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UAE

Dubai Centre for Family Businesses Launches E-library

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses (DCFB), which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced the launch of the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses E-library.

The online portal, developed in cooperation with the Family Enterprise Foundation (FEF), provides access to almost 2,000 resources, including videos, webinars, articles, podcasts, interactive activities, research reports, and infographics.

It was noted that key regional information is also offered, together with a selection of blended learning programmes designed specifically for family enterprises.

This E-library launch follows the signing of an agreement with the Family Enterprise Foundation to license the use of its resources.

The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses launched in May last year and aims to ensure the growth and sustainability of family businesses in Dubai.

Since its 2023 launch, it has put forward a series of programmes, including:
-The Dubai Family Businesses Leadership Programme, developed in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development,
-The Next Generation Training Programme,
-The Governance Series and
-The Advisors’ Certification Programme.

These programmes are aimed at preparing new leaders, educating family members on key issues, and fostering the growth of family businesses.

The centre has also issued a comprehensive set of toolkits to support family-owned enterprises, which assist companies in designing and developing governance frameworks for a smooth succession process.

1 year ago 0 comments

Food Food & Water Latest News

Plant-Based Meat Company Planted Enters UAE

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Plant-based meat company Planted has announced it has officially entered the UAE and Middle East food service market.

The company shared that it has introduced its presence among key players in the UAE food service and HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) market, with a view to roll out further partners by the end of 2024.

Current Planted partners in the UAE include all locations of restaurant brands such as Nabati and Pizza Di Rocco, as well as supermarket chains like Grandiose Supermarket.

At Nabati, a multi-cuisine vegan restaurant, Planted shared that its products will be incorporated into its Chicken Caesar Salad and Chicken Alfredo.

Elsewhere, at Italian pizzeria Pizza Di Rocco, Planted’s plant-based meat will be used on its Vegan Tikka Pizza.

Meanwhile, at Grandiose Supermarket, Planted products will feature across a number of offerings at the outlet, including:

Plant-based Chicken Shawarma Wrap,
Plant-based BBQ Chicken Ciabatta,
Plant-based BBQ Chicken Pizza,
Plant-based Kung Pau with White Rice and
Plant-based Mexican Chicken with Brown Rice and Salsa.

Pascal Bieri, the Co-Founder and Executive Board Member of Planted, commented: “Our exclusive distribution partnership enables us to access important foodservice markets in the UAE and Middle East region and effectively plan future scaling.

“We are positive about the growth potential for plant-based protein in the Middle East and aim to radically alter the way in which meat is perceived, produced and consumed in the region, while inspiring meat eaters to gradually shift towards eating plant proteins with no sacrifice in terms of taste or usage.”

According to Planted, it aims to partner with other food service entities in the UAE, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, QSRs (Quick-service restaurants), entertainment, and independent operators in the hospitality industry.

1 year ago 0 comments

Environment Latest News

UAE: Nine Globally Significant Key Biodiversity Areas Identified

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the designation of nine globally significant key biodiversity areas (KBA) in the UAE. These areas are of strategic biological importance globally and are home to numerous endangered plants and animals.

Approved by the ‘Key Biodiversity Areas Secretariat,’ the nine newly appointed KBAs include:

The Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Abu Dhabi;
The Marawah Marine Area in Abu Dhabi;
Al Yasat Marine Area in Abu Dhabi;
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai;
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve;
Wadi Al-Helo in Sharjah;
Khor Fakan and Shark Island in Sharjah;
Wadi Al-Bih in Ras Al Khaimah; and
Siniyah Island and and Khor Al Beidah in Umm Al Quwain.

It was shared that the key biodiversity areas play a critical role in protecting biodiversity from extinction and maintaining its stability.

Five of these key sites are fully protected, accounting for an average of 98 per cent of the KBA area coverage by Protected Areas in the UAE.

It was outlined that the designation of KBAs raises:

The mean area that is protected in terrestrial sites important to biodiversity from 51.55 per cent to 98.08 per cent,
The mean area that is protected in marine sites important to biodiversity from 48.61 per cent to 98.17 per cent, and
The average proportion of key biodiversity areas covered by protected areas from 37.59 per cent to 98.13 per cent.

The project is the result of a collaboration between the MOCCAE and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with the designation completed last year, following the global standard for identifying such areas. These sites have now been officially published on the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, commented: “The designation of nine globally significant key biodiversity areas in the UAE is the result of the nation’s initiatives during the Year of Sustainability and its commitment to biodiversity conservation and nature protection. The UAE has demonstrated exceptional endeavours in protecting living creatures from extinction, both locally and globally.”

HE Dr. Al Dahak added: “Such conservation projects in the UAE play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and mitigating the adverse impacts of its depletion. These projects are instrumental in informing and shaping policies that align with the UAE’s economic objectives.

“With growing awareness and dedication, the UAE remains at the forefront of biodiversity protection efforts and is actively working to improve and rehabilitate natural habitats for a wide range of species, benefiting both current and future generations.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Developing Food Food & Water

Shabib A. Bin Shabib Talks Climate Tech and Driving Investment | Interview

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

1 year ago 0 comments

Dubai to Host the GCC’s First-Ever Menopause Summit

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Dubai is set to host the GCC’s first-ever Menopause Summit on October 18 2024. The event is set to gather regional and international experts to spotlight perimenopause and menopause.

Held at the Museum of the Future, the Summit will convene clinicians, healthcare practitioners, legal, HR, and fitness experts, business leaders, facilitators, and advocates to share the latest data and expertise in the field across panel discussions, Q&As, and networking breakouts.

The event organisers shared that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 470 million people globally currently experiencing menopause. Twenty-five per cent of those individuals experience severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives.

“It is time to break the taboo,” commented Sharon James, a women’s wellness coach, menopause educator and co-founder of the Summit.

“For so many years, women have suffered this in silence and things are finally changing. This isn’t a Middle East or GCC problem, it’s something facing women globally and we hope that the more we talk about this, the more women feel heard and seen. Many women cannot function during this time, with sleepless nights and symptoms extending through their entire life, and they need somewhere to turn. We think this is the beginning of that turning point.”

Menopause affects everyone differently but can present challenging physical and psychological symptoms. James noted that the loneliness women go through during this time can be “as debilitating” as the physical symptoms and emphasised the importance of talking about it more openly, building community, and creating a safe space.

Education was also highlighted as essential. Indeed, a recent survey of 254 physicians from the Middle East showed that just 28.8 per cent correctly identified the diagnostic criteria of menopause.

Further, despite 66.2 per cent agreeing that training is critical, 43 per cent claimed to have only had occasional training on menopause, and 19 per cent admitted they had none.

Sophie Smith, Founder of Nabta Health and co-founder of the Summit, said: “Over 80% of women globally feel unprepared for the physical and emotional changes brought on by perimenopause. With the average woman spending over a third of her life post-menopause, it’s critical that we destigmatise this natural transition and provide proper education and support resources.”

Adding: “This event is a hugely positive signal to the healthcare system that menopause is an important issue, and women need to be heard. For both the medical profession and women in the community, having something like this to bring people together is a major turning point in making the menopause visible. It’s a very exciting event to be part of and be involved with something so potentially impactful.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Developing Energy

DNV’s Mohammed Atif on the Evolving Energy Landscape in the UAE & KSA | Interview

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

As climate change continues to heat up, major fossil fuel-producing nations like the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) face mounting pressure to ramp up renewables and jumpstart the regional energy transition. On this journey, these two countries, pegged to become solar leaders, must capitalise on this potential while navigating the broader challenges surrounding the energy transition.

Against this backdrop, ESG Mena’s Hadeer Elhadary spoke to Mohammed Atif, Market Manager – UAE & KSA, Energy Systems at DNV, about how the regional renewable energy landscape is evolving, obstacles to overcome, and DNV’s role in supporting these efforts.

Mohammed, how are the UAE and KSA balancing their reliance on more traditional energy sources with the transition to renewables?

The UAE and KSA currently have a relatively low percentage integration of renewables, but it is growing fast. Traditional energy is mainly gas-fired generation, which can balance the system effectively.

Both countries are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to clean energy plays a crucial role in meeting climate goals, but balancing economic growth with environmental protection is a delicate challenge.

In the future, we expect to see more energy storage and some use of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology, as well as cross-border interconnections to support the big increase in solar PV and wind that is expected in the region.

What are the most promising opportunities for renewable energy growth in these two regions?

The UAE and KSA have a favourable environment for solar energy adoption, energy storage, and green hydrogen production. Regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development will play a crucial role in realising these opportunities.

Solar PV is the main technology suitable for the region, however, there are some limited wind corridors, too. For example, in Dubai, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park has a target of a total of 5 GW planned by 2030. According to ACWA Power, the average capacity factor for onshore wind energy in Saudi Arabia is 35.2%, which is significantly higher than in several European countries.

According to DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2023, the forecast for renewable energy capacity by 2050 is projected to increase from the current 20% share of the global energy mix to 52% by 2050.

What are the biggest challenges facing these two countries in their energy transition journey?

Both countries rely on fossil fuels for their energy needs and revenue. Transitioning away from this dependence is a significant challenge. They need to diversify their energy mix by integrating renewable energy sources while ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting their economies.

It’s important to ensure the grid systems are developed further to integrate renewable energy, electric vehicles and battery storage. Both countries are also keen to ensure they are dominant low-cost and low-emission exporters of hydrocarbons for those industries that still use fossil fuels.

What is the role of DNV in supporting clean energy goals in these countries?

DNV is supporting government single buyer entities with technical specifications and running competitive bidding rounds. This supports arriving at procurement agreements through one mechanism of Public Private Partnerships.

Furthermore, during the final investment decision and construction process, DNV is helping developers with technical assurance and owner’s engineering.

DNV is also involved in supporting customers make decisions with respect to new technologies and the regulatory frameworks required to attract investment into the sector at the most efficient cost.

What are DNV’s key focus areas within the energy value chain in the UAE and KSA?

DNV focuses on supporting the expansion of renewable energy and with digital systems approaches to better integrate more renewable energy.

We maintain support in traditional energy, ensuring activities are planned with the highest level of expertise and safety. We also focus on services to help reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gas leakages.

DNV reinvests 5% of annual revenues into R&D; one example of this output is our Energy Transition Outlook, where we provide our customers with an independent and informed projection of the future energy system.

Finally, DNV supports national regulatory authorities with the development of policies, regulations and standards to assist with achieving and lower carbon energy system.

Can you share any specific projects or initiatives DNV works on in these countries?

DNV is supporting EWEC in Abu Dhabi and DEWA in Dubai with its large-scale procurement program. DNV is also the technical advisor to KSA to support low carbon certification, as an example.

DNV is also highly engaged in supporting these countries with best practice regulations and implementing safety standards and regulations throughout the energy value chain. In both countries we are highly involved in supporting the energy network development and digital system operation policies to facilitate additional renewable capacity into our energy systems.

What role do you expect green hydrogen to play in the region’s future energy strategy?

Green hydrogen is set to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. The Kingdom is actively investing in technologies that enable the production, storage, and transport of hydrogen.

Saudi Arabia is building a $5-8 billion green hydrogen project in NEOM (a futuristic city in the northwest). The project will be powered by renewable energy and is expected to supply 650 tons of carbon-free hydrogen daily.

By Hadeer Elhadary, Lead Journalist, ESG Mena – Arabic

1 year ago 0 comments

Environment Innovation & Education Latest News

CAFU Unveils CEED, Dedicated to Global Reforestation Efforts

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

The Ghaf Tree Project – CAFU has announced the establishment of CEED (CAFU Environmental Engineering for Drylands) as an independent and standalone entity dedicated to global reforestation efforts.

CEED, a climate technology company, seeks to advance robotic and biotech development to combat climate change and address the critical need for reforestation in dryland areas increasingly impacted by it.

CEED will autonomously plant and nurture ecosystems in arid regions, including the use of seedball technology, subsurface planting and integrated irrigation systems to ensure optimal water usage for increased germination and survival rates.

In partnership with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the CEED model is built around six key components:

Leveraging extensive R&D of tree species and seedballs,
Automated seedball production,
Planting location analysis,
Advanced unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs),
Monitored irrigation systems, and
Ongoing biomass monitoring.

The UGV technology enables CEED to plant multiple tree species, creating rich and diverse ecosystems with native plants, supporting resilient ecosystems with better capabilities for withstanding environmental stresses.

CEED will reportedly use its bespoke seedball moulding machine to ensure consistency in the size, shape, and seed content of each seedball, enabling integration with the CEED UGV for efficient mass planting.

“CEED is another example of how we are putting our technological expertise to work for the good of our community. We believe that technology is a catalyst for unlocking powerful ways to make a positive impact. Innovation enables us to meet evolving demands and create a better future, addressing new societal and environmental challenges as they arise,” said Rashid Al Ghurair, Founder and CEO of CAFU.

“We take pride in our transparency and commitment to creating a sustainable future through innovative environmental, social, and governance initiatives – and we will continue to focus on making a lasting impact by using the power of technology for good,” added Al Ghurair.

1 year ago 0 comments