Khaled approves over Dhs65b budget for new capital projects

His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has chaired the council’s meeting, during which he approved a budget of over Dhs65 billion for new capital projects and gave directives to advance the Emirati culture and heritage ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Khaled approved a budget of more than Dhs65 billion for 142 new capital projects in Abu Dhabi.

He reaffirmed that such projects are designed to meet the aspirations of citizens. His Highness added that the leadership is continuing to prioritise and activate projects that drive infrastructural development to foster a sustainable community environment and ensure the stability and cohesion of Emirati society.

Sheikh Khaled gave directives to further develop a sustainable cultural heritage ecosystem in the emirate by building on the success of current exhibitions, festivals, and heritage programmes that preserve and reinforce national identity and Emirati cultural heritage among people of all ages, and ensure the integration of Emirati values, customs and traditions into the upbringing of future generations.

He also directed to focus efforts on conserving Emirati heritage and upholding national identity by increasing awareness of national traditions, and by empowering local talent within the sector to help embed UAE cultural heritage among young people.

Sheikh Khaled emphasised that preserving national heritage and fostering Emirati traditions springs from a deep-rooted belief that heritage is essential for building both the present and the future. He added that these measures aim to build a future in which the nation’s cultural heritage is a source of pride and inspiration for all.

Establishing Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled was briefed on plans to establish the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre, which aims to develop a framework for effectively handling hazardous materials. The centre also seeks to ensure coordination among the relevant authorities to further enhance planning and response efforts to manage hazardous materials in line with best international practices.

Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the leadership’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest levels of protection for the community and the environment.

ADDED sustainability report: Measures to reduce emissions and support the UAEs transition to a cleaner, green world have seen a 15 per cent decrease in waste generation from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

ADDED’s commitment to environmentally sustainable standards, including waste and pollution reduction, water and energy conservation and adherence to environmental laws and regulations were all highlighted by the ADDED’s inaugural Sustainability Report 2022.

The report demonstrated a 15 per cent reduction in total waste generated in 2022, along with 6.65 tonnes of waste recycled, a 78 per cent increase over the previous year. The report also highlighted a 7 per cent decrease in electricity intensity (KWh/employees) and a 2 per cent reduction in overall electricity consumption over 2021. This and other measures led ADDED to be awarded the Green Business Network (GBN) Award for its solid commitment to sustainability.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP), a single-window platform offering trade services and covering the entire trade ecosystem, demonstrated a 9.3 kilotonnes/year reduction in CO2 emissions, while also increasing non-oil trade by 15.6 per cent.

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Under-Secretary of ADDED, said, “We have long been committed to a greener future and our first Sustainability Report reaffirms how we are leading from the front when it comes to supporting the UAE’s transition to a net-zero world. This report not only showcases what we’ve achieved but more importantly what we will continue to do both within ADDED and with our partners to help government and businesses meet their net-zero emissions targets.” Al Blooshi added, “This report demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a future where environmental innovation and economic prosperity come together harmoniously to work towards sustainable development in our communities. This commitment to sustainability is based on strong beliefs and a long history of the wise use of resources and has long propelled us to act responsibly towards the planet for current and future generations.” Covering the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022, the Sustainability Report 2022 outlines ADDED’s operations and contains valuable insights into the Department’s sustainability strategies and goals.

The report is divided into four main sections, covering ADDED’s approach to Sustainability, Environmental Stewardship, Social Commitment, and Governance.

Key ESG highlights from the report include 37 per cent female representation in the workforce; 42.8 per cent SME contribution to Abu Dhabi’s GDP; 59 industries registered for the Industrial Sustainability Programme and Guidelines (ISG); 99 per cent score for cybersecurity maturity; and Silver Award from The British Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).