Emirates

EAD targets 20 million reduction in single-use plastic bottles in 2023

ABU DHABI, 12th July, 2023 (WAM) — The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has set the ambitious target of collecting 20 million single-use plastic bottles a year for recycling. This will be achieved, in part, by installing 70 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and 26 Smart Bins in areas with high footfall in the emirate of Abu Dhabi such as the Corniche, Abu Dhabi Airport, sports venues, and malls, as well as academic institutions.

The new bottle return scheme is under the umbrella of EAD’s Mission to Zero public outreach campaign that aspires for the target of zero plastic, zero waste, zero emissions and zero harm to biodiversity, which was launched last year as part of the Single-Use Plastic Policy.

EAD organised a launch event hosted by Al Dar Group in the presence of Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General and a number of EAD key stakeholders in this ambitious initiative. EAD's main partners in this initiative are ADNOC Distribution Company, Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, Aldar, Carrefour, Choithrams, Dgrade Lulu, Nadeera, RECAPP BY VEOLIA and UAE Circular Packaging Association.

During the event, Dr. Shaikha, stated that, “Over the years we have discovered the harm of single-use plastics on land and marine ecosystems, harming our species and taking hundreds of years to disintegrate. Therefore, we launched the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy in 2020 as the first integrated policy in the region. Today, as an extension of this policy we are deploying several incentive-based RVMs as well as Smart Bins that will be installed in strategic locations all across Abu Dhabi in collaboration with our strategic partners who have supported the implementation of the policy from the beginning. Our partners have been instrumental in helping us to implement our policy and have shown unprecedented commitment since we banned single-use plastic bags in main retail outlets last year. We urge all segments of society to join us towards achieving the goals of our policy by nurturing a culture of recycling so that Abu Dhabi is the most liveable city in the world.”

She added, “These innovative RVM machines and Smart Bins will allow the community to place their single-use plastic bottles and aluminium cans for recycling and receive rewards for doing so. We have ensured that they are well located so that they are accessible, minimising the efforts for consumers to find them. We know that incentives are vital in this day and age to encourage consumers to change their behaviour and that is why these RVMs and smart bins will be a great tool for us to nurture a love for recycling by Abu Dhabi residents as a key step to build a circular system and reduce material flow.”

Bertrand Loumaye, Country Manager, UAE, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said, “We, at Carrefour, are honoured to be partnering with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi for the ‘Mission to Zero’ Campaign. We’re committed to installing 18 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and to offering Smart Bins across Carrefour stores in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is at the core of our operations, and this partnership is a testament to our dedication to protecting the environment. With this initiative, our customers can easily recycle their waste and join us in our sustainability journey. We look forward to this next phase, as we continue to work towards Majid Al Futtaim’s ambition of eliminating the distribution of single-use plastic across all its businesses by 2025.”

CEO of Choitrams, Rajiv Warrier said, “We are glad to participate in the Mission to Zero campaign in partnership with Unilever and DGrade. The bottle recovery scheme aligns perfectly with our vision to reduce plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. By encouraging our customers to bring their plastic bottles for recycling, we aim to create a sense of shared responsibility in safeguarding our environment.”

Sara Jackson, Technical Director and Board Member of the Circular Packaging Associations, said, “The Circular Packaging Associations is supporting EAD's Mission to Zero campaign, as part of its commitment to drive a circular economy for packaging in the UAE. In collaboration with the association’s member companies Carrefour, Agthia Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Nestlé, PepsiCo, talabat, Tetra Pak, and Unilever Arabia, and in partnership with YallaReturn by Nadeera Technologies, the association aims to raise awareness and promote the recovery and collection of multi-material packaging, transforming waste into a valuable resource.”

Lulu Group’s CEO, Saifee Rupawala said, “As part of our ongoing efforts, we are actively working towards achieving “zero-carbon emissions” within the group spread across GCC and other parts of the world. We have been involved in various initiatives whether it be awareness through Walkathons or innovative ways of rewarding the recyclers of plastic bottles and aluminum cans through Reverse Vending Machines in retail outlets and malls or promoting reusable bags.”

He reiterated, “As a responsible corporate entity, Lulu Group remains committed to environmental sustainability and collaboration. We believe that a cooperative approach, involving stakeholders, industry peers, and the public, is essential to addressing global challenges effectively.”

He added, “We will continue to explore and implement environmentally friendly alternatives while ensuring that the transition is seamless for our valued customers. By striking a balance between sustainability goals and customer expectations, we aim to maintain our market leadership and contribute positively to the environment.”

On World Environment Day of this year, EAD announced a partnership with ADNOC Distribution to install RVMs in service stations, as well as a partnership with Veolia by RECAPP.

Recently, EAD revealed that more than 172 million single-use plastic grocery bags have been prevented from harming the environment after the ban was proclaimed on 1st June 2022. Within one year, 450,000 single-use plastic bags were being saved each day and retailers logged a dramatic reduction of between 90 to 95 percent in the numbers of plastic bags used. This is real progress, as for each hundred bags consumed at retailers’ cash counters prior to the ban, today only five bags – all reusable – are being taken by consumers.

Mission to Zero was composed of a very visually appealing outdoor campaign on buses, bridges and lamp posts and a series of public activations such as workshops, an intensive SMS campaign in four languages, and a heavy social media campaign.

It also included baqala tours done by youth to educate them on the harms of single-use plastic, a school ‘Pile It Up Campaign,’ which involved a competition between schools as to who could gather the largest number of single-use plastic bottles for recycling, a government BAADR challenge on which government entity reduced the most single-use plastic items and the installation of ‘Big Zeros’ in prime locations in Abu Dhabi where single-use plastic bottles could be placed and then taken for recycling.

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).