sector.”

His Excellency concluded: “The Department continues its efforts to support initiatives that enhance public and private sector participation in transforming the energy sector to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. We look forward to continuing our work with our strategic partners to achieve our shared aspirations and goals.”

6 months ago 0 comments

Opinion

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week: Building the Future Through Sustainable Construction in the Gulf region

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

As we begin 2025 with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the UAE reflects on a transformative year for sustainability. The success of COP28 in 2023 provided the region with a global platform to demonstrate its leadership in climate action, reinforcing its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week continues this momentum, serving as a catalyst for addressing the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, while inspiring innovation across multiple sectors to drive transformative environmental practices. Among these, the construction industry stands out as one of the most resource intensive – and positioned for substantial advancements in sustainability.

A recent PWC report projects that GCC countries will invest US$2 trillion in construction projects by 2035. This presents a unique opportunity for the UAE and wider region to lead in pioneering sustainable construction practices globally, setting benchmarks for environmental responsibility.

The urgency is clear: in 2023, the building sector accounted for 30% of global energy use and 26% of CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. In response, the region has embraced net-zero ambitions. For example – Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City exemplifies sustainability, as they pioneer a sustainable urban community, completing the region’s first net-zero energy commercial building – NZ1, in 2023. They also have plans to unveil the world’s first net-zero mosque later in 2025. Saudi Arabia’s NEOM takes this further, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as green hydrogen and vertical farming into its blueprint – as well as using eco-friendly materials during construction.

Building Momentum Through Innovation

Sustainability has emerged as a defining trend in shaping the region’s construction industry. According to a survey commissioned by Versatile International, the region’s first fully integrated Stone Project Management Consultancy, 55% of construction professionals, surveyed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, identified sustainability as the most influential factor shaping the sector.

The research also highlights the importance of incorporating sustainability from the outset of planning, with 83% of developers identifying sustainability as the top trend shaping the future of construction in the region – significantly more than architects and engineers, contractors, or project management consultants. This signals a broader transformation in the end-to-end construction process, highlighting a shift toward integrating sustainability from the start of the project. Developers at the foundational level are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly design, materials, and planning, influencing the entire lifecycle of projects. Indeed, according to the Green Building Council – the UAE has been ranked among the top 10 countries that hold LEED certifications globally – exemplifying the importance placed on green building certifications from the outset.

Overcoming Challenges Through Strategic Planning

Whilst the surge in innovation is promising, it does not come without its challenges.

For example, Masdar City’s upcoming project pipeline, with an investment cost ranging between AED3-4 billion, highlights the importance of strategic material sourcing, incorporating the right design, and leveraging construction expertise from the outset to ensure successful implementation. Projects of this scale must balance environmental goals with financial constraints, making careful selection of materials a foundation for success.

This is where the value of Versatile International truly stands out. By providing end-to-end project governance, the right materials are sourced right from the design phase, ensuring that sustainability and cost-efficiency are integrated from the outset. This approach has delivered tangible results, such as a 28% reduction in project costs for large-scale developments while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.

The Diriyah Gate project in Saudi Arabia exemplifies this balance. By optimising the stone management process and minimising waste through early state decision-making, Versatile International has contributed to the ongoing success of the one of the region’s most iconic cultural developments currently being developed.

By utilising this approach, it greatly reduces the need for rework, a common industry challenge where elements of a project must be redone due to errors or changes. Addressing these issues after they arise is costly, with research indicating that roughly 30% of global construction budgets is spent on rework. Rework also has a significant sustainability impact, as it often leads to wasted materials and energy. Through careful planning and strategic execution, these risks can be significantly minimised, ensuring smoother project delivery and a lower environmental footprint.

Opportunities for the Gulf

With the GCC set to invest trillions of dollars in construction, there are substantial opportunities for sustainable innovation. From pioneering green technologies to creating energy-efficient infrastructure, the region can set a new standard for the construction industry worldwide.

The construction sector is at a critical juncture. With Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as a backdrop, the region has an unparalleled opportunity to redefine the global narrative on sustainable construction. By embracing innovation, encouraging collaboration, and prioritizing environmental responsibility, the region can set a new benchmark for the industry.

By: Marco Fahd, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO at Versatile International, the region’s first fully integrated Stone Project Management Consultancy.

6 months ago 0 comments

Innovation & Education Latest News

Emirates Aviation University honours 288 emerging aviation leaders

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

Emirates Aviation University (EAU) has graduated another diverse, highly skilled class of 288 students who have mastered academic success to officially enter the rapidly evolving world of aerospace and aviation.

Held at the EAU campus in Dubai, the graduation ceremony showcased the broad range of nationalities and disciplines, which included postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in aviation management, aeronautical and aerospace engineering, aviation security, software engineering, aircraft maintenance engineering and more.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and Chancellor of EAU, officially awarded the degrees at EAU’s 34^th ceremony, which was also attended by other dignitaries, Emirates Group executives, graduates’ families and friends and the university’s faculty.

Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice-Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, reflected on the institution’s ongoing success: “Each graduating class continues to demonstrate extraordinary talent and professionalism, with our alumni consistently advancing in positions across different areas of the aviation industry. At our core, we remain dedicated to embracing next-generation technologies and new methods of learning that prepare our students to address the evolving challenges of modern air travel. We take particular pride in our 84% post-graduation employment rate, watching our graduates forge successful careers and push boundaries across the sector.”

This year’s cohort of 288 graduates included 100 postgraduate and 188 bachelor students of which 37 are Emirates sponsored students. Emirates Aviation University honoured 14 exemplary students across all disciplines, whose accomplishments reflected EAU’s commitment to delivering future aviation leaders.

Over 180 undergraduate students received the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intern with the Emirates Group for more than one semester. The highly sought-after roles serve as a vital stepping stone for students, performing authentic job tasks for hands-on experience, helping equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to build a strong foundation for their future careers.

6 months ago 0 comments

Environment Latest News

Global Leaders to Convene at ADSW Summit 2025 with Mandate to Supercharge Sustainable Progress

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 will convene 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials alongside business and technology leaders at the ADSW Summit to supercharge socioeconomic and technological progress and unlock a potential $10 trillion economic transformation opportunity.

As the anchor event of ADSW, the ADSW Summit, taking place on January 14-15, will include 34 dedicated sessions with more than 70 speakers, aiming to foster dialogue and collaboration on advancing sustainable development and drive inclusive, impactful action. Held under the ADSW theme – “The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress” – the Summit will explore how to leverage the convergence of human ingenuity and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a resilient, inclusive and prosperous future.

Heads of state participating in the ADSW Summit include: H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan; H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan; H.E William Ruto, President of Kenya; H.E. Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria; H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles; H.E. Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda; H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan; H.E Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; H.E Petteri Orpo Prime Minister of Finland; H.E. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy; H.E. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, said: “Under the theme, ‘The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress’, ADSW 2025 invites you to discover the unprecedented socioeconomic opportunities that lie on the horizon and stand at the Nexus of Next. ADSW is not just a platform, but a bold call to action to explore and learn how interconnected systems are driving a new era of supercharged progress, unlocking endless possibilities to help build a better tomorrow for all.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said:”ADSW Summit 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for accelerating global sustainable development, with technological advances providing unprecedented opportunities for social, environmental and economic progress. The ADSW Summit will serve as a foundational platform to drive the systemic change needed to take advantage of those opportunities, amplifying diverse voices to catalyze change through connection and accelerating the transformation to a more sustainable future. By bringing together leaders in policy, business and technology, ADSW Summit 2025 will unite the global community to deliver interconnected solutions for energy, economies, and the environment.”

As a dynamic hub for collaboration, ADSW Summit’s action-oriented agenda provides a vital platform for collective efforts to address key topics, including the global energy systems transformation, the impact of AI and other emerging technologies, as well as water and food security. The Summit features an engaging program of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and fireside chats to highlight opportunities for sustainable development and unlock opportunities for economic transformation.

The summit will feature high-level discussions on topics such as the reshaping of global investment patterns through the digital-climate nexus, financing for the future, modeling climate risk with big data, innovations in energy storage, and the ripple effects of changing behaviors toward a sustainable future.

Other top-level speakers and panelists for the ADSW Summit 2025 include:

H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, President, IUCN; H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO, ENEC; H.E. Saeed Al Remeithi, Group CEO, EMSTEEL; Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Special Envoy for Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, United Nations; Musabbeh Al Kaabi, CEO Upstream, ADNOC; Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar; Øyvind Eriksen, CEO and President, Aker ASA; Himanshu Gupta, CEO and co-founder of ClimateAi; Mr. Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO – UAE, HSBC; Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission; Catherine MacGregor, CEO of Engie; Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, among others.

Reflecting ADSW’s commitment to driving sustainability, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) is providing this year’s event with Clean Energy Certificates covering the consumption of approximately 305 megawatts (MW) – the required amount to power ADSW 2025 from January 14-16 at ADNEC.

Hosted by Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, ADSW 2025 also features a number of other key events throughout the week, designed to engage all global stakeholders.

Key dates for ADSW 2025 include:

January 12 – 13: IRENA Assembly
January 13: Global Climate Finance Annual Meeting
January 14: ADSW Opening Ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony
January 14 – 15: ADSW Summit
January 14 – 16: World Future Energy Summit; Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub
January 15: Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum
January 16: Green Hydrogen Summit, Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum & Investor Connect
January 17-18: The Festival at Masdar City

6 months ago 0 comments

Opinion

What Climate Justice Means for Latin America and the Caribbean

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

RIO DE JANEIRO/NEW YORK – November’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, dubbed the “Finance COP,” left many deeply disappointed – for good reason. While the pledge to mobilize $300 billion in climate finance by 2035 is a good start, it falls far short of what is needed to accelerate the development of low-carbon energy systems in low- and middle-income countries.

Improving access to renewable energy is particularly urgent in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where 60 million people live without reliable power and 16 million lack even basic access to electricity. This energy gap underscores the need for sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Accelerating the global energy transition depends on advancing economic and social development. One way to achieve this is to integrate modern, sustainable energy into every industry, community, and household across the region, ensuring that the benefits of long-term development are widely shared.

To be sure, LAC countries have made major strides toward universal energy access, with 60% of their power coming from renewables and more than 98% of the region’s population connected to electricity grids. But progress has slowed to a crawl. Since 2010, electrification rates have increased by only three percentage points, a clear sign that conventional approaches are not enough to close the remaining access gaps.

Consider Haiti, where just 47% of the population has access to electricity, and communities in many remote areas rely on expensive and polluting fossil-fuel generators. Similarly, vast areas in countries like Guatemala and Bolivia still lack reliable power infrastructure. This has profound consequences for economic development, as reliable electricity is needed to deliver clean water, improve health care and education, and enable small businesses to grow.

Despite efforts by governments and the private sector, achieving universal energy access remains costly and technically challenging, particularly for the countries most affected by climate change. These challenges are compounded by high financing costs, political and regulatory instability, and limited domestic credit capacity, all of which impede energy investment across the region.

To tackle this daunting challenge, policymakers must adopt a new strategy that focuses on improving stakeholder coordination, increasing efficiency, and enabling lower-income countries and communities to take the lead. Testing and scaling new technologies and implementing financial mechanisms that channel increased resources are also vital for effective, multisector government programs.

The Universal Access Coalition, launched at the Energies of the Amazon Conference in Belém, Brazil, following November’s G20 summit, is a prime example of this approach. By bringing together governments, private companies, multilateral organizations, development-finance institutions, and civil-society groups, the UAC seeks to mobilize resources, drive innovation, and advocate for universal energy access.

By fostering cooperation among stakeholders, the UAC aims to promote innovative technological solutions. For example, distributed renewable energy, such as mini-grids and solar home systems, represents a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional grid expansion in remote regions with low population density. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, in partnership with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, is also investing in mesh grids – decentralized networks designed to deliver reliable electricity to underserved areas.

LAC countries’ efforts must advance the broader goal of revitalizing global efforts to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for universal access to clean, affordable energy by 2030. Targeted government programs in Brazil, such as Energies of the Amazon and Light for All (Luz para Todos), demonstrate how multi-stakeholder approaches can facilitate community-led, equitable initiatives.

Ahead of COP30 in Belém this year, policymakers must reassess the effectiveness of the global response to the existential threat of climate change and commit to bold, decisive action. By harnessing the collective power of governments, civil society, and the private sector, we can unlock LAC countries’ immense renewable-energy potential, transforming the region into a model for sustainable development.

But success cannot be measured in megawatts alone. Energy solutions must actively engage local and indigenous communities and ensure they play a meaningful role in planning and decision-making. A just energy transition is more than a moral imperative – it is the only way to meet global climate goals, build climate resilience, and deliver equitable growth.

By Thiago Barral and Woochong Um

Thiago Barral is Secretary of the Energy Transition and Planning in the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil. Woochong Um is CEO of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2025.

6 months ago 0 comments

Deloitte Middle East appoints Simon Cuerden as Forensic & Financial Crime leader

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

Deloitte Middle East announced today the appointment of Simon Cuerden as Forensic & Financial Crime leader for the region. Having spent 22 years as partner at Deloitte UK, he is an industry veteran with experience serving client across different global markets including the Middle East.

“This is a strategic appointment for us in the Middle East when set against the backdrop of technological disruption and the new threats facing public and private organizations. We are committed to bringing leading experts to drive the business and provide end-to-end solutions to our clients and markets with deeper technical expertise,” said Hani Khoury, Deloitte Middle East Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory Leader.

“Simon Cuerden is a leading global expert when it comes to all aspects of the forensic and financial crime landscape, and I am confident with him joining our team in the Middle East, we will maintain our market leading position when it comes to the value we provide to our clients through our Forensic & Financial Crime Services,” added Khoury.

Cuerden’s experience includes working in special committees drawn from the boards of organizations within the public and private sectors, overseeing reviews and investigations into sensitive incidents and circumstances. His experience includes working with a range of clients based in, and with interests in the region, including the UAE, Libya, Qatar, and KSA

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Cuerden said, “It is a huge honor to be asked to take on this leadership role within Deloitte Middle East, and the opportunity which it brings to deliver world-class forensic and financial crime services to meet the needs of clients of ever-increasing prominence and influence in the region and globally within the government and private sectors.”

The Deloitte Middle East Forensic and Financial Crime practice connects deep technical and industry insight with leading-edge analytics and technology, to provide tailored solutions for the most complex investigations and disputes.

With organizations increasingly aware of the critical need to identify and pre-empt against emerging risks, Deloitte Middle East leverages advanced corporate intelligence, analytical tools, and spatial data to proactively address financial crime, helping clients mitigate potential threats and strengthen their investigative capabilities.

6 months ago 0 comments

Farnek appoints new Managing Director

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has appointed Julian Khalil as its new Managing Director, to direct and control the business operations of Farnek Services.

Reporting to the Group CEO, Khalil will now take responsibility for implementing corporate strategy, operational management, strategic business development and overall financial performance.

He will also be tasked with providing strategic support and direction to the company’s leadership team, to achieve corporate goals, including short and long-term financial targets. Khalil will also focus on Farnek’s adoption and utilisation of innovative technology and sustainability, maintaining its market leading position.

Markus Oberlin, Group CEO, Farnek, said, “After 13 years of dedication and commitment, Julian’s promotion is well-deserved and highlights our strategy to recognise, develop and reward talent as well as our policy to promote from within.

“I am convinced that under his leadership, he will drive Farnek’s corporate strategy to achieve even greater success as a leader in smart and sustainable FM solutions.

“Following Julian’s promotion, I will now concentrate on driving strategic group revenues, fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and exploring new ventures.”

German national Khalil joined Farnek in 2011 as Deputy Manager of the company’s cleaning division and recognising his exceptional talent and leadership qualities, Khalil was promoted to Division Manager in 2013. In December 2015 he had advanced to the position of Director of Soft Services.

After a period of consolidation, further promotions followed. In 2021 Khalil was given added responsibility as Senior Director of Security and Soft Services and then just last year he was promoted to VP Operations

Commenting on his promotion Khalil said, “I have been a part of the Farnek ‘family’ for more than 13 years and with the support of Farnek’s experienced and talented leadership team, I am confident that I will be able to make a significant contribution towards exceeding our corporate goals for 2025 and beyond.

“This is an exciting time for Farnek, and I am committed to driving our smart and green initiatives forward, ensuring we continue to lead the way in delivering advanced, sustainable FM solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and the industry.”

Khalil graduated from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany in 2010 and holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and economics.

6 months ago 0 comments

Environment Latest News

The UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work launches a collaboration to establish a national recyclable waste exchange platform

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, chaired a meeting of the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work and launched a new collaboration to establish a national waste exchange platform.

During the meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, Her Excellency emphasised the essential role of municipalities and environmental bodies in advancing environmental and municipal activities across the UAE. HE expressed her gratitude to the Council members for their contributions to agricultural and planting initiatives, particularly Planting Week and the Our Green Emirates initiative, both part of the Plant the Emirates National Programme.

Her Excellency stated: “The meeting represents a new step toward achieving the Ministry’s goals, which will actively contribute to the UAE’s overall development by fostering sustainable communities. The UAE’s model of integrated environmental and municipal work is one of a kind, and we look forward to building on our shared knowledge and strong partnerships to achieve our objectives and uphold our leadership in environmental and municipal work.”

The meeting covered a range of topics and reviewed the progress made on recommendations from the previous session. It also highlighted the activities carried out under the Our Green Emirates initiative, recognising the valuable contributions of municipalities and environmental entities across the Emirates.

The meeting showcased the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing relevant data and implementing projects that address economic, social, and environmental priorities. These efforts aim to ensure that the UAE’s progress in achieving global SDGs is acknowledged and well-positioned globally.

The Council also addressed joint national efforts to strengthen mosquito control measures and discussed shared environmental and municipal topics, including shelters, care centres, and zoos, adding that protecting endangered plant and animal species listed under the CITES appendices is a key priority for the UAE.

The discussions explored ways to promote agri-tourism in collaboration with local authorities by enhancing licensing, inspection, and regulatory frameworks for these activities.

The session provided updates on the progress of the National Integrated Waste Management Agenda for 2024. The Fujairah Environment Authority delivered a presentation on integrated waste management in the Emirate, which included the current waste management status and upcoming projects, while the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi focused on managing the Emirate’s public aesthetics.

On the sidelines of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Beeah Group to develop a national waste exchange platform in the UAE. It aims to facilitate the buying and selling of various types of waste, turning it into valuable economic resources by processing it for use as raw materials in different industries. The platform focuses exclusively on recyclable wasteand excludes hazardous waste.

The meeting was attended by HE Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, HE Eng. Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Communities Sector, Engineer Othaibah Al-Qaidi, Director of Municipal Affairs Department, and Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of the Government Communication Department.

The meeting was also attended by HE Major General Pilot Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, HE Munther bin Shukr Al Zaabi, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, HE Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, Director General of Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, HE Asila Abdullah Al Mualla, Director General of the Fujairah Environment Authority, HE Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, HE Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD, and HE Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies at the Ministry of Economy.

6 months ago 0 comments

ADGM Publishes New Employment Regulations

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

The Registration Authority (RA) of the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi – ADGM, has published the Employment Regulations 2024 (the “New Employment Regulations”), which reflect global changes in workplace practices, and provide greater clarity to employers and employees with respect to their rights and obligations. Such changes aim to promote and foster best employment practices in ADGM.

Some of the key changes in the New Employment Regulations are as follows:

Amending the definition of ‘employee’ to enable employers to hire remote employees and to allow for more flexible working arrangements.
Clarifying ambiguities related to employee entitlements, including part-time employees.
Clarifying certain requirements regarding obtaining and cancelling an employee’s work permit and visa.
Expanding obligations and responsibilities related to discrimination and victimisation in the workplace.

Repealing the existing Employment Regulations 2019, the New Employment Regulations will become effective on 1^st April 2025, thereby granting employers sufficient time to align their internal policies, employment contracts and other employment-related matters with the requirements provided under the New Employment Regulations.

Commenting on the New Employment Regulations, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority said, “We are pleased to announce the publication of the New Employment Regulations, which reflect our strong commitment to enhancing our ecosystem and ensuring the best regulatory frameworks and favourable conditions for both companies and employees alike. These new regulations come as we continue to expand, grow, and promote innovation in work systems. They will provide the necessary information to the business community while ensuring the protection and stability required for all parties. At ADGM, we are dedicated to strengthening our regulatory frameworks and providing the necessary support and guidance to our community to ensure the sustainability of success and excellence.”

6 months ago 0 comments

Energy Latest News

Schneider Electric appoints Nirupa Chander as Senior Vice President of Secure Power & Data Centers, International Operations

by Hadeer Elhadary 6 months ago

written by Hadeer Elhadary

Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the appointment of Nirupa Chander as Senior Vice President, Secure Power & Data Centers, International Operations.

In the role, Chander will lead a division of more than 700 professionals, supporting customers and partners in their digital transformation journeys and achieving their sustainability goals in an all-electric world across international zones, including MEA, EAP, Japan, India and South America.

Commenting on the appointment, Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Secure Power, Data Centers & Global Services, Schneider Electric said: “Understanding the complex and nuanced interplay between energy and data will be key to navigating the future of our industry. Chander’s experience and insight in this area will be invaluable in the ongoing digitalization of the energy sector and our increasingly digital world, especially.”

A veteran of the energy industry, Chander has extensive experience in energy grids, micro-grids, and automation, as well as project management, engineering, service and business development.

Beginning her career with India’s largest industrial electrical company, she progressed from project engineering roles through project management, and country manager roles with major engineering firms, such as ABB and Hitachi Energy, in Singapore and Australia before joining Schneider Electric in 2022 as Vice President of Power Systems for the Middle East and Africa.

“Early career experiences with controls and automation brought me into IT infrastructure, showing me how energy and data are increasingly intertwined. Working on microgrids highlighted the complexity of balancing the grid with energy storage technology and renewables — insights now applicable to creating sustainable data centers,” Chander said, commenting on her appointment.

“It is exciting to see the strong coupling between data and energy, and I look forward to applying my knowledge and skills to this evolving field, especially with the anticipated growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on the industry.”

Chander holds a degree in Engineering from Gujarat University in Electronics and is a certified project management professional. She is a graduate of leadership programs from both the Wharton School and INSEAD Executive Education.

6 months ago 0 comments

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