Emirates

Masdar continues to strengthen its leading stature in clean energy sector

ABU DHABI, 1st January, 2022 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is continuing to strengthen its leading stature in the clean energy sector and help drive the sector’s development, in line with the directives of the UAE’s leadership to promote clean technology and renewable energy solutions on a large scale, as well as support the global efforts to address climate change, and implement the country's strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

In 2021, Masdar reinforced its position as a pioneer in the clean energy sector through the signing of a strategic agreement between TAQA, Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), under which each will own a stake in Masdar. The step is aimed at developing a global investment portfolio in renewable energy and green hydrogen, with a current production capacity of over 23 gigawatts of renewable energy, making Masdar one of the largest companies of its kind in the world.

The company has also launched commercial projects and activities as part of a long-term strategy aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come, as well as supporting the UAE's economic and social development goals, in line with the 'Principles of the 50'.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said the company has achieved many successes in 2021 and continued its leading efforts to promote clean energy, in line with the vision of the country’s leadership to address climate change, encourage innovation and achieve sustainable development, as well as adopt business models that generate larger future proceeds.

Al Ramahi added that the company’s projects and investments in the past year had expanded to some 40 countries around the world, with a total value of over US$20 billion and a total capacity of 14 gigawatts, boosting its position as a leading global investor in renewable energy projects, sustainability and new technologies, and a supporter of the international efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

In 2021, Masdar inaugurated several solar and wind energy plants and signed a number of agreements to support future projects in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the US, Uzbekistan, Poland, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Greece.

In August 2021, Masdar inaugurated the Nur Navoi solar power plant in Uzbekistan, which has a production capacity of 100 megawatts and is the first photovoltaic solar power plant in Uzbekistan.

Masdar and the Taaleri SolarWind II fund also co-own two wind energy projects in Poland, after announcing, in January, that they had acquired 50 percent stakes each in both projects, which were their first investments in the Polish renewable energy sector.

In February, Masdar announced the completion of the first phase of the agreement to acquire a 50 percent stake in a 1.6-gigawatt clean energy portfolio in the US from EDF Renewables North America, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mubadala, Masdar and Ukraine's DTEK to explore the investment potential of Ukraine's clean energy sector.

The company is also continuing the construction of the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm project in Saudi Arabia, which has been connected to the main electricity network. Additionally, Masdar is leading a project development consortium, comprising EDF Renewables and Nesma, which are jointly developing a 330-megawatt solar power plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In 2021, Masdar signed several partnership and investment agreements aimed at launching diverse clean energy projects, including an agreement with the Armenian National Interests Fund to develop a solar power project with an overall capacity of 400 megawatts, in addition to an agreement with the Armenian government to develop a photovoltaic solar power plant with a capacity of 200 megawatts.

Masdar also signed an agreement with the Tribe Infrastructure Group, which specialises in infrastructure consultations and development, to establish a joint venture aimed at waste-to-energy projects in Australia.

Masdar signed an agreement with the Ministry of Electricity and the National Investment Authority in Iraq to develop five solar power projects in various regions in the country, with a total capacity of 1 gigawatts. It also signed a partnership agreement with electricity utility company PTP Jawa-Bali, a subsidiary of Indonesia's state power utility company, to develop the Shirata floating solar photovoltaic plant, the first of its kind in Indonesia, with a production capacity of 145 megawatts. In addition, the company signed an agreement with Pertamina Power Indonesia, a subsidiary of Indonesia's national oil and gas company, to explore opportunities to develop onshore and floating photovoltaic solar power plants and utilise clean energy technologies.

March 2021 saw the signing of an MoU between Masdar and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) to explore opportunities for collaborations and joint investments in renewable energy projects in Asia, including Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

In Greece, Masdar signed an agreement with Taaleri Energia to develop a 65-megawatt photovoltaic solar power plant through Masdar-Taaleri Generation (MTG). This project is Masdar's first investment in the Greek market.

Masdar also forged an agreement with the Ethiopian government to develop solar power projects in various areas of the country, with an overall capacity of 500 megawatts.

In April 2021, it announced the signing of an agreement to develop the first photovoltaic solar power plant in Azerbaijan, with an overall capacity of 230 megawatts, the first independent solar power project funded by foreign investment in the country.

Meanwhile, Mubadala, ADNOC and ADQ formed the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance, to produce hydrogen using natural gas and renewable energy and market it overseas, as well as in the UAE. Under the framework of this alliance, Masdar joined the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Etihad Airways, the Lufthansa Group, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Siemens Energy and Marubeni in an initiative to establish a pilot plant project in Masdar City that aims to explore opportunities in green hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and kerosene production from electricity for transportation, shipping and aviation.

Masdar, ADNOC and British Petroleum also signed strategic cooperation agreements to construct two clean hydrogen centres in the UAE and the UK, with each having an initial production capacity of 1 gigawatt.

In the field of sustainable urban development, Masdar City continued its expansion in 2021 as a pioneering hub for research and development initiatives in Abu Dhabi. It has a group of major partners and projects involved in technology, research and development, as well as institutions and companies concerned with promoting sustainability and leading innovations and technology.

In 2021, the city’s free zone attracted more companies, which include international, medium, small and startup companies, all of which have proven their commitment to promoting sustainability and developing innovations to establish a sustainable community. The city is now home to over 1,000 companies.

In August 2021, the Masdar City Free Zone launched a new range of options for businesses, in addition to a range of options dedicated to female entrepreneurs, aimed at supporting the growth of businesses managed by women in the UAE.

The city is also encouraging entrepreneurship through the Technological Innovation Support Unit, which is the first business accelerator unit for emerging companies specialising in sustainability in the Middle East.

Masdar started 2021 by holding a virtual training course during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which is hosted annually by Masdar in Abu Dhabi. The week’s events were held remotely via video conferencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and focused on ways of achieving green recovery throughout the world.

Masdar is preparing to host a new edition of ADSW from 15th to 19th January, 2022, and the inauguration event is set to take place at Expo 2020 Dubai, along with the honouring of the winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, as part of a collaboration underscoring the joint efforts of ADSW and Expo 2020 Dubai to promote the global sustainability agenda, which will enhance the stature of the UAE in the area of climate change.

ADSW 2022, which will be attended by leaders, ministers, decision-makers and experts, will include the ADSW Summit, IRENA’s General Assembly meeting, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum, the Women’s Forum for Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy, a Youth Centre for Sustainability, and the Innovate initiative, in addition to the forums and exhibitions of the World Future Energy Summit.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a leading global award launched by the UAE to encourage innovative sustainability solutions managed by Masdar, said it received 4,000 applications from 151 countries to participate in its 2022 edition, setting a new record in terms of the number of applicant countries.

In 2021, a global initiative of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, entitled "Beyond 2020", continued to provide effective solutions and technologies to several remote communities around the world, in line with the UN's sustainable development goals, aimed at promoting comprehensive and sustainable development.

2021 also saw Masdar receive several awards and tokens of recognition for its projects that are based in many countries. The company was recognised as the "Energy Company of the Year" for the third time at the prestigious Gulf Business Awards 2021, having previously won the award in 2016 and 2017.

Furthermore, Masdar received the coveted "Award of Excellence-Power" at the S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards 2021, surpassing companies from the entire energy sector and demonstrating once more its leadership in clean energy.

In the area of sustainable urban development, Phase II of the sustainable residential complex project in Masdar City received the "Rethinking the Future Award 2021". In the field of clean energy, the Al Dhafra Solar PV plant project was awarded the title of the "Best Utility Scale Project" by the Middle East Solar Industry Association.

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).