Emirates

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy signs MoU to implement ‘Building Retrofit Programme’, upgrade energy & Water Efficiency in 39 government buildings

ABU DHABI, 19th January, 2022 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the ‘Building Retrofit Programme to Improve Electricity and Water Efficiency’ across five Abu Dhabi Government entities on the side lines of its activities during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2022.

The MoU falls within the Department’s mandate to enhance energy efficiency and engage all relevant entities in its efforts to improve energy & water demand-side management in the emirate.

The five entities that signed the agreement were the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Department of Education and Knowledge, Department of Health, Department of Community Development, and Abu Dhabi Energy Services, and Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination.

DoE Chairman Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, and Undersecretary Ahmed Mohammed Belajer Al Rumaithi attended the signing of the MoU, along with Amer Hammadi, Undersecretary of the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Abdullah Al Sahi, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the of Department of Community Development, Khalid Mohammed A Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Energy Services (ADES), and Abdullah Abd Al Aali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO)

The MoU aims to accomplish the objectives of the Building Retrofit Programme, which, in turn, targets the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030 to reduce electricity consumption by 22percent and water consumption by 32percent by 2030. The agreement pinpoints 39 government buildings – occupied by the five entities that signed the MoU – to be retrofitted to reduce their overall electricity and water consumption using energy rationing procedures.

"The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is committed to engaging all relevant entities in accomplishing the ambitious objectives of the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030," said Ahmed Al Rumaithi. "We aim to promote the Building Retrofit Programme – which originates from the strategy – to establish an eco-friendly network of buildings that support Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision for a more sustainable future across all key sectors."

"We are confident in our ability as one group spanning the entire Emirate of Abu Dhabi to create a pioneering new model for expediting sustainability initiatives, particularly in terms of energy efficiency," Al Rumaithi added. "This, in turn, supports the Abu Dhabi Energy Sector and its efforts to preserve natural resources and protect the environment in the emirate."

Amer Hammadi, Undersecretary of the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, said: "We are committed to dedicating all our efforts to support the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy in achieving the objectives of its Building Retrofit Programme, which is set to notably enhance the efficiency of energy and water consumption in our buildings, ultimately cutting government expenditures and enhancing resource sustainability for future generations, in line with the strategic objectives of the Abu Dhabi Government."

Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, noted: "Sustainability has always been and remains a major focal point of the wise leadership’s efforts to create a sustainable and better future for all. As part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, we applaud the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy for its efforts to promote sustainability.

For its part, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is pleased to be adopting effective energy conservation measures to reduce electricity and water consumption in our buildings, which will help enhance sustainability, preserve resources, ensure a better future for generations to come, and empower leaders of tomorrow to sustain the momentum of development in the UAE for the next 50 years."

Abdullah Al Sahi, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, stressed that Abu Dhabi Government consistently applies the highest standards of sustainability in all its operations, working together with all relevant authorities.

Dr Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at the DCD, said: Our MOU is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 that comprises dual focus areas – pragmatic thresholds and idealistic sustainability values – as well as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, unsustainable consumption and climate change remain some of the biggest challenges for humanity, and it is our responsibility to contribute towards creating a more sustainable world. But we cannot do it alone. Everyone has a role to play in creating a sustainable reality.

Dr Al Hyas added: Even though high consumption of energy and water is often linked with harsh weather conditions that we live in, it is still possible to reduce usage significantly that will benefit everyone individually and collectively. It will help save our environment which, in turn, will help us live healthier and better lives, while it will enable the government to save money that could be allocated to various developmental projects. The MOU can achieve its objective only by bringing about a behavioral change, the drive is part of our ongoing effort to establish the foundations of environmental sustainability and support the sustainable development of Abu Dhabi by using electricity, water, and natural resources sensibly, to ensure their sustainability for generations to come.

Abdullah Abd Al Aali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) said: ‘The collaboration between the ZHO and Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) comes under the framework of the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy (DSM) 2030 launched in 2019 – a government initiative to rehabilitate government buildings to improve energy and water efficiency. The main objective of the programme is to reduce the total electricity and water consumption of buildings by adopting energy rationalisation measures to preserve vital resources for future generations.

The MoU sets out a pathway for us to implement sophisticated energy and water efficiency systems for our energy and water facilities. Under the terms of the agreement, the ZHO will embrace a more sustainable method of operation by identifying ways to reduce energy and water consumption in all our buildings in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra."

Khalid Mohammed A Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Energy Services (ADES), said: "The signing of the cooperation agreement with DoE falls under the company's strategy as the Emirate’s energy services market. At Abu Dhabi Energy Services, we reaffirm our commitment to the importance of rationalizing energy and water consumption within the integrated vision of the Emirate's Government. We are fully prepared to launch these projects with our partners in the government sector to enhance consumption efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve environmental sustainability goals."

"This Memorandum of Understanding constitutes an additional step for the Department of Municipalities and Transport to reflect its long-term strategy for comprehensive and sustainable planning. This will be achieved through participation in the energy and water rationalisation initiative in five buildings of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, along with working with the Abu Dhabi Energy Services' team to explore further possible solutions for energy rationalization across all of the Department's facilities and provisions. In addition to developing regulations and policies that follow sustainability standards, we are fully aligned and committed to achieving the wise vision of the UAE’s leaders and the aspirations of the people of Abu Dhabi to preserve the environment and our natural resources for future generations."

As per the Memorandum of Understanding, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy will finance the Building Retrofit Programme at government facilities, while the projects implementations will be carried out by Abu Dhabi Energy Services company, which will contribute to reducing expenses and meeting sustainability goals.

The MoU calls on the company to extend its services and expertise in energy efficiency to all participating government entities, in addition to training government employees.

The agreement also includes implementing the Building Retrofit Programme in 39 buildings and compiling data from government entities on past and present energy consumption levels, as well as data on systems, services, and operations. Areas of cooperation also include facilitating access to select buildings and implementing maintenance procedures recommended by Abu Dhabi Energy Services, including energy conservation measures that reduce total energy consumption in the entities covered by the MoU.

The Building Retrofit Programme is one of nine programmes under the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalization Strategy 2030.

It aims to drive significant cost reductions while enhancing system reliability and benefitting the environment, in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s vision and strategies for sustainability.

The department completed the first pilot project on the energy-saving performance contract system with the aim of raising energy efficiency and consumption and rehabilitating eight government buildings in early 2020.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy completed the Emirate’s first Energy Saving Performance Contracting (ESPC) pilot project to promote efficient energy consumption and retrofit eight government buildings in early 2020. The DoE also organised a workshop on the ‘Energy & Water Efficiency Policy for Government in June 2020 targeting 20 government entities. The workshop sought to move forward with the Policy’s objectives, providing the necessary training to manage energy in the government sector.

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).