The Sustainabilist - Explore the Natural State by Dubai Carbon

The Sustainabilist ISSUE 15

Explore the Natural State

STATE OF SEARCH

THE SILK ROAD

Analysis of GCC’s Airlines Linked to Passenger Experience

ISBN 978 - 1978357310

Dubai’s Green Gateway to the World

TAKING ELECTRIC RIDES

LEADING CLIMATE FRONT

Green Vehicles for a Cleaner Environment

Exploring the Dutch Transition DNA WWW.THESUSTAINABILIST.AE WWW.THESUSTAINABILIST.AE

Issue 15 | May 2019

Letter from the Editor in Chief

n his Fifty-Year Charter, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, included the Dubai Silk Road as part of his nine principles. For centuries, the territory that has become the United Arab Emirates has been a connecting point between East and West, North and South. In contemporary times, being a global hub requires a lot of responsibility.

Eng Waleed Bin Salman Chairman Dubai Carbon

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The Sustainabilist is published by Dubai Carbon. Articles reprinted in this issue are copyrighted 2019 by Dubai Carbon. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of Dubai Carbon is expressively prohibited. Printed by: Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing LLC P.O. Box - 5613, Dubai, UAE. Nothing in this magazine shall be taken as technical or advice and DCCE waives any liability with respect to any representations made.

According to a global study published last year in “Nature Climate Change”, global tourism produces about eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, much more than previous estimates. It is the responsibility of the entire ecosystem to come together and innovate ways in which we can practice tourism in a mindful and sustainable manner. On the one hand, Dubai is eager to welcome over 20 million tourists annually by 2020, especially in preparation for Expo 2020. But we are not aiming to achieve these numbers at the cost of a high carbon foot print. Technology and innovation are providing support in reducing energy and water consumption. Dubai Airports has committed to a seven-year retrofitting programme to reduce its energy consumption by 20% per year, having already achieved total energy savings of 5.17 million kWh across Dubai International and Dubai World Central – the equivalent of powering 235 households for an entire year, in 2016. As leaders, we are meant to provide inspiration. Dubai Sustainable Tourism, in partnership with Dubai Electricity

and Water Authority released last year a 12-step guide, to promote sustainable practices within internal operations for the hospitality industry, in order for the active players in the industry to reduce their water and energy consumption and manage their waste in a more mindful manner. As Dubai is implementing its vision of becoming a Smart City, it is focusing on Smart Tourism, making sure that every touchpoint is enabled by technology and innovation in order to drive a more meaningful engagement and a memorable experience. Across the UAE, we are proudly observing a common vision for sustainability, with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority revealing their new strategy, with a care for the environment at its core and with Al Ain, the home of late Sheikh Zayed, Founder of our nation, providing the opportunity to experience greenery and also the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre (Al Ain Zoo), the first building in the UAE to earn a rating of five pearls in sustainability accreditation at the Design & Construction stage. Our commitment has always been consistent and long-term. As we welcome more and more visitors to our unique country, we are mindful of the touristic experiences we are enabling for them, and for the citizens, and residents and we are providing the space for them to be aware of their impact on the environment and ways they can reduce their carbon footprint.

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Oman’s National Transport Company (Mwasalat) have signed an agreement adding new bus stations and routes connecting the two cities on Monday. Mwasalat had allocated three buses equipped with the latest safety and technology features - including free WiFi on board and can accommodate up to 50 passengers.

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Dubai-Muscat bus trip to be linked to 3 Metro stations

circular economy perspective, the latter is more viable from both a resource consumption pattern and the circular life of resources.

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The app provides images and videos from 35 of the UAE’s 43 protected areas, compiled from 700 hours of footage shot on land, air and underwater, including mangroves, dunes and lush wadis. It features two reserves from Abu Dhabi and Ajman, five from Fujairah, 11 from Sharjah and 15 from Abu Dhabi.

We have considered recycled paper, however to do that successfully, we would have to use twice as much recyclable paper, which would actually increase our emissions. Therefore, we use normal paper, but offset it. Under a

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The free e-book and app are part of the Ministry’s National Ecotourism, to raise awareness of the UAE’s stunning landscape and wildlife, which has adapted to the region’s unique and extreme climate.

t Dubai Carbon, we offset our resources used through our UAE-generated credit. A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for or to offset an emission made elsewhere. This approach, despite being more complex, is more beneficial in the long run as it has a 6x multiplier for green economy and green GDP.

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Ministry of Climate Change and Environment showcases UAE’s ecotourism sites in new app and e-book

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FEATURE

Wadi Wurayah - UAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Biosphere Reserve The prestigious accolade is awarded by UNESCO for protected areas that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature and promote sustainable development.

iosphere Reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Wadi

Al-Wurayah Reserve is regarded as an ideal example of a freshwater environment in a mountainous area in an otherwise arid zone. It is also characterised by its unique geological and hydrological systems, not only supporting water storage, but also a

rich biodiversity of global significance. In a statement released on the occasion of receiving the prestigious recognition, HE Dr Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, declared: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our commitment to nature

Issue 15 | May 2019

commenced with the founding father of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave time, effort and resources to caring for this country’s magnificent environment. He shaped the path we continue to take till this day in preserving the natural beauty of the UAE.” HE Dr Al Zeyoudi also noted that assigning Wadi Wurayah as a Biosphere Reserve is a recognition of its unique characteristics as a natural wonder of the UAE. Wadi Wurayah is the second protected area in the UAE to receive this recognition after Marawah Marine Protected Area. He emphasised that the country’s leadership is working to position the UAE as a leading global ecotourism hub, as it possesses all key elements to become an ecotourism destination of choice. Known as the UAE’s first national park, Wadi Wurayah is a rare area definied by its rich biodiversity. Situated in the Emirate of Fujairah, the biosphere reserve consists of a water catchment area in an arid climate that is part of the Hajar mountain range. The wadi hosts a rich fauna and flora endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, being home to 81 bird species, 20 mammal species, at least nine reptile and amphibian species and 467 invertebrates. Some of the rarest animals in the world roam freely at Wadi Wurayah, including the Blanford’s fox, Arabian leopards, mountain gazelles, caracals, the Omani owl and the rarest of them all – the urothemis thomasi dragonfly. It was thought to be extinct until 2013, the first time it had been sighted since 1957. The site supports 11 threatened species of mammals and birds, such as the Arabian Tahr and the endangered Egyptian Vulture. The Wadi Wurayah National

Park is a rich archaeological site with 29 heritage sites such as Islamic graveyards, petroglyphs and settlements dating as far as the Iron Age (1,300-500BC). The last local family left the area in 1981. Occasionally, locals venture to the site to collect medicinal plants, wild honey and fodder for livestock. It is one of the last Emirati places where traditional farming practices are still maintained. The Wadi Wurayah project started in 2006. The Wadi Wurayah National Park was formally created in 2009 by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah. In the same year, Wadi Wurayah was declared the first Mountain Protected Area in the UAE. A National Ecotourism Project which was announced by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment listed Wadi Wurayah as a destination to be promoted to tourists. In 2010, the environmental organisation Ramsar - the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources - named it one of five UAE sites on its List of Wetlands of International Importance. In 2013 and 2014, researcher Gary Feulner, whose own investigations of the area began in the late 1980s, finalised his detailed baseline study in 2013 and 2014. The survey of the plants of the Wadi Wurayah National Park (WWNP) showed that the area is home to over 25% of all plant species known in the UAE and adjacent parts of Northern Oman. As a result of his work and of earlier records, Feulner identified a total of 202 native plant species within the area of the park. These include eight species which are regional endemics, only known from the UAE and adjacent areas of Oman. In all,

just over 800 plant species have so far been identified in the UAE. Initial studies of the plants to be found in the area were carried out in the 1980s. At that time, the area was described in the first book on the plants of the UAE as being “wild and almost inaccessible.” “Wadi Wurayah is justifiably acclaimed for its scenic beauty and its exceptional biodiversity,” Feulner said. “By virtue of its large size and its relative abundance of permanent (surface) water, it is home to a high proportion of the plant and animal species that can be found in the Hajar Mountains of the UAE. Wadi Al Wurayah is a positive example where conservation includes multiple stakeholders to achieve the objectives of sustainable development.

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Issue 15 | May 2019

COVER STORY

Marcel Beukeboom, Ambassador for Climate Change, Kingdom of the Netherlands For The Netherlands sustainability has many definitions. As one of the world’s leading trading nations it looks at trade and investment with a long-term perspective. With two-thirds of its land at or below sea level, it also designs its coastal protection and water management with a horizon that stretches centuries. The characteristic houses along Amsterdam’s canals were built over 400 years ago. Built to last. Sustainability also touches people’s everyday live. The last landfill in The Netherlands closed decades ago, making recycling part of the daily routine. The country has more bicycles than people, and its public transport is fine-meshed. In short, sustainability seems to be a part of Dutch DNA. 9

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

Marcel Beukeboom is the Dutch Ambassador for Climate Change. We ask him what sustainability means for him.

ustainability is the most important issue of our time. It has a direct link with climate change. Global warming threatens the way of life we have become used to. We know there is a direct link with this life style, dependent as it is on fossil fuels. We also know that solutions have to be found in changing our energy system, our food system, basically our whole societies. Can we transform these in such a way that they can be sustained in the long run? How does the Dutch population react? Are they willing to change? The Netherlands has been on a sustainability path for several decades already. Cities have become cleaner, the use of pesticides has come down considerably, open water is at its cleanest ever. And, of course, the Dutch are used to take the greenest mode of transportation by nature: the bike! When it comes to the current climate- and energy transition you cannot say there is one single Dutch attitude. Many people are worried about what the future might bring, and willing to contribute. After the last elections a vast majority in parliament supported a Climate Act, with long-term targets. Many entrepreneurs look at their supply chains and the ecological footprints of their products, often incentivised by consumer demand. At the same time people are worried about the costs of insulating their homes, or potentially higher energy bills. How do you approach this challenge? Is there a central plan? We have done this in typical Dutch

fashion, with multi-stakeholder involvement, the so-called polder model. Directly after the last elections, so-called climate-tables have been formed. NGOs, private sector representatives, academics and other stakeholders gathered around five major themes: industry, mobility, energy, agriculture and housing. They drafted a detailed climate agreement with over 600 concrete measures, that, once implemented, will get us on a pathway towards 49% carbon reduction in 2030, and 95% in 2050. Can you give us a few concrete examples of these measures?. All coal-fired power plants will be closed before 2029, even the ones that were built in 2014. We are investing heavily in windfarms on the North Sea. Many cities have made plans to reduce the number of houses with a connection to the gas grid and all office buildings need an energy label C after 2023, which means that all offices need to prove that they are becoming more energy efficient. Sustainability should be affordable for all and financing needs to be viable for all as well so new funding schemes will be introduced; not just for those who currently cannot access such schemes. One of the government goals is to commit to cost price reduction that adds to an affordable and CO2 free energy system in the near future. We also see that more and more people drive electric cars. This is stimulated by governmental subsidies and a fast expansion of charging points. In addition to this, an aviation tax will be introduced amongst other measures. Which of these measures had the biggest impact on the economy of The Netherlands? The subsidies that have stimulated investment in wind energy resulted in a

steep drop in the price per kWh. This meant that the next auctions could be announced without subsidy, still attracting enough private investment to sell all concessions. I think you can call this a tipping point that has changed the energy landscape. The Netherlands is known as an innovative country. Has climate change led to new innovations? Oh yes, definitely, ranging from multinationals like DSM who have come up with a product that can reduce methane

Issue 15 | May 2019

emissions from livestock to start-ups inventing complete new solutions. The Netherlands has always had a battle with water in a way, and given the size of the country, innovations are particularly important in terms of our food production. Together with Wageningen University we champion new research in terms of vertical farming but also draught resistant crops. Potatoes that grow in soils with increased salination, water efficient closed plant production systems and techniques in the nexus of food, water and energy are examples of this innovation. Many of

these ideas are also already being used internationally. Through our technical universities, the Netherlands is able to combine new research and developments with the private sector to develop new innovations. These innovations are also translated to the UAE via Dutch companies, with the Al Dahra-Baywa greenhouses in Al Ain working with 8 Dutch companies to produce clean tomatoes where the water is 100 recylced, or the Pure Harvest facility, developed with Dutch technology from Certhon and 6 other Dutch agri-food companies.

You have recently visited the UAE. What brought you to the country? I was invited by HE Minister Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi to join one of the SDG Councils, in this case for SDG 13, Climate Action. The UAE has taken the initiative to set up a unique interdisciplinary network of decision makers from governments, international organisations, academia, and the private sector that shares innovative practices and discusses the creative implementation of the17 SDGs at national and global levels. The Netherlands and the UAE

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Expo 2020 Dubai and its chosen theme connecting minds, creating the future is an important event in their approach to fighting climate change. The fact that so many countries participate and contribute to positive change will be a driver towards sustainability. A nice initiative worth mentioning is the fact that Dubai Municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) to transform all 262 municipality buildings from conventional lighting into energy efficient lighting via the Dubai Lamp, the world’s most energy efficient lightbulb that was developed in partnership with Dubai Municipality.

What makes UAE stand out in terms of fighting climate change? What initiatives implemented by the UAE do you think would work in your country and vice versa? The UAE stands out in their bold and fast forward thinking goals in terms of fighting climate change. Dubai for example, has shown tremendous leadership in spearheading initiatives such as innovation week, especially to improve the quality of life of its residents. The fact that the UAE has been chosen to organise the 12

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The UAE stands out in their bold and fast forward thinking goals in terms of fighting climate change

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both have the ambition to lead from the front, encouraging other countries to also increase their climate ambition. Joining forces as relatively smaller countries helps to amplify this message. Together we accomplish more than alone.

If you compare the two countries you will see similarities and differences though. In the Netherlands there is a sense of urgency to make changes in regards to sustainability, however, it is sometimes more difficult to quickly implement due to the many stakeholders involved. In a similar way to the UAE, we are integrating climate change into the government structure, reporting directly to the Minister of Economy and Climate policy, highlighting the importance of the combination and integration of both subjects. The Dutch stand out because of their boldness, the UAE stands out of their boldness too. We should work together more and learn from each other. As a bike fanatic, during my last visit to Dubai, I took the opportunity to test one of the bike paths in the desert and it was a great experience. However, I think it would be nice to see an extension of bicycle paths so that in the winter months, people can use their bikes for more than just recreational use. And wouldn’t it be nice to have a recycle bottle cap bicycle path here as we have in the Netherlands?

Issue 15 | May 2019

FEATURE

The Sound of Sustainability

s we plan for the next large gathering of db-thirsty clients, the entertainment industry is required to meet and exceed the expectations of its clientele. Any music events, day club gathering and simply gourmet frenzies are also under the lens of the community. The checklist is there and slowly being implemented, yet as the iconic Palm Jumeirah houses Playa Nomade, expectations also need to be aligned with the uniqueness of the environment. It is important to showcase that any location, no matter how stunning, are influencing their respective catchment areas. Specifically, the management of this

venue has been fostering a community of sustainability practitioners to develop and evolve the concept to meet and challenge conventional best practices. Playa Nomade does not only want to be known for its international music stars and DJs featured during the weekend, but also for having attracted equally relevant expertise to develop a functional concept. The overall experience must not deter but rather pleasantly surprise and enhance their interaction with the environment. Avoiding single use plastics is a great way to start, as well as sourcing locally and ethically. But this is the new benchmark, and as such no longer newsworthy. Conceptualising an eco-experience along Playa Nomade is the challenge on hand and allowing the community to participate is a key fundamental. This is exactly what

this incredible venue is planning. Leverage the collective power of its stakeholders and followers to create a more interactive platform that meets their entertainment expectations whilst embracing the reality of the venue itself. Playa, Spanish for beach, is part of the DNA and emphasises a commitment to the environment. Over the next weeks, the management will undertake rigorous due-diligence and resource audits and identify a calendar to challenge the crowds to solve common industry challenges in an innovative manner. Dinesh Nanhooa, GM of Playa Nomade invites the sustainability community to use social media to reach out and get involved.

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

#THEGREENECONOMIST

Investing in Tourism A Journey, not a Destination By Ivano Iannelli CEO, Dubai Carbon

As the tourism industry is one of the greatest contributors to the UAE’s economy, it is only natural that initiatives are put in place to enable the sector to continue to grow, in a sustainable manner.

ccording to data from the UAE Government, in 2016, the direct contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the UAE’s GDP was AED 68.5 billion (US$ 18.7 billion) which is equivalent to 5.2 per cent of the total GDP. It is forecast to rise by 5.1 per cent per annum from 2017 to 2027 to AED 116.1 billion (US$ 31.6 billion) which would be equivalent to 5.4 per cent of the total GDP in 2027. Investment in the travel and tourism sector was AED 26.2 billion (US$ 7.1 billion) which amounted to 7 per cent of the total investments made. It is forecast to rise by 11 per cent per annum over the next 10 years to AED 74.5 billion (US$ 20.3 billion) in 2027 which would be 11.2 per cent of the total investments. One of the initiatives taken by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism or DTCM) will enable those investments to rise and 14

to be allocated in a sustainable manner. Dubai will waive bank guarantees required to set up tourism companies as part of an initiative to lower the cost of doing business and to attract investments that align with government initiatives to stimulate the economy. This move will exempt more than 2,000 travel and tour operators from providing bank guarantees worth a total of about US$ 68 million and free up capital to reinvest in their businesses. “As we head into 2019 with a commitment to significantly boost tourism arrivals in line with our 20222025 tourism strategy and vision to make Dubai the world’s most visited destination, relaxing regulations in support of the business community, especially supporting start-ups and small/ medium-size enterprises, is fundamental for sustained sector growth,” said Dubai Tourism Director General, HE Helal Saeed Almarri.

It also speaks volumes that DTCM is part of the Dubai team initiative also announced earlier this year, for global promotional missions to five countries and ten cities this year. The initiative falls in line with its continuing efforts to promote investment opportunities and to strengthen its existing ties with the leading global cities, which attracted foreign investment projects worth AED17.76 billion to the emirate in the first half of 2018. Investments are needed in the tourism sector, as sustainability is starting to play a key role in the operations, concept and marketing sides of the businesses. Ecotourism, smart tourism and commitments to reduce energy and water consumption, as well as waste, are driving innovation and the inception of new projects which need to be supported. Tourists are ready to do their part as well. According to data from a Booking.com report released in 2018, 67 per cent of travelers would be willing to spend at least 5 per cent more on their travel to ensure it was as low impact on the environment as possible. Together, entities from governments to individuals can create a thriving ecosystem, financially and sustainably.

Issue 15 | May 2019

FEATURE

State of Search in MENA Airlines Industry

Analysing the GCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major air carriers in order to assess the overall organic visibility online for each brand and whether the increasingly positive passenger experience offered by these carriers is replicated online. By Naguib Toihiri Head of Marketing, RBBi

effect for airlines, with features such as Google Flights, the Knowledge Graph, and Google City Guides, making it easy for travellers to quickly access all the travel information they need.

The majority of travellers in the region use a search engine as their first starting point for travel information. 60% of leisure travellers, for example, use search engines to initiate their search for travel information. The online customer experience has been dramatically enhanced over the last five years through the development of new services and features. These updates have a significant

The profile of the MENA airline industry has increased significantly over the past decade. Middle Eastern airlines are now viewed as some of the most luxurious, prestigious and modern carriers in the skies. As there is no recent research into search marketing for airlines in MENA, as an agency based in the GCC, Red Blue Blur Ideas (RBBi) conducted a case study called the State of Search in MENA Airlines Industry, which analyses the GCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major air carriers in order to assess the overall organic visibility online for each of these brands and whether the increasingly positive passenger experience offered by these carriers is replicated online.

n recent years, traveller behaviour has shifted dramatically with the Internet, especially when it comes to booking a trip. Prior to this, travellers would go to their nearest travel agency and pay any fare which the agency had set at that moment. The digital space is now considered by many to be the main arena where airlines, online travel agencies, travel bloggers and airline review sites compete with one another for top ranking positions.

The study has revealed some really interesting data that can help players in the aviation industry as well as other brands that present online improve their online visibility and build loyal relations and perfect experience with their customers. For example, the study shows that the majority of all travellers in the MENA region (60 % of leisure and 55% of business travellers) use a search engine as their first port of call for travel information. Travel brands that are not present at this crucial stage of the user journey risk losing out on bookings. It is also interesting that when looking for travel information, travellers in the region mainly use their mobile devices. Approximately 60% of searches for destination information come from mobile devices. The UAE & Saudi Arabia 15

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

Not many brands know that Google will soon release a mobile-first index update that will negatively impact all non-mobilefriendly websites. Any website that does not properly function on a mobile device will rank lower on search engine results pages, while mobile friendly websites are favoured with a higher rank in a user’s search results. Despite mobile being the preferred device for searching for travel information and making bookings, only two brands from the top 10 Middle Eastern airlines have fully mobile-friendly websites (Etihad.com & flydubai.com). Ensuring websites are as mobile-friendly as possible will enable brands to capitalise on this opportunity. The study also revealed that search engines 16

are increasingly prioritising sites that offer a good user experience, such as shorter page loading times. By reducing image size, minimising resources such as JavaScript files, HTML and avoiding redirections brands can significantly improve their site performance. A comprehensive content analysis showed that only a few airline brands have optimised their URLs using Arabic characters. This represents a significant missed opportunity for Arabic keyword searches online, especially from those searching from the GCC region. Among the UAE airline brands, Etihad secured the top position with integration of Arabic URLs for their most important landing pages, while other brands are also picking up the speed with the adoption of the latest trends.

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Brands shouldn’t underestimate the benefits of image optimisations on their websites as well, as it helps Google understand the content of a website better and rank it higher. One good example to follow is Oman Air, which both correctly filled the alt-tags of their images by describing the content. Going forward, Middle Eastern airlines that want to improve their online visibility should take advantage of such SEO opportunities as: mobile first approach, Arabic content localisation, local search optimisation as well as optimisation of their video presence online. It will help travellers find information about their destinations fast and make decisions easily staying connected with their favourite airline.

60% of leisure travellers, for example, use search engines to initiate their search for travel information.

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have some of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world, so having a mobile friendly website will offer brands there a better user experience, and will allow users to engage more naturally with their websites.

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

The Conservation of The Rare Pearl of Sharjah

Committed to conserving the nation’s natural heritage the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) and Emirates Nature in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature (Emirates Nature-WWF), announced a groundbreaking partnership which will see the three entities working together to support the conservation management of Sharjah’s Sir Bu Nair Island.

he island is one of seven of the UAE’s designated sites of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and is categorised on the UNESCO World Heritage Center’s Tentative List due to its land and marine ecosystems, as well as its habitats being rich in biodiversity. According to UNESCO, the protected island Sir Bu Nair is one of the most important marine protected areas in the UAE for its contents of significant

environmental elements, such as its geological formations, natural flora and marine birds, island characterised by the nature scenery and sandy beaches that have been taken by sea turtles as a center for breeding. Sir Bu Nair is one of the most important hawksbill nesting sites within the entire Arabian Gulf and certainly by far the most important location in the UAE. The new conservation partnership aims to highlight the cultural significance of Sir Bu Nair Island, and has

the potential to elevate this ecologically rich island to the world stage as a scalable model of sustainable marine conservation and management carried out in the UAE. Named after a sheikh of the Al Qasimi family, Sir Bu Nair’s single well provided a vital source of fresh water for seafarers. Once used as a camp for pearl divers between the late 1800s and early 1900s, Sir Bu Nair became known to Emirati poets as the “tear-drop” island of the Arabian Gulf due to its unique circular shape.

Issue 15 | May 2019

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Working together with Emirates Nature-WWF and EMEG, we hope to expand on the conservation efforts of this natural treasure.

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Today, Sir Bu Nair is home to a rich and diverse natural ecosystem with some of the largest and healthiest corals in the UAE. His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, declared Sir Bu Nair Island a protected nature reserve in 2000. Building on the UAE’s existing achievements in marine conservation and management, EPAA, EMEG and Emirates Nature-WWF are uniting to conserve the critically important marine ecosystems on Sir Bu Nair for the benefit of the environment, society and future generations. Commenting on the partnership, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF said, “This partnership with EPAA and EMEG will see us plan and implement innovative conservation solutions for Sir Bu Nair

Island, building on the solid foundations already put in place by our partners and Sharjah Police. It is through visionary and strategic partnerships such as this that we are able to deliver impactful, sciencebased solutions which contribute to a sustainable environment as part of the UAE’s National Agenda 2021.” “Working together with Emirates Nature-WWF and EMEG, we hope to expand on the conservation efforts of this natural treasure and showcase the human, ecological and economic benefits of how government and non-governmental organisations can work together to protect our marine environment. Sir Bu Nair Island is not only significant for Sharjah, but rather, the entire nation; through this partnership we hope to protect its historic, cultural and ecological value”, added Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA in Sharjah.“Emirates Marine

Environmental Group has been involved in several ecological surveys and ongoing monitoring on the Sir Bu Nair Island for 18 years, and we are excited to continue our work with EPAA and Emirates Nature-WWF on the next chapter of conservation management,” expressed Major Ali Saqr Sultan Al Suweidi, President of EMEG. At the beginning of this year, the three local conservationist groups organised a community launch event of the project at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, to raise awareness about the environmental, cultural and traditional significance of Sir Bu Nair island, which lies off the coast of the emirate. At the launch, people were invited to upload images on Instagram using the hashtag #pearlofsharjah. Their images were used to create a digital mosaic of the pearl-shaped island and one of the participants won two tickets to the Sir Bu Nair Festival. “The goal is to use Sir Bu Nair Island as a model for the management of the UAE’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). We also plan to emphasise the socioeconomic and ecological benefits of conserving marine environments. This project will benefit the environment, society and future generations of Emiratis,” EPAA chairperson, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi said on the occasion of the event. The UAE is developing an enviable international reputation for enlightened marine area management. With 15 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) already established, the nation is well on the way to meeting its international commitments under both the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 19

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

Green Practices for Hotels Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) partnered in 2018 to design a series of green best practices for hotels.

ST, part of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), is supporting the Tourism Vision for 2020, which forecasts that Dubai will welcome 20 million visitors per year and tourism’s contribution to Dubai’s economy will triple by 2020. The DST initiative has been developed to make sustainability an intrinsic component of the hospitality and tourism industry in the Emirate. In collaboration with the United Nations, DST has created a carbon reduction strategy to reduce the emirate’s

emissions by 16 per cent by 2021, which will make Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world. In April 2018, during the first focus group and workshop session with hotels, tourism agencies and environmental organisations to review the progress of the DST initiative, Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director of Dubai Tourism, said: “Working in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a sustainable environmental

destination, the credible and feasible sustainability standards and certification schemes are key tools in the transformation of our tourism industry, working in line with the city’s overall clean energy and sustainable development targets. In the coming years, we expect these standards to pave the way forward for Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors to continue to implement innovative standards.” One of the standards that provides strategic tools to encourage cost-effective solutions as well as promote sustainable practices within internal operations,

Issue 15 | May 2019

The list considers the impact of input resources, drivers and output waste, and recommendations for sustainable management: Save electricity and promote energy-efficient ways of illumination by turning off unused lighting across the property. In fact, installing Light Emitting Diodes (LED) or Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) in all the guest rooms further reduces energy consumption and costs. Keep the temperature low across public areas and save energy by keeping shades drawn during the day to avoid absorbing heat from the sun. Set thermostats in guest rooms to 24 degrees Celsius when occupied and in unused rooms to 28 degrees or switch them off completely. Introduce re-fillable water bottles and encourage guests to use these throughout their stay. Ensure the installation of low-flow faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures that can reduce consumption during peak hours (12:00pm to 6:00pm). Equip guest rooms with high-efficiency in-room mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, hairdryers, etc. Avoid placing equipment such as televisions, hair dryers, and lamps close to air conditioning thermostats. The heat from these appliances can affect the thermostat readings and increase energy consumption. Say no to straws, disposable cutlery and other ‘single-use’ products. They are not essential and will only end up on a rubbish dump, or worse in our oceans.

according to a statement released by DST, is a list of green practices for the hospitality industry designed in partnership with DEWA, an entity committed to a long-term sustainable future for the delivery of electricity and water supplies across Dubai. An official statement released at the time mentioned: “It is becoming increasingly imperative for hotels and hospitality establishments to continue to expand their knowledge of sustainability to offer guests more choice when selecting hotels and destinations. This, in turn, can help nurture the sector’s growth with continued guest satisfaction while simultaneously reducing their impact on natural resources”. The practices listed in the government initiative are aimed at increasing awareness about sustainable methods within the hotel industry.

Guests may not always recognise how many resources it takes to have housekeeping launder all of their towels and linens every day of their stay, and a small awareness campaign can put them in the know and engage them in your efforts. Operate washing machines and dryers, at full loads, at the hotel’s laundry area during off-peak hours, between 5 -12 pm from May to September. The staff can also reduce the temperature of water used for laundry from 85 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees. Near the fitness centre, pool, sauna and spa, encourage guests to take only the number of towels they need to reduce their environmental impact. Encourage a comprehensive recycling program throughout the hotel, with hotel information to be displayed on screens rather than paper. Conduct regular community activities focused on environmental conservation, including city clean-up projects and community recycling days in honour of Earth Day and the UAE National Environment Day such as sponsor a city clean-up initiative. Implement sustainability strategies by modifying hotel employee behaviour through ‘Green Champions’ who pave the way for an environmentally friendly facility. Government initiatives drive the vision and provide necessary guidelines for the hospitality industry. It is important for the stakeholders to exceed expectations in implementing these practices through sustainable contributions related to energy and water conservation, waste management, and educating guests about the impact of their stay on the environment, while encouraging them to play their part in practicing more sustainable tourism. 21

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

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The sector needs a growing number of experts, who can continue raising UAE’s profile and make sure that UAE will always be among the leaders in this field. I was and will be always committed to this goal.

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Issue 15 | May 2019

I AM THE SUSTAINABILIST

Maryam Al Balooshi Manager Environment Studies, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

hat was your first job that actually involved sustainability and environmental issues?

In 2006, when I joined the aviation field, I was encouraged to join the Safety team in establishing the operations of the environment field. As a Chemical Engineering graduate, it was a challenging position, as I had nothing to do with aviation other than the production of the jet fuel. The learning process was inspiring and demanding at the same time, but aviation is a field which, after you understand it well, you will always find it to be unique. I hope that the field of aviation environment keeps growing, and that there will be more local experts in this field where they can really have an impact. I challenge myself every day to learn new things in order to serve the industry and country better. I find it very interesting and energising when my role focuses on international initiatives, because this built a lot of my skills and shaped me to be a better professional. My dream, when I joined this sector, mentioned in one of my books, was to become a minister. However, today I believe it is not about the role or the title, but about what you can do. My country gave me the privilege to

represent it and the region in many occasions and this has been my biggest achievement. How did you develop your passion for sustainability and environmental issues? At the beginning of my career in environment, I was an environment officer in “EMARAT” Oil Company. I was taking many different training courses to improve my knowledge. However, I felt that there is something missing in order to achieve a higher level of knowledge and education, in order to continue performing well and improve my work in the oil sector. I decided to start my Post Graduate in Environment Science, with a focus on the oil sector. In the second year, I changed my subject to the aviation sector. I had always believed that the postgraduate is not just a degree, but an opportunity to align your knowledge with your career path. With the support of my advisor, I understood the aviation sector in more depth. Later on, when I moved to GCAA, the role became different and the Director General encouraged me to participate in an internship program with ICAO- Environment Bureau to understand the concept of UN and how to be more focused on developing better policies.

Where do you see your career and commitment to sustainability progressing in the future, both professionally and personally? As the the first Arab female in this field, who was and still is on a journey of learning, I believe it is important for both female and male Emiratis to join this exciting field, which doesn’t involve routine work. The sector needs a growing number of experts, who can continue raising UAE’s profile and make sure that UAE will always be among the leaders in this field. I was and will be always committed to this goal. Why do you think sustainability is important to Dubai and the UAE? Is it something in which we should all be invested? The whole world is moving toward sustainability. UAE is hosting Expo 2020 and one of the main three sub-themes is sustainability. The UAE government is committed to providing everyone living in the country a high-quality standard of lifestyle and safety. These goals are supported through the main agendas, through the several investments UAE is making in different sectors to ensure the balance between the economic growth and the sustainability requirements. 23

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

Taking Electric Rides in Dubai The UAE Government is targeting up to 15 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020 – and a 20 per cent adoption of EVs within its own fleet. Dubai is planning to spend millions of dirhams on incentives to have 42,000 EVs on its streets by 2030.

ubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been investing in transforming the fleet of the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) in their past few years. The RTA is working on a masterplan to curb carbon emissions from the taxi sector by 2 per cent as required by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Green Economy initiative. As part of the strategy, the RTA 24

plans to convert 50 per cent of all Dubai taxicabs into hybrid vehicles by 2021. Hybrid vehicles In August 2017, the RTA procured 554 hybrid taxis. The hybrid vehicles, fitted with a combination of fuel engine and electric motors, constituted at the time about 11 per cent of the fleet of the DTC.

By the end of 2017, the DTC targeted to increase the proportion of hybrid vehicles to 17 per cent of its taxi fleet. “The underlying objective of using hybrid vehicles operation is to support Dubai initiative themed: Green vehicles for a cleaner environment, besides assessing the feasibility of using hybrid vehicles in the Dubai Taxi fleet,” said HE Mattar Al

Issue 15 | May 2019

Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, at the time of the announcement. “RTA is the first government entity in the region to experiment with the operation of hybrid taxicabs fitted with electric-fuel engines in Dubai taxi from 2008 to 2011”. “Results of the experiment revealed that such vehicles had covered 550,000 kilometres without faults or requiring maintenance of major parts. Fuel efficiency reached 30 per cent and carbon emission dropped by 30 per cent as well,” he said. In June 2018, RTA acquired 900 new vehicles for the Dubai Taxi fleet, including 370 hybrid vehicles fitted with dual fuel-electric power motors, to meet the increasing public demand for taxis. “The procurement of 370 hybrid vehicles is part of RTA’s commitment to curb carbon footprint of taxis by 2 per cent as required by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Green Economy drive,” said HE Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman. Electric vehicles RTA integrated 50 Tesla electric vehicles as part of their fleet in September 2017, and in just six months since the launch, more than 64,000 trips were made. The cars were part of a deal for 200 Tesla vehicles signed in February during World Government Summit 2017. All the vehicles are equipped with the hardware needed for full self-driving capability at a safety level greater than that of a human driver. The features will be supporting RTA’s implementation of the Dubai Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy, which has the eventual aim of ensuring that a quarter of all journeys in Dubai will be driverless

by 2030. The 50 new Tesla vehicles were launched by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, contributing to Dubai’s push towards the Green Economy for Sustainable Development Initiative, saving about AED4.3 million of fuel consumption. The vehicles contracted by the RTA are of two models: (S) from Sedan and (X) from SUVs. “Accordingly, 75 vehicles will be supplied in 2018, and 75 others are to be delivered in 2019,” confirmed HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA. “The Dubai Taxi Corporation has coordinated with the concerned parties to provide the needed infrastructure to ensure the operation of these vehicles including the provision of 13 electric recharging stations,” he added. Adel Ahmed Sharif, Director of fleet operations at DTC, said: “Making more than 64,000 trips by Tesla vehicles is indicative of the high level of customer satisfaction, which has hit 97 per cent. We have a total of 50 Tesla electric vehicles on the roads, and the demand is still on the rise for such luxury vehicles.” Several months later, Al Tayer met with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, at the LA CoMotion Congress in California. According to an RTA statement, the two men “discussed developments related to the 200 vehicles purchased by the RTA and operated as part of Dubai Taxi Fleet to serve the Dubai Airport.” The Tesla EVs can be booked using the Uber app, or through DTC’s call and email services. The ride-hailing app was announced as the exclusive partner for

DTC, offering rides with the electric vehicles as part of the UberONE. In an interview with Arabian Business, Anthony Khoury, General Manager of Uber Middle East declared that the reaction to this service has been “tremendous”. Uber intends to align itself with the city’s Vision 2020 goals, which includes being not only a smart city of the future, but also a green one. “It’s a new experience. It’s still affordable and not extremely expensive. A lot of people are also conscious of pollution and a lot of people are using it to help green environment,” Khoury added. “We’re definitely playing on separate angles and we’ve seen it really start very well.”

GREEN JOB

Solar PV Project manager ACWA Power is looking for a Project Manager in Solar PV to support the growth of their Renewable Energy Portfolio. The PM will lead the coordination of the design review process through the Owner’s Engineers and AP Technology Team, and the EPC/PPA/O&M contractual management with support of Legal Team. The ideal candidate should have at least eight years of working experience, ideally in renewable energy and/or HV electrical infrastructure projects and specific experience in PV industry during development engineering and/or project execution stage working for EPC or IPP company and strong project management and organisational skills. If interested, please send your CV to :

recruitment@acwapower.com

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CASE STUDY

Integrating Smart Tech to Save Energy

Dubai Airports, operator of Dubai International Airport, the largest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic announced a seven-year retrofit programme to focus on water and air systems, as part of its plan to integrate clean operations.

s part of its comprehensive energy-saving strategy and program designed to limit the environmental footprint at both of its airports, Dubai Airports has been implementing several key initiatives over the past few years, which are already proving effective and delivering results in the form of positive environmental impact. It was reported that in 2016 Dubai Airports achieved total energy savings of 5.17 million kWh across Dubai International and Dubai World Central â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the equivalent of powering 235 households for an entire year. In the same year, the two airports also participated in the Earth Hour event, during which landmarks across the world switched off their lights to draw attention to climate change. The above energy savings were achieved through a range of initiatives, including the addition of solar panels on Dubai Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Concourse D building, which opened in 2016. Over the last couple of years, the operator has also made progress in replacing traditional lighting with more energy-efficient LEDs. 26

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In February 2018, Dubai Airports announced that it will only be purchasing green vehicles, in a pledge co-signed by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Emirates Group. The commitment is linked to a wider governmental initiative, known as the ‘Green Mobility Initiative’, which encourages the use of hybrid and electric vehicles as part of the Emirates’s vision to be become a ‘smart city’. Dubai is aiming for the share of hybrid and electric vehicles to be around 2% of the entirety of registered vehicles by 2020, rising to 10% by 2030. If this percentage is achieved, the government estimates fuel savings in the region of three billion litres – 5% of total consumption – by 2030. In May 2018, Dubai Airports announced that it would be introducing smart building technology and data analytics to cut its energy consumption by 20% a year, thus reducing its environmental footprint. The project, expected to last seven years, will include the installation of the techbased solution installed across Dubai International’s Terminals 1, 2 and 3, as well as Concourse B. The focus will primarily be on the facilities’ air and water systems, with the goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 tonnes, as well as saving roughly 50 gigawatt hours of electricity and 21 million gallons of water. Made up of multi-components, including sensors, intelligent controls and water fixtures, the technology will be integrated into the airport’s air and water systems to optimise air-handling units, as well as the chilled water system, fresh air plant, and supply and exhaust fan systems. Over the next seven years, the project’s design,

supply, installation and commissioning will be carried out by Siemens. Siemens will be responsible for the project’s design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance, and also the measurement, verification and guarantee of energy savings for seven years. The customer is Etihad ESCO (Energy Service Company), a venture by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched in 2013 to promote a performance contracting market for energy service companies. Etihad ESCO aims to jumpstart the creation of viable performance contracting market for energy service companies by executing building retrofits, increasing penetration of district cooling, building capacity of local ESCOs for private sector and facilitating access to project finance. In October 2017, Etihad ESCO signed an agreement with Dubai Airports for the retrofitting of Terminals 1, 2, 3 and Concourse B of Dubai International Airport. “Sustainability underpins our facility management strategy and these energy and water savings have the double benefit of limiting our environmental footprint and improving our bottom line,” said Michael Ibbitson, Executive Vice President of Infrastructure and Technology at Dubai Airports. “As longstanding partners, Siemens understands our business, our systems and has the expertise and technology needed to help us deliver our vision.” “By optimising technical infrastructure at Dubai International and providing enhanced control and data analytics, we are able to guarantee significant resource savings with sustainable environmental and financial benefits,” said Markus Strohmeier, Senior Executive Vice

President of Building Technologies, Siemens Middle East. “We recognise that Dubai Airports operates mission-critical infrastructure and we are committed to using technology and expertise to ensure it is functioning at its most efficient.” Siemens is a pioneer in digitalised buildings in the Middle East, having implemented smart building technology in key landmarks including Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai’s Atlantis Hotel and 3D-printed Office of the Future, and the recently-launched Dubai Opera. In addition, Siemens Building Technologies provides tailormade solutions for airports worldwide, for example to support the modernisation of La Guardia, New York’s international airport through integrated building automation and fire safety.

GREEN JOB

Sales Expert Can you lead Dubai’s transition to renewable energy? Your responsibilities will be to generate leads, take on client meetings, help find sponsorships for the UAE’s leading sustainability publications, present brand new ideas, hit your targets, and be part of making our sales and sponsorships plan happen. Ideally, you’ll excel under pressure, be ambitious, creative, and be super focused. If interested, please send your CV to : anofferyoucantrefuse@dcce.ae

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FEATURE

RAKTDA Showcases New Vision During the 2nd International Congress on World Civilizations and Historic Routes, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) presented the vision, strategy and latest developments in the sustainable tourism agenda of the Emirate.

ast year, during the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Forum in China, and during the 2nd International Congress on World Civilizations and Historic Routes, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) presented the vision, strategy and latest developments in the sustainable tourism agenda of the Emirate. The UNWTO and PATA Forum provides a platform for global tourism practitioners and policy makers to share best practices, analyse and explore opportunities and challenges that will affect the future of sustainable development goals. During its 12thedition last year, Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of RAKTDA delivered a keynote speech on “Sustainable Tourism Development - an overview and vista towards 2030”, where he delved into the key areas of focus and implementations that Ras Al Khaimah is undergoing. Later in the year, during the 2nd International Congress on World Civilizations and Historic Routes, organised by UNWTO in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mattar, reinforced the importance of sustainable tourism: “Tourists are now seeking more unique local tourism experiences, leading to a rise in the demand for responsible tourism. As a result, Middle Eastern countries are seeing the strong appeal of culture as a way to attract a much wider global travelling audience and consequently capitalise on more sustainable tourism sector growth rates in the coming years. We aim to offer truly authentic and nature-based cultural tourism experiences that will continue to attract and excite

Issue 15 | May 2019

In a press release announcing the Master Plan in early 2018, Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “Ras Al Khaimah is one of the region’s fastest growing tourism destination and whilst we embrace this growth it’s fundamentally important that we retain a position of destination sustainability. We have made some great strides as part of our Destination 2019 strategy but as we plan for the future, we want to take the next step and guide the development of tourism in the run up to 2030. The UNWTO is helping us shape our sustainable master plan which will focus on environmental, socio-cultural and economic aspects to position Ras Al Khaimah as the first sustainable tourism destination in the UAE. A destination that will be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.” The main four pillars of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan are: vision - setting a suitable sustainable tourism vision, goals and growth targets for the tourism sector during this period and identifying priority areas for development, evaluation - evaluating RAK as a sustainable tourism destination and identifying the key challenges and opportunities to address, integration - working with Government entities and strategic partners to develop an integrated framework for sustainable growth, with all parties working together to achieve it, and action - providing

a strategic action plan for advancing sustainable tourism growth including deliverables and timeframes. RAKTDA has focused on transforming the destination’s natural gifts into tourism assets to benefit all.

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Ras Al Khaimah is one of the region’s fastest growing tourism destination and whilst we embrace this growth it’s fundamentally important that we retain a position of destination sustainability.

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visitors, while remaining focused towards our sustainable tourism goals.” Ras Al Khaimah’s journey towards being a sustainable tourism destination was formally communicated in January 2016 – when RAKTDA launched Destination 2019, a detailed tourism strategy for the Emirate which was produced after extensive research and analysis.

One of the major projects that will form part of the development roadmap will be a sustainable luxury camp on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain. The luxury camp will offer spectacular mountain views and feature the latest technology to minimize energy use and conserve water. A dedicated programme will also be used to minimize waste to protect the mountain

range 2,000 metres above sea-level. Other projects are being planned across the Emirate’s pristine coastline, natural mangroves and throughout historical sites including the pearl farming village Jazirat Al Hamra and Dhaya Fort. Through launching sustainable adventurebased projects on the UAE’s highest mountain Jebel Jais – and positioning it as the nature adventure hub of the Middle East, RAKTDA is complementing the offering of the neighbouring Emirates. These include the Arabian Gulf’s first commercial Via Ferrata (iron path) which features hiking and zip-line challenges, the viewing deck park and Jebel Jais Flight: the world’s longest zip-line which launched in February 2018. As well as following the UAE Federal Sustainable Development Goals as part of Vision 2021, Ras Al Khaimah has put in place a number of initiatives, including a waste management programme to reduce landfill waste by 75% by 2021 and set up a Renewable Energy Office in the Emirate in late 2017. The waste management programme has been a success story with 500 tonnes of recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics) diverted from landfill to the recycling industry within a year of launch. The Emirate’s updated Destination 2021 strategy will see RAKTDA take the next step by further integrating sustainability into its plans for the development of tourism which will support the UNWTO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA is also a member of a UNWTO steering committee which is responsible for sharing best practices and driving a sustainable approach to development among global tourism peers. 29

Issue 15 | May 2019

CENTRE FOLD

The Silk Road: Dubai’s Green Gateway to the World At the beginning of 2019, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, published the Fifty Year Charter, a pledge containing nine articles that aim to improve the quality of life, develop the community of Dubai, and ensure the future of generations to come. The first one is entitled Dubai Silk Road, reinforcing the Emirate’s status as an essential hub connecting East and West, North and South.

n the occasion of the historic visit of President Xi Jinping in July 2018, HE Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, wrote about the importance of Silk Road project and its regional and global impact, in an editorial for Gulf News: “The UAE is a key partner and strong supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 with the aim of developing the emerging economies of Asia and strengthening their trade and economic relations with the rest of the world. Coinciding with the UAE’s efforts to revive the “Silk Road”, the UAE will play a pivotal role as a gateway for China to the region through its capabilities, talent and expertise. The country will also provide land, air and sea logistical support throughout the Middle East.” In the “Fifty Year Charter”, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reinforced the vision for the Silk Road: “Our next goal is to build our own Silk Road in cooperation with our friendly neighbors who share our vision. Our region has historically been a region of civilisation and trade, and this role must be restored. We will seek to build an international cooperation to support these aspirations.” According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), sustainability can be integrated into the BRI and Silk Road projects in a variety of ways. The first recommendation is imposing mandatory measures to enhance responsible investment overseas, such as a complete environmental impact assessment as part of its approval requirement. WEF envisions host 31

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

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Our next goal is to build our own Silk Road in cooperation with our friendly neighbors who share our vision.

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countries creating a conducive and stable environment for green investment by upgrading their fiscal, regulatory and financial systems, including introducing more stringent environmental policies and their improving enforcement, making fiscal and taxation policies friendly to green business, developing green finance guidelines and products, and encouraging accounting for the entire lifecycle in the supply chain. Thirdly, the ability to design systems and develop instruments in government departments, financial institutions and corporations supports the

initial two suggestions. Multilateral efforts are needed to support the development of platforms for sharing knowledge and experience in green investment. One of the most important sustainable collaborations as part of the BRI was the acquiring of 24.01% equity interest in the 700MW DEWA Concentrated Solar Power Project (CSP) in the UAE by the Silk Road Fund. In the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the

UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Yanzhi Wang, President of the Silk Road Fund exchanged the executed investment agreements in respect of DEWA CSP Project which will be jointly invested and developed by DEWA, Silk Road Fund, and ACWA Power. The DEWA CSP project, which was awarded to an ACWA Power led consortium in 2017, is the 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park, the largest single-site concentrated solar power plant in the world. The project uses a state-of-the-art combination of a central tower and parabolic trough technologies to collect energy from the sun, store it in molten salt and produce steam as required to generate electricity during the day and throughout the night. Silk Road Fund is a market-oriented, international and professional medium to long-term development and investment institution. It invests in a broad spectrum of sectors under the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative including infrastructure, energy resources, industrial capacity cooperation and financial cooperation. The BRI and the Silk Road are envisioned as enablers of historic and futuristic connections across the region and the continent. Keeping sustainability in mind when designing partnerships and specific projects can bring East and West, North and South together enhancing positive collaborations, investments and impact on the environment.

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

Leave a Green Footprint Behind When You Travel According to the 2018 Booking.com, 87 per cent of travelers stated they wanted to travel sustainably, and nearly forty per cent confirmed that they often or always manage to do so. However, 48 per cent indicated they never, rarely or only sometimes manage to travel sustainably. With the travel sector accounting for eight per cent of total emissions, there is still a long way to go from intentions to actions. The Sustainabilist offers a list of suggestions for changing your travel habits. Before you travel Choosing your destination is the first step to consider. If you want to choose a sustainable location for your next journey, the 2018 Environmental Performance Index would be a good place to start. European nations Switzerland, France, and Denmark take the top slots as the 34

worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sustainable nations, and despite rapid economic growth and tourism spikes, Albania moved from ranking 61st in 2016 to 40th in 2018 when it prioritised the protection of wild areas like its first and only national marine park, KaraburunSazan Marine Park, backed by the United Nations Development Programme and Global Environment Facility.

Namibia became the first African nation to write protection of the environment into its constitution, and with the assistance of the World Wildlife Fund, communities are empowered to conserve, manage, and benefit from the wildlife on their lands. When considering the means of travel, if the destination is within driving distance,

Issue 15 | May 2019

If you do fly, consider doing so with one of the 30+ member airlines of International Air Transport Association who offer carbon offset programs to neutralise the aircraft’s carbon emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects. Make sure to pack lightly. Being very selective about the accommodation is also helpful for the environment. When selecting the hotel, check if the building holds any certification, either international or national. Some examples of certifications include: EarthCheck (Australia), Green Globe, Rainforest Alliance (Latin America, Caribbean), and Green Tourism Business Scheme (UK). If there is no official certification, check the hotel’s policy regarding energy and water consumption, waste management, sustainability initiatives (such as solar power, wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, energyefficient lighting, and low-flow toilets). Also, investigate what percentage of the hotel’s resources are local. Do they hire mostly local staff? Do they get most of their foods locally, or even grow them on the property? Do they use locally sourced materials in the décor? Companies that utilise indigenous resources tend to be more sustainable, as they’re investing in the local economy. While you travel Some destinations are still developing and do not have the appropriate waste management infrastructure. Small actions

taken by travelers such as avoiding the use of disposable plastic products, bringing a BPA-free water bottle which can be refilled over and over again, refusing plastic shopping bags and straws, knowing how to properly recycle and dispose of waste can make a huge difference. Make conscious decisions about tour operators. You might consider asking them several questions about how sustainable their practices are: What are some of their environmentally friendly practices? How can their trips help to protect and support wildlife or cultural heritage? Are local guides employed on the trips? Even though you selected an eco-friendly hotel, you still need to be mindful about your choices during your stay. Some useful tips are: taking shorter showers instead of baths, hanging up towels after use (signaling you’d like to keep using them), turning off all lights, heat/AC, and television, closing the curtains and blinds can help keep out the heat of the sun in summer, leaving the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door for the duration of your stay (thus cutting down on chemical cleansing agents, electricity used in vacuuming, and the washing of bed linens). Shopping is always a fun activity and we all love souvenirs. Always check if the crafts and souvenirs are locally produced. Some shops sell “traditional” items which are made cheaper outside of the country. Locally made crafts and souvenirs can be a bit more expensive but purchasing them ensures your contribution to the economy will have a more direct and positive impact. Wildlife products such as sea shells or items made out of fur might encourage a growing marketplace for

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As much as you can, travel by foot, public transportation, bicycle and if you are aiming to rent a car, choose an electric or hybrid option. trafficking rare and endangered wildlife products as souvenirs. Make sure to say no.

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it is better to go by car (if your car isn’t electric or hybrid, try renting one); unless you are traveling by yourself, in which case the airplane is the eco-friendlier version. Traveling via bus, train or ship has less negative environmental impact.

As much as you can, travel by foot, public transportation, bicycle and if you are aiming to rent a car, choose an electric or hybrid option. After you travel If there is any initiative that you’ve encountered during your travel that deserves to be known, spread the word. Making donations to support projects that aim to protect the environment can also help. More importantly, transform the small actions you have taken into habits. The planet is our home, no matter where we travel. 35

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

Dubai Joins the Global Destination Sustainability Index In 2018, Dubai became the first city in the Middle East to join Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, a group dedicated to highlighting best practices and responsible business-tourism initiatives.

he Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index is a collaborative business initiative created to help Destinations and Convention Bureaus, drive the adoption, promotion and recognition of responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry. The GDS-Index does this by measuring and comparing the social and environmental sustainability strategies, policies and performance of participating destinations

and by sharing best practice from around the world. The GDS-Index welcomed Dubai to the collaborative platform, acknowledging the Emirate’s great strides to become more sustainable, with further developments, including meeting a goal to produce 75 per cent of its energy requirements from clean sources by 2050. “Issues around sustainability are of

paramount importance across all sectors in Dubai. We are delighted to see this leadership from Dubai Business Events and its stakeholders across the city,” GDSIndex explained in its announcement. Dubai Business Events, part of Dubai Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, understands that sustainability is an increasingly important factor for meetings planners and associations to consider when selecting host cities for

Issue 15 | May 2019

In the announcement, GDS-Index highlighted several initiatives implemented by different Dubai entities in the past years. Dubai Tourism’s own Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiative is seeing hotels and other hospitality establishments across the city adopt best practices in the area of sustainability. It works with leading industry partners to encourage a city-wide implementation of the latest energy, water and fuelefficient technologies that engage and empower hospitality establishments to integrate sustainability practices within their operations, with many realising immediate savings. Meanwhile, the city’s (and region’s) largest events space, Dubai World Trade Centre, has also adopted a number of sustainability measures, including the extensive installation of solar panels on its roof and provisions to ensure excess food is provided to food banks. Through its food-waste initiative, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) works with local charities to ensure all post-event food goes to those who need it, partnering with the United Arab Emirates Food Bank to optimise the process. All consumable food that would otherwise be wasted is picked up by the food bank for storage or other charities, such as Emirates Red Crescent, deliver it via trucks around the city. In 2017, approximately three per cent of the

conference center’s total production of food went to the food bank. In November 2018, Dubai hosted the 57th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This edition of the

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We are delighted to see leadership from Dubai Business Events and its stakeholders across the city in sustainability.

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their events. It anticipates that, by working with the GDS-Index team, it can quantify the efforts made in Dubai and demonstrate to the industry that they can maintain high standards for sustainability when they bring events to the city.

association’s flagship event attracted 1,156 delegates from 79 countries, making it the biggest Congress held outside Europe. During the closing ceremony, the winners of the GDS-Index Awards were announced. The prestigious awards showcase the remarkable sustainability initiatives of convention bureaus and destination marketing organisations from across the globe, with the aim of sharing best practices to inspire

the meeting and events industry. The Innovation Award went to Copenhagen, for their bold long-term strategy for Wonderful Copenhagen: “Tourism for good”. The ambition of this strategy is to “make tourism part of the solutions for a sustainable future, not a part of the problem. Tourism is not a goal in itself, it is a means to a sustainable end”. The plan looks at how the destination and their stakeholders can contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and sets targets and actions for the next three years. For the third year, Gothenburg Convention Bureau won the Leadership Award, setting the pace as well as sharing best practice in the industry. Goteborg & Co are pioneers and have inspired the Index with their unique integration of sustainability into their business practices. Most Improved Destination Award recognised Goyang Convention Bureau, who joined the GDS-Index in 2017, has significantly improved their performance and made tremendous efforts in advancing their sustainability initiatives GDS-Index Director Mélanie Delaplanche said during the occassion: “The GDSIndex is keeping the strong momentum going with more than 50 destinations benchmarked in 2018. With a growing number of US destinations joining the rankings, such as Washington DC and Monterey County joining the Index this year. We are delighted to welcome more destinations from very different places of the globe: Bangkok, Dubai, St Petersburg but also more European destinations: Monaco, Ljubljana; Ireland is showing a strong commitment to sustainability, with Shannon, Cork, Galway and Kerry now on the Index.” 37

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

while the rest — 79% gets accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment.

SCHOOL

Foremarke Pupils Lead Drive to Reduce Plastic Pollution Marking the 22nd UAE National Environment Day, Foremarke school students engage in plastic recycling project.

arking the 22nd UAE National Environment Day, students at Foremarke Dubai are carrying out a sustainability initiative to reduce plastic pollution. Foremarke School has partnered with Simply Bottles, an organisation that 38

works with schools and businesses in the UAE to educate, engage and equip communities to reduce plastic pollution and increase the recycling rates of plastic water bottles. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), it is estimated that only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced gets recycled, about 12% is incinerated,

As part of the ongoing initiative, the school has established a group, called the “Green Team” which is tasked with gathering empty plastic bottles and bringing them to school. The accumulated bottles are submitted to Simply Bottles and are recycled to provide feedstock for the world’s first “bottle to yarn” recycling facility in the UAE, which involves the transformation of plastic bottles into yarn to be used for manufacturing clothes. The school has successfully gathered enough plastic bottles to fill four huge recycling bags provided by Simply Bottles since the drive began in September 2018. Other initiatives which form part of Foremarke’s go green pledge include avoiding using any single use plastic items such as knives and forks currently in use in the dining hall and looking into creating a small eco garden. Zoe Woolley, Headmistress, Foremarke Dubai comments, “It’s very important that children value the world in which they live and that they can understand sustainability and appreciate its benefits. Schools and their students can play a key role in recycling initiatives, making a very valuable contribution to the drive to reduce the amount of plastic waste that finds its way into our landfills and oceans, and mindful of this, we have assisted Simply Bottles. The initiative has served to educate our students about the devastating effects of plastic pollution on our planet, while at the same time motivating them to take action and help prevent it.”

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TOP TIPS

Your Next Ecotourism Destination

Birdwatch in Wasit Nature Reserve In the past an illegal trash dump in Sharjah, it now features more than 60 species of endemic and migratory birds, as well two per cent of the world’s population of black-winged stilts.

Hike past ancient fossils near Jebel Dhanna Baynunah and Shuwaihat lie near Jebel Dhanna in northern Abu Dhabi, which were formed by deposits of an ancient river.

Explore the UAE’s first National Park Sweeping views of the desert and featuring a herd of over 400 endangered Arabian oryx, experience the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on camel or horse back.

Tour the UNESCO-listed Al Ain Oasis Dating back 4,000 years, the Oasis is the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travel through one of the largest uninterrupted deserts in the world - Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter Journey through massive expanses of awe-inspiring desert and enormous dunes with the Qasr al Sarab Eco-Reserve nearby.

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

but more importantly, as a pillar for the endurance of our shared future. DST is therefore dedicated to promoting these efforts within the tourism industry through a diversified approach that maintains the continual development of sustainable practices across the sector. With the ongoing support of the public and private sectors that are helping to transform the emirate into a globally leading sustainable city, DST works to drive awareness on sustainable development in order to support effective resource management.

INTERVIEW

Green Tourism for Green Economy Yousuf Ahmad Lootah, Executive Director, Tourism Development and Investments, Dubai Tourism sheds light on the various DST campaigns and initiatives promoting sustainability within tourism industry.

hat is Dubai Sustainable Tourism’s mandate? In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for sustainable development, Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) has the responsibility to ensure that the tourism sector delivers its promise of a sustainable future to Dubai and its guests. As part of this promise, we will continue to align our objectives with Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy (CAS) 2021, which targets a reduction of 16% of the city’s carbon emissions from the 2011 baseline, by the year 2021. 40

DST’s ongoing initiatives have been developed to support the creation of a green economy by providing guidance and acting as a roadmap for the city’s network of hotel establishments. Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors are growing exponentially, with tourism firmly anchored as one of the key socioeconomic drivers. With this success comes accountability, and the industry needs to continue playing a critical role in achieving the city’s wider sustainability targets. How does DST spread awareness around sustainability in Dubai? Dubai has made great strides over the past few years to bring increased awareness to the city’s hospitality sector, introducing constructive changes to further improve sustainability measures across the emirate. With tourism at the forefront of the economy, it is vital to look at sustainability not only as good business practice that will lead to better management of resources,

How is Dubai Sustainable Tourism harnessing the collective power of its partners to enhance the sustainability of the sector? Hospitality has always been a leading sector when it comes to adopting and implementing green initiatives. In line with our ethos of partnership and collaboration, we have been very transparent with the industry; we involve our partners when shaping new requirements or regulations to ensure that their voices are heard and their suggestions are taken into account. This has been important in the adoption of our initiatives, which we have developed and launched to offer interactive and engaging learning objectives to hospitality establishments and tourism professionals. Adopting the innovative solutions pioneered by DST’s initiatives will ensure a long lasting and sustainable future for years to come and DST is steadfast in its objective to continuously implement these measures for the emirate’s hospitality industry. The dedication from Dubai Tourism for this vision has allowed the government to engage with both the private sector and international stakeholders to develop platforms to further reduce excessive consumption and conserve resources.

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In addition, the ‘Sustainability Board Game’ is an interactive educational tool offered by DST which uses gamification to help hospitality professionals understand practical ways that they can improve sustainability within their properties. To date, DST has trained 331 hotels on the fundamentals of sustainability using the interactive board game. Rewarding the industry for their contribution, The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Awards features 20 categories, with 13 main awards targeted towards hospitality establishments and seven special awards recognising the efforts of the leaders and individuals who truly embody the sustainability principles of DST, creating remarkable change within their organisations.

Each of DST’s ongoing initiatives serve as fundamental tools to help increase awareness and drive sustainable tourism practices across the industry, helping to reduce the collective carbon footprint of Dubai’s tourism industry.

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We aim for Dubai to be the first global destination to deploy sustainability requirements across its hospitality sector by July 2020.

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What are DST’s main campaigns supporting sustainable tourism in Dubai? DST has spearheaded several campaigns designed to adopt green standards across the emirate’s hotel establishments such as the DST 19 Sustainability Requirements, the Sustainability Board Game and the annual DST Awards. DST also champions a number of sustainable initiatives from key stakeholders across the emirate. The 19 ‘Sustainability Requirements’ were developed to map out regulations for hotel establishments across all classifications to follow in order to support positive change within the industry. Through improvements to internal operations, hotels will in turn advance the overall sustainability performance of the sector. DST has already trained 45 per cent of the industry on the requirements, further enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism linked economy.

What are the new hotel sustainability requirements launched by Dubai Tourism? The requirements cover a variety of areas including sustainable management approaches, performance metrics, energy, food and water management plans, guest education, employee training initiatives, the presence of sustainability committees within hotel establishments and corporate social responsibility programmes for local communities. To support with the implementation of these requirements and further drive environmental awareness amongst industry stakeholders, the process of ‘retrofitting’ has become a key focus for the city’s tourism sector and represents our ongoing commitment to working closely

with our partners. Retrofitting refers to the upgrade of buildings’ existing systems and technologies, transforming them into smart, energy-efficient infrastructures that can seamlessly improve their operations and help to save costs on an annual basis. A retrofitting programme is implemented following technical and financial audits of current conservation measures, enabling building owners and operators to identify key sustainable procurement practices that can reduce excess energy outputs across the property. Another accessible guide for the industry is the ‘12 Steps Towards Sustainability Manual’, created for Dubai as the first interactive, web-based manual under the DST initiative, providing a practical guide for hospitality establishments to use when assessing their operations. The manual consists of key steps that can be adopted to improve sustainability levels and enhance green credentials around four key themes: energy conservation, water conservation, waste management and sustainability engagement of staff and guests. Where is Dubai Tourism heading as we approach Expo 2020 and beyond? We aim for Dubai to be the first global destination to deploy sustainability requirements across its hospitality sector by July 2020. This will in itself result in establishing a solid ground through which we have a more responsible sector, demonstrating to our global peers how to create results through cooperation and a unified vision. We have bigger aims to expand our experience to the retail and events sectors in 2020 as a continuation of Dubai Tourism’s commitment to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s vision for the city. 41

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

UAE Tourism Leadership Programme Focused on Sustainability in 2019 In April 2019, UAE’s Ministry of Economy, in partnership with United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), organised Sustainability in Tourism Destinations.

he event, hosted by MODUL University Dubai, a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, was part of the UAE Tourism Leadership Programme which consists of a series of executive education workshops in tourism that take place every year with a different theme. UNWTO Executive Education initiatives seek to strengthen and develop the capacities and competencies of high-level tourism officials and professionals from UNWTO Member States’ public and

private sector and civil society in their key action areas, as well as to share knowledge and tools in a practical and interactive mode. The objectives of the programme include familiarising participants with UNWTO’s vision and knowledge, building the capacities and competencies of tourism officials and professionals in their key action areas, sharing knowledge and tools in a practical and interactive manner, developing abilities for the application of tourism management processes, techniques and strategies and facilitating communication and collaboration between

UNWTO Member States and UNWTO. The UAE Tourism Leadership Programme was inaugurated in 2017, by Abdulla Al Hammadi, Director of the National Tourism Programme from the Ministry of Economy of United Arab Emirates, Omar Valdez, UNWTO.Themis Foundation Executive Director, Dr Edith M. Szivas, Course Coordinator at UNWTO. Themis Foundation and the facilitators of the course, Montserrat Peñarroya and Dimitrios Buhalis. In 2017, the topic of the workshop was

Issue 15 | May 2019

officials from Tourism Administration developed, implemented and monitored the areas related to the workshop topic. The learning session followed UNWTO philosophy of Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and covered global tourism trends, brand types, experience economy, practical guide to branding strategy and the various branding strategies in action.

Digital Marketing in Tourism. The theme was driven by the competitiveness of tourism organisations and destinations in the future becoming dependent on their ability to manage digital tourism in a strategic and operational way to generate technology empowered constant innovation to manage consumer experiences and local assets and resources profitably and sustainably. The Executive Training Course challenged participants to think of their use of technology and their digital footprint to maximise their visibility, engagement, conversion and loyalty. Participants were encouraged to think of how they can co-create tourism experiences and how they can develop benefits for all participants in the marketplace. In 2018, the topic of the Executive Training Workshop was Innovative Approaches to Destination Branding. Industry professionals and government

Zaid Maleh, Managing Director of MODUL University Dubai, said at the time: “This was a landmark achievement for MODUL University Dubai to host the unique, first-of-its-kind workshop by UNWTO. Through this, the participants aimed to acquire knowledge on the tourism trends, understand key concepts on the brand types, and branding strategies and look at ways at developing a brand for a destination. This was a great learning curve for tourism and hospitality professionals in the GCC region and we thank the UAE Ministry of Economy and UNWTO for their faith in MODUL University Dubai in hosting such a prestigious event.” In 2019, the three-day workshop organised in Dubai, Sustainability in Tourism Destinations, was designed to equip participants with capacity, knowledge and skills in the field of Sustainability in Tourism destinations, as a major part of the national tourism strategy and overall sustainable development. The workshop was delivered by two international sustainability experts: Ana Baez, President at Turismo & Conservacion Consultores, working as a consultant for most of Latin America and the Caribbean countries and also in Europe, Africa and Asia, and Tim Clancy Sustainable Development and Tourism

consultant with a focus on post-conflict societies, eco-tourism, and environment. The workshop followed a step-by-step practical methodology, with short presentations, discussions, debates, extensive group work and practical activities, in order for the participants to fully understand the topic of Sustainable tourism, to stimulate the co-creation of knowledge and learning and to enable them to implement the acquired knowledge and skills in their work. During the workshop, participants will acquire knowledge on Sustainable Tourism, understand key concepts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), competitiveness, comprehend models and tools to measure quality in sustainable tourism destinations and define profitability of sustainability in the destination.

GREEN JOB

Project Manager The ideal candidate should be great with numbers, and be able to establish project budgets and schedules accurately. Must have five or more years of experience in project management. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant discipline– a Master’s is preferable. Bonus points if you have Shams Dubai experience and speak Arabic. This is a full time position. If interested, please send your CV to : anofferyoucantrefuse@dcce.ae

Photo by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

Tracking Progress in the Arab Region on the Global Goals By Dr Mari Luomi Senior Associate, Sustainable Development Goals Centre of Excellence for the Arab Region (SDGCAR), Emirates Diplomatic Academy

he 22 Arab countries are probably the most diverse region in the world measured by any socioeconomic indicator. The group includes six Least Developed Countries, which have a per capita gross national income of less than a thousand US dollars, and the six Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, which are classified as high-income countries. The smallest Arab 44

country, Comoros, has a population of just over 800,000, while Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population is nearing 100 million. At the same time, Arab countries share many commonalities, including language, religion, geography and history. While they all are negatively impacted by the same political conflicts and instabilities, numerous mutually-beneficial synergies

are created across the region through migration, remittances and development financing. A further common denominator is that all countries in the region are committed to achieving the17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within just a little over a decade. So how are they faring? In a global comparison, many Arab countries are making satisfactory progress on a number of SDGs, most having eradicated extreme poverty (SDG 1) and most being able to provide access to modern energy for all (SDG 7). At the same time, many are still struggling with even the most basic of the goals, such as providing nutritious food (SDG 2) and safe water (SDG 6) for everyone. Even the best performers in the region still have much work ahead with major, transformative tasks such as responsible

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consumption (SDG 12), environmental performance (SDGs 13-15) and gender and income equality (SDGs 5 and 10). Examining and working on the SDGs in a regional context is crucial for the success of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as countries have agreed that progress on the SDGs will be followed up and reviewed at the national, regional and global levels. Governments are responsible for providing the data for tracking progress, but in many cases it is not yet readily available. At the same time, the world cannot wait for all data to be available, which is why experts have started developing ways to provide the best possible data available, relying on a variety of high-quality international indicators.

At the same time, global comparisons may not contain the most useful or appropriate indicators for measuring SDG achievement in a specific region – the global SDG Index, for example, does not measure the impact of regional violence and conflict on peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) or the energy intensity of economic activity (SDG 7). They also do not allow for maximising data coverage for a group of countries that has low availability of data on a specific indicator – the Gini coefficient for measuring income distribution (SDG 10) being a good example for the Arab region. With this in mind, the SDG Centre of Excellence for the Arab Region (SDGCAR), hosted at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, is working jointly with SDSN to create a regional SDG Index that will support the region’s policymakers and other SDG stakeholders by providing better data coverage and more appropriate ways for the region to measure progress. The SDG Index for the Arab Region

2019 report, which will be released at the end of the year, will seek to identify challenges that are common for the 22 countries – such as ones rooted in regional instability, for example. The report will also pinpoint remaining data gaps and highlight both major differences and gaps in SDG performance among the countries of the region – job creation and economic growth are likely to feature on this list. In seeking to address both the common challenges and major performance gaps, partnerships (SDG 17) can act as the glue that brings the region together: improved regional governance frameworks are urgently needed for advancing the SDGs across the board; and further economic integration and development cooperation among the region’s countries can help with achieving the fundamental goal of the 2030 Agenda, which is to leave noone behind. In May 2019, the SDGCAR is holding a public expert consultation on the indicator selection for the SDG Index for the Arab Region 2019. If you would like to participate, please contact SDGCentre@eda.ac.ae.

Photo by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has since 2016 published annual indices that track the progress of all countries around the world on the SDGs (available at sdgindex. org). These global indices are useful in showing how far the global community still is from fully achieving the SDGs and where attention is needed the most. They are also good for pinpointing data gaps, which often stem from low statistical

capacities that are a major challenge in poorer countries in particular.

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

FEATURE

Your Tech Curated Visit to the UAE The direct contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the UAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP was AED 68.5 billion (US$18.7 billion) in 2016, little over five per cent of the total GDP. It is forecasted to grow to over US$ 31 billion in 2027, as figures published by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reveal. As Dubai is preparing for 20 million tourists per year until 2020, and the other Emirates are developing or implementing their own strategic visions, the UAE is continuously upgrading and updating their welcome package to visitors from all around the world. From apps to mobile options, discovering the UAE is one click away.

ne of the sub-concepts of smart cities is smart tourism. Sustainability is at the center of the growth of smart tourism and more destinations are now prioritising it as a strategic objective in the tourism planning process. Planning and implementation 46

of sustainable measures through smart solutions developed by a variety of stakeholders such as government, educational institutions and other private and public-sector organisations are at the heart of smart tourism. Initiatives designed under this concept can impact infrastructure development from a variety

of perspectives: from smart airports, hotels, transportation, baking etc. Smart tourism destination characteristics include digitisation of systems, processes and services, a higher level of interface between the tourist and the destination, which takes into account the local

Issue 15 | May 2019

community and government among other sectors, a higher level of data generation and use through integrated smart systems, and above all, a better orientation towards managing tourist experiences. Dubai welcomes its visitors with a series of apps that help them navigate the Emirate. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), recently highlighted some of the most innovative applications that create a great experience for tourists. ‘Visit Dubai’ mobile application, a dedicated app developed for both residents and tourists to explore Dubai itineraries and events, is offering a range of features including a customisable ‘My Trip’ itinerary tool that meets current demand for personalised experiences. The ‘Dubai Calendar’ mobile application and website is the official resource of all events and activities across the city, offering users a quick and convenient way of discovering and comparing the must-attend events without having to use multiple platforms. Dubai Calendar’s app is a free resource with an average of 150 events listed at any one time, and 35 new events added weekly. Tickets can be purchased quickly and securely through the app’s purchasing platform. With digital city tours becoming increasingly popular amongst world travellers, Dubai collaborated with two digital tour apps to launch two new free Dubai tours aimed at helping visitors discover and learn more about significant landmarks and historic sites in the emirate. The tours are available to download for free from the Apple Store and Google Play. DUBZ - a technology start-up - recently partnered with dnata to introduce two

new innovative baggage services at Dubai Airports. The company currently provides services for departing and arriving passengers, with additional extras on offer for remote doorstep check-in and luggage drop-off (departures), as well as belt luggage pickup and delivery (arrivals). Aimed at the wider travel trade audience internationally, ‘Dubai Expert’ was launched last year as an online training initiative for travel agents in 12 languages and 40 countries. The training platform helps agents provide potential tourists with customised and unique experiences in Dubai across leisure, shopping, cuisine, culture, family entertainment, and more. UAE aims to make visitors feel welcomed from the very first experience they have with the country. At Abu Dhabi International Airport, a new visa counter now grants transit and arriving passengers visas to Abu Dhabi in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. “The launch of the new entry visa system strengthens the country’s efforts to maintain its regional leadership and position it on the global map in the fields of tourism, economy and education,” said Brigadier Mansour Ahmed Ali Al Dhaheri, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Abu Dhabi. Rosewood Abu Dhabi is set to revolutionise the hotel guest experience with the launch of the Neorcha myHotel mobile app, which gives guests direct access to a range of hotel services throughout the guest journey, from pre-arrival to post-stay. The app provides additional functionality for in-room hotel technology, which can be used on a guest’s own mobile device, or on provided in-room devices. It integrates with the property’s hospitality systems and provides a wider range of functionality to

the guest’s mobile device. Food is also served smartly in Abu Dhabi. Icafe is an interactive cafeteria located in Mushrif Mall Abu Dhabi. It brings multi-touch immersive tabletops powered by Intel which engage customers in an interactive way. It merges customers’ virtual experience with reality: From menu options, to placing an order, and even access to personal social media accounts. In 2018, Careem and Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi signed a partnership to improve customer journeys from Abu Dhabi International airport, enhance water taxi solutions to drive customers to various islands in Abu Dhabi, develop ‘Curated Routes’ around the emirate, jointly promote key strategic events in the city, create an ecosystem of knowledge transfer between the two entities, and also work together to map various data points to better understand commuter behaviour and create solutions to commuter problems. Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “This agreement between our two organisations is in line with our desire to constantly improve the visitor experience at all touch points across the emirate.” The WTTC report cited above also highlighted that the tourism industry is expected to attract even more investment throughout the next 10 years, and capital investments are foreseen to exceed US$20 billion in 2027. Smart tourism might become a key focus of these investments, as creating and managing tourist experiences in essence is one of the main goals of smart tourism. 47

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

CASE STUDY

The Greenest Destination in UAE - Al Ain The reason for Al Ain being one of the greenest destinations in the UAE and why it has persisted for 4,000 years, despite its location on the edge of the world’s largest continuous sand desert, Rub Al Khali, may be found in its name which means “the spring”. For hundreds of years, camel trekkers headed to Al Ain for its leafy oasis to drink its freshwater, and now tourists visit the city for its beauty, greenery and sustainable landmarks.

he rich history of the desert oasis can be discovered by visiting Al Ain Fort, the Al Ain National Museum and the 4,000-year old tombs at Hili Fort. Newer attractions include Al Ain oasis, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Wadi Adventure a white water rafting, kayaking and surfing area. Al Ain Oasis is the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site visitor experience. Spanning 3,000 acres, and dating back 4,000 years, the oasis

reveals how Bedouin tribes used to live in the desert. The Eco-Center provides an in-depth look into traditional farming methods and the Late Sheikh Zayed’s environmental legacy before heading into the expansive greenery. Pathways shaded by rustling palm fronds wind past historic aflaj, or irrigation systems, which supply mountain water to more than 550 familyowned date palm farms. Al Ain Zoo, founded in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed, added in 2016 The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre.

The building, situated at the heart of Al Ain Zoo, hosts an educational facility combining knowledge and learning through interactive exhibits, multimedia and visual materials that are specially designed for this centre by world-class experts and specialists. The UAE cultural guides provide a unique experience for visitors and are one of the most important components of this experience to ensure providing a true picture of the United Arab Emirates’ natural environment. The centre consists

Issue 15 | May 2019

The Sustainabilist |SUSTAINABLE. BUSINESS. DEVELOPMENT

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The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre does not only provide an opportunity to get educated, but it is also the first building in the United Arab Emirates to earn a rating of five pearls in sustainability accreditation at the Design & Construction stage, where the application of exacting standards set by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. The centre also received a LEED Platinum certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Al Ain considers its heritage and ways of protecting it in a sustainable manner. Last year, the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), began a month-long

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of five interactive galleries: Sheikh Zayed Tribute Hall, Abu Dhabi Desert over Time, Abu Dhabi’s Living World, People of the Desert and Looking to the Future. During the tour, visitors will move on a journey through time as stories and movies take them to the past, present and future of the UAE, to reconsider their relationship with the environment and encourage them to communicate with it and to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

The tradition of earthen buildings in the region can be traced as far back as the Bronze Age, and sites of note include the Hili Archaeological Park, Jahili Fort, and Muwaiji Fort, among others. course on the conservation of earthen architecture in the World Heritage City of Al Ain. The course was attended by 20 mid-career conservation professionals working with earthen architecture from the North Africa, Middle East and South Asia regions.

Al Ain is home to hundreds of earthen buildings and archaeological sites, many of which form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tradition of earthen building in the region can be traced as far back as the Bronze Age, and sites of note include the Hili Archaeological Park, Jahili Fort, and Muwaiji Fort, among others.

Several of these buildings have been conserved through adaptive reuse, and there is an active team of experts at DCT Abu Dhabi working to protect them. “The GCI works to bring courses like this to the region and to provide participants with a toolkit of resources for preserving earthen architecture. This is a rare opportunity for professionals to spend four weeks immersed in this subject,” says Benjamin Marcus, project specialist at the GCI and a course manager. “As part of its continued mission to advance conservation practice around the world, the GCI has partnered with DCT Abu Dhabi to offer this course in a region known for the pride it takes in its built heritage, and which has the expertise and local support required to make this event a reality.” Throughout the four-week course, participants used Al Ain as an open-air laboratory to learn practical, handson methods for preserving earthen buildings and archaeological sites. Participants were led by local and international experts who specialise in conservation strategies for earthen sites and will work both in the laboratory and field learning critical assessment, analysis and intervention methods. “We are delighted that the GCI chose our emirate for the location of this globally important course, as this supports DCT Abu Dhabi’s efforts for building capacity in heritage conservation for the region,” said Amel Chabbi, conservation section manager at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Several of our local experts will be involved in teaching the course which demonstrates the expertise and reputation that Abu Dhabi has built up over the years in this field.” 49

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

Issue 01 | 23rd October 2017

INNOVATION

Art and Vision Unique in terms of its inception, surroundings, architecture and arrangement, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a museum of superlatives. With a footprint of approximately 260,000 square feet, 86,000 square feet of which is galleries, it is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula. It is also the first museum to be conceived in a diplomatic agreement, and the first to share its name with the world’s most visited art museum, the Musée du Louvre in Paris.

bu Dhabi’s first-of-itskind museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, is one of the greatest modern symbols of visionary leadership. It helps to reframe the United Arab Emirates, and the East as a whole, as symbols of modernity. The Arab-Muslim world of the 21 century, a world which is reasserting its culture, is Louvre Abu Dhabi’s setting, according to Jean-Francois Charnier, Scientific and Cultural Director of Agence France-Museums, which st

oversees the French partner museum‘s involvement in the project.When the governments of Abu Dhabi and France signed their unprecedented 30-year agreement in March 2007, they made history. Abu Dhabi paid US$525 million to use the Louvre brand, as part of the US$1.1 billion intergovernmental agreement. Such an investment represents a commitment to raising Abu Dhabi’s cultural profile and reputation as a dynamic, forward-

thinking destination. Turning an empty landscape of sand, sea and sky on Saadiyat Island into a masterpiece such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi took courage and vision from all involved. Naturally, many people and organisations played a role in this, notably, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces; the then-President of France Nicolas Sarkozy; architect Jean Nouvel;

Issue 15 | May 2019

and temporary exhibitions, will make it a universal museum, chronicling humanity’s development across eras and cultures. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is home to 600 works, ranging from pieces that are thousands of years old to contemporary art. Half of thes are loans from 13 leading French museums. The works span not just periods of time, but continents, styles and themes. It is by these themes, and not by country of origin or era, that the works are arranged in the various buildings that form the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s structure.

engineers BuroHappold Engineering; and Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC). TDIC was the driving force behind the project. It has the overall responsibility for Saadiyat Island, which is its flagship development project. As part of a US$ 27 billion tourist and cultural development for the island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will share the natural island with three other museums, including a Guggenheim. Still under construction and due for completion in 2020, it will also be home to some 145,000 residents, who will share the 27-square-kilometre island with a range of leisure and tourism facilities. When Pritzker-Prize winning Jean Nouvel started to design the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s structure, he paid attention to Abu Dhabi’s warm climate, the water that surrounds Saadiyat Island, the purpose of the museum as a place where old meets new, and the cultural context of the UAE. Based on the layout of a traditional

Arabian medina, Nouvel set about creating more than a museum. It is more like a neighbourhood, an archipelago of buildings separated by the sea water that was flooded between them. These buildings – and the art within them – lie under a 591-foot protective silver dome, which appears to float in mid-air and lets in dappled sunlight throughout the day in a truly unique fashion. While the inception of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is owing to the visionary leadership of two governments, the architecture is the result of a different kind of visionary leadership, truly reflecting the historical uniqueness and context of the museum. Having opened in September 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has brought together, for the first time, 17 French partner organisations. Overseen by Agence France-Museums (AFM), these institutions will curate special exhibitions at the Louvre Abu Dhabi – four a year for its first 15 years. The works of art it will house over the years, in both permanent

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and TDIC, said: “Louvre Abu Dhabi embodies our belief that nations thrive on diversity and acceptance, with a curatorial narrative that emphasises how interconnected the world has always been. The museum represents the latest innovation in a long-standing tradition of cultural preservation nurtured by the founding leaders of the UAE.” “Louvre Abu Dhabi forms one element of Abu Dhabi’s cultural strategy, which safeguards our rich heritage and catalyses creativity. Investment in a vibrant cultural ecosystem supports the UAE’s economic diversification and development as a modern, dynamic society. Louvre Abu Dhabi will inspire a new generation of cultural leaders and creative thinkers to contribute to our rapidly-changing and tolerant nation,” he added. It is certain that it will have this effect, as every aspect of the Louvre Abu Dhabi cements it as a world wonder in terms of visionary leadership and forward-thinking, while holding onto and reflecting the history of humanity through art. 51

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

RESEARCH

United Arab Emirates 2018 Annual Tourism: Key Facts

5.6%

EMPLOYMENT: TOTAL CONTRIBUTION

10.2%

In 2017, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry was 9.5% of total employment (585,500 jobs). This is expected to rise by 3.2% in 2018 to 604,500 jobs and rise by 1.8% pa to 720,000 jobs in 2028 (10.2% of total).

EMPLOYMENT: DIRECT CONTRIBUTION In 2017 Travel & Tourism directly supported 300,000 jobs (4.9% of total employment). This is expected to rise by 4.1% in 2018 and rise by 2.4% pa to 396,000 jobs (5.6% of total employment) in 2028.

INVESTMENT

11.2%

Travel & Tourism investment in 2017 was AED25.4bn, 8.0% of total investment (US $6,922.8mn). It should rise by 7.2% in 2018, and rise by 8.6% pa over the next ten years to AED62.1bn (US $16,899.6mn) in 2028, 11.2% of total.

6.5% 52

VISITOR EXPORTS Visitor exports generated AED123.5bn (US $33,631.7mn), 8.7% of total exports in 2017. This is forecast to grow by 5.3% in 2018, and grow by 4.5% pa, from 2018-2028, to AED202.6bn (US $55,153.1mn) in 2028, 6.5% of total.

Issue 15 | May 2019

International Tourists in Dubai

10.6%

15.8 million 2017

GDP: TOTAL CONTRIBUTION

6th

Dubai is the most visited city in the world

17.4 million

visitors SINGAPORE

The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was AED154.1bn (US $41,950.5mn), 11.3% of GDP in 2017, and is forecast to rise by 4.9% in 2018, and to rise by 3.8% pa to AED234.2bn (US $63,776.4mn), 10.6% of GDP in 2028.

14.87 million 2016

18.4 million visitors PARIS

14.2 million 2015

19.8 million

visitors LONDON

13.21 million 2014

visitors BANGKOK

UAE TOUR

4.9%

21.2 million

12.19 million 2013

27.9 million

visitors HONG KONG

GDP: DIRECT CONTRIBUTION The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was AED69.1bn (US $18,825.6mn), 5.1% of total GDP in 2017 and is forecast to rise by 5.0% in 2018, and to rise by 4.1% pa, from 20182028, to AED108.4bn (US $29,527.2mn), 4.9% of total GDP in 2028. Source: globalmediainsight.com, World Travel & Tourism Council: Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2018 UAE

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

INTERVIEW

Deconstructing Architectural Thinking On the occasion of the ‘The Art of Sustainable Architecture’ exhibition organised in partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), Foster + Partners’ David Nelson, Senior Executive Partner, Head of Design and Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio explained how the company’s approach to design and the learnings from developing innovative projects in the UAE such as the sustainable Masdar City masterplan in Abu Dhabi, the Apple store in Dubai Mall and the Index Tower in Dubai.

he company has an impressive experience spanning across the globe. What helps UAE’s architecture stand out, on a global scale? David Nelson (DS): In the UAE, things move quickly. Change is embraced and there is willingness and openness to explore it. This attitude is driven by the long-term desire to look beyond oil as the main source of income. While other countries or people have the 54

resources, UAE is special because it is very focused. How have you adapted the Foster + Partners Responsibility Framework to the UAE? DS: Foster + Partners pioneered a holistic approach to issues of energy, water, waste and transport that remains integral to the practice’s work, which includes the redevelopment of the Reichstag in Berlin, the sustainable Masdar City masterplan in Abu Dhabi,

two of the world’s first ecological office towers – the Commerzbank in Frankfurt and the Swiss Re headquarters in London, and most recently, Bloomberg’s new European Headquarters in London – the world’s most sustainable office building, and Apple Park in Cupertino. The practice’s approach is sensitive to location and the culture that has shaped it, often combining the latest advances in building technology with lessons drawn from traditional techniques.

Issue 15 | May 2019

Over the past fifty years, the practice has developed a bespoke Foster + Partners Responsibility Framework (FRF) that helps evaluate projects – from urban masterplans to private homes – in a holistic manner. Based on ten sustainability related themes – Wellbeing, Community Impact, Energy and Carbon, Mobility and Connectivity, Resources, Water, Land and Ecology, Social Equity, Planning for Change, and Feedback – the FRF goes beyond the environmental focus of commonly used sustainability assessment methods such as LEED, BREEAM and Green Star, by also including ideas of social justice and equity. In the UAE, because it’s a very hot climate, priorities shift a little bit between one of the ten topics. In the end, even though the emphasis shifts, there is a balance between the elements. Briefly present some of the most important projects F&P has developed in the UAE and what makes them unique in your portfolio? DS: All the projects we have developed have value to them, but there is no doubt that Masdar stands out. From what it was dreamt up to what it is today, its relevance has just increased. There was a lot of knowledge that we’ve discovered while developing the project, working with experts such as desalination plant manufacturers, investigating what works and what is needed. Masdar is also constantly changing and the value is there, and it can still be experienced. Gerard Evenden (GE): Masdar City explores sustainable technologies and the planning principles of traditional Arab settlements to create a desert community that aimed to be carbon neutral and zero waste. The 640-hectare project is a key component of the Masdar Initiative,

established by the government of Abu Dhabi to advance the development of renewable energy and clean-technology. The Masdar Institute is the first phase of the city to be completed and is a graduatelevel, research-driven university with a focus on sustainable technologies. Embodying the principles of the wider development, the Institute’s campus has been built to consume half the amount of electricity and water as equivalent buildings, with all power generated on site. Masdar was the starting point in creating large scale urban projects. Since then, we’ve seen projects getting bigger and bigger. Masdar offered us the opportunity to gather a lot of data – up until that point, nobody had actually been able to test some of the theories because nothing was built. For example, we proved within the urban framework of Masdar that there can be a ten-degree reduction in temperature, realised through different systems of shading. Before, engineering data could be modeled, but real data didn’t exist. The data and the knowledge that were acquired are being applied into our other, largescale projects. It’s really about putting fact and science behind masterplans as opposed to building plans which are just graphic representations on a piece of paper. I would also like to mention an experimental house we built as a test project in the UAE, in the desert, from our own funds, which is 100% recyclable. The construction was finalised in 56 days and it is one of the highest performance buildings. In the eight to nine years since its construction, there was no maintenance done to it and it looks fantastic.

Technology can have that sort of impact, allowing components to come together in a sustainable way. What are your thoughts about the upcoming Expo 2020? What do you believe will be the architectural legacy the mega-event will have on the region and in the world? DS: For us, the most important things have been the development and the thinking that led to the Expo 2020 decision to keep buildings and reuse them. With Expos being such a concentration of global input, there is a fascination for them. When we developed the UAE pavilion for the Expo in Shanghai, there were a lot of visitors who wanted to see the pavilion in order to understand what it’s like in the UAE. The challenge now, with traveling becoming more common, is how can Expos inspire, how can they show the future and get visitors excited about it? GE: The way in which we are building now is also new, when thinking of deconstructibility of buildings, how buildings are constructed, how they are deconstructed. UAE was a pioneer in the thinking behind the Expo pavilion in Shanghai, as the building was moved back to Abu Dhabi, and now Foster + Partners is developing the mobility pavilion for Expo 2020, which is drawn and redrawn with a legacy in mind, so it’s reusable as well. The questions for us are always: how can buildings be made more sustainable, can they be constructed to perform better? How is sustainability driving architectural trends, in your opinion? DS: I don’t think it’s driving trends strongly enough anywhere. It’s the truth. The word itself is so complicated. For Foster + Partners, over the years, the realisation that we have only one planet 55

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

Looking at the old buildings in the UAE, what can be learned? DS: In extreme temperature conditions, over a long period of time, architecture evolved through trial and error, intuitive responses to things, not necessarily through complex architectural design, but from people’s creativity and desire to build for themselves. There was a level of comfort that was reached using very simple materials, science, thinking about how providing shade gives cool, also temperature difference creates airflow. Today, if we can follow the same principles, and then supercharge them with technology, that can lead to great impact. What technological solutions or innovations are enabling you to integrate sustainability-related principles in your projects? DS: We use 3D printing to reach a level of performance that otherwise would have to be considered in different layers. Foster + Partners is part of a consortium set up by the European Space Agency to explore the possibilities of 3D printing to construct lunar habitations. Addressing the challenges of transporting materials to the moon, the study is investigating the use of lunar soil, known as regolith, as building matter. The practice has 56

designed a lunar base to house four people, which can offer protection from meteorites, gamma radiation and high temperature fluctuations. The practice designed the geometry of the structure in collaboration with consortium partners – it is groundbreaking in demonstrating the potential of 3D printing to create structures that are close to the biological

“

There are fantastic developments going on in the UAE and one of them is material development: changes of perspective into how materials are being transformed into buildings.

“

has become very real, and therefore, the target should be very clear everywhere: reduce the emissions, because that’s the immediate problem of warming and flooding and change. Sustainability for us is a broad issue. We have particular challenges in getting the emissions down. The late Sheikh Zayed did an amazing thing, he wanted to change the climate by planting many trees. Obviously, it’s an expensive thing, and even at Masdar, there are different ways to consider emissions reduction.

systems found in nature. Continuing the practice’s earlier design explorations for building in extreme environments and extra-terrestrial habitats with the Lunar Habitation project, Foster + Partners has been working on a modular habitat that won the NASA-backed competition to create a 3d-printed habitat on Mars. The

design for the Mars Habitat outlines plans for a settlement constructed by an array of pre-programmed, semi-autonomous robots prior to the eventual arrival of the astronauts. The habitat – created in collaboration with industrial and academic partners – envisions a robust 3D-printed dwelling for up to four astronauts constructed using regolith – the loose soil and rocks found on the surface of Mars. In terms of overall sustainability, technology related to growing and producing food and creating greenery without chemicals is a huge area of focus that can affect a lot of our world. GE: There are fantastic developments going on in the UAE and one of them is material development: changes of perspective into how materials are being transformed into buildings. For example, we’ve used carbon fiber for the Steve Jobs Theater for the Apple office in Cupertino, which was the first major use of carbon fiber on buildings. The 50-meter diameter roof was created in Dubai and shipped out to California. For a project in Oman, we are using glass reinforced concrete, which suits the climate better, as it’s light weight and it’s not holding heat so much. We’ve developed a lot of materials in Dubai or used them in innovative ways, which we are now applying in other projects in other parts of the world. What are your future plans in the UAE? DS: Foster + Partners has just opened an office in Dubai, and we are focused on the Expo 2020 Mobility Pavilion and the Zayed Museum. There are a lot of things happening and we appreciate the UAE for its people who are driven by the desire to make a difference and a change and who are open enough to do that. And when those people get together magical things happen.

Issue 15 | May 2019

PERSON

Tony De Saulles: Storyteller with a Message

hat inspired the Bee Boy series? Success with our first Horrible Science title, Ugly Bugs, published by Scholastic in 1996 was the start of 20 years of illustrating plants, mammals and insects for children’s books. When it came to writing and illustrating my own series it is perhaps no surprise that I chose a bug-related theme. My mum was a bee-keeper and I have always been interested in bees, so I decided to develop a character that was half-bee, halfboy — Bee Boy was born! What do you think it is needed for people to be convinced that endangering the lives of bees has serious consequences on our entire ecosystem? We should all be doing our bit to help keep Planet Earth healthy. Unfortunately, it is often only when a situation starts to cost people money that they sit up and notice. Many of our food crops depend on pollinating insects and honeybees are the master pollinators. Sadly, it might take a shortage of certain foods or a steep increase in food prices to show the world just how important bees are. What are the initiatives which you’ve noticed which are actually making a positive contribution to protecting the bees?

In my region of the world, the most important recent initiative that should start to show an improvement in the health of bees is the recent neonicotinoid pesticide ban in Europe. Farmers use neonicotinoids to kill pests that damage their crops, but many scientists say the chemicals are also harmful to bees and other valuable insects. It is believed that neonicotinoids spread through the soil and run into river eco systems resulting in harm to insects, birds and fish. Nature is desperate to thrive when given a chance. We see this when set-aside land that farmers keep free from the plough and pesticides, soon becomes populated with wild flowers, insects and birds. What superpower do you believe humans need in order to protect the environment? I guess having a superpowered-brain, clever enough to find a way of feeding the world without destroying important wildlife habitats, would be a good start. But kindness, compassion and empathy for the plight of Mother Nature are also important and these aren’t superpowers — they are qualities that each and every one of us has and we can use them to help the environment. How do children respond to the idea of protecting the bees? I have talked about bees and Bee Boy in

many schools, libraries, and book festivals over the past year and I have been absolutely delighted with the interest and enthusiasm children have shown. In the Q&A sessions at the end of my workshops the children have asked interesting and thoughtful questions about bees and bee protection. This leaves me with no doubt that they were paying close attention and enjoying learning about bees and the problems these precious insects face. If you were to write about any other topic related to sustainability or protecting the environment, what would that be and why? I am currently reading a book called “Wilding”. It’s all about the Knepp project in West Sussex, close to where I live. At Knepp Farm, they have allowed the land to resort back to how it was before intensive farming took over. Nature has made a strong comeback with many rare plants, insects and birds appearing as long lost eco-systems are revived. My friend and bee-keeping neighbour has started a similar project with some of the land on her farm and we watch with interest, noting the new birds, plants and insects that visit. I think children might be interested to read about the nature that appears when land is given a chance — even if it’s just planting a few wild flowers and building a bug hotel at the bottom of the garden. 57

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

PROJECT

Recognising Dubai Tourism Industry Leaders

he fifth edition of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Awards featured 20 categories, with 13 main awards targeted towards different types of hospitality establishments, including hotels, resorts, apartments, guest houses and adventure camps. Seven special awards recognised individuals and leaders who are true champions of sustainability and have inspired remarkable change within their organisations, with categories including Sustainability Champion, Best Green Team, Conservation Champion, CSR Record Holder, Green Procurement Patron, Best Retrofit Implementation and Renewable Energy Leader. Dubai Sustainable Tourism Awards are held each year to recognise companies within the tourism sector that have demonstrated good practices when it comes to reducing the company’s carbon footprint, in efforts to promote sustainability of the tourism industry. The main objectives of the awards are threefold: to develop guidelines that 58

enable the tourism industry to become more sustainable; create a network on sustainability and enable sharing of best practices; and to recognise sustainability efforts and achievements within the industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the annual edition of the awards for three main reasons: recognition from the UAE Government for supporting Dubai’s Green Growth Strategy, improved brand attractiveness, as more and more guests are becoming aware of their carbon footprint, access to leading hotel establishment’s best sustainable practices for individual and industrial growth. During an event held in September last year announcing the new edition, Ahmad AlFalasi, CEO for Corporate Services and Investment at Dubai Tourism, said: “The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Awards endeavour to recognise the hard work by our stakeholders, who have invested in sustainable practices, while encouraging and guiding other tourism businesses to follow suit to shape a more sustainable tourism sector. As we look ahead to further increases in visitor numbers in the lead up to 2020 and beyond, it is vital for us to help implement and encourage these measures for this industry to conserve resources and

raise awareness of conservation practices.” The winners of the 2018 awards were revealed at an industry ceremony, receiving a special acknowledgement, and enjoying a number of accolades and benefits, including the opportunity to join the DST team in industry roadshows, be featured as part of DST business cases, and receive dedicated sustainability hospitality vocational training through the Dubai College of Tourism. The awards’ criteria has been designed to meet the challenges outlined in Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy, issued by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, which commits to reducing carbon emissions by 16% by 2021. The awards also support the UAE’s Green Growth Strategy which aims to build an economic system with sustainability at its core. Dubai Tourism is carrying out its sustainability initiative in collaboration with the following partners: Etihad ESCO, Dubai Carbon, Emirates Environmental Group, Emirates Wildlife Society – WWF and Emirates Green Building Council, as well as the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, DEWA and Dubai Municipality as strategic partners.

Issue 15 | May 2019

PRODUCT

(Re-)Discover UAE Natural Wonders

In the past few years, UAE has consolidated its position on the world tourism map, and the country is now focusing on an industry-category that has yet to reach its potential: ecotourism.

he United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation defines ecotourism as a form of sustainable tourism that actively contributes to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. By this definition, ecotourism and all naturerelated forms of tourism account for approximately 20 per cent of total international travel. ‘The UAE’s Natural Wonders’, a multi-phase national project, was launched October 2018 by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and it will promote the UAE’s ecotourism attractions in three phases that focus on environmental, economic and social factors. The project is part of MOCCAE mandate to promote ecotourism across the seven emirates. “The ministry launched a dedicated website and app for tablets and smartphones to raise awareness about the protected areas among residents and visitors and encourage travel agencies to include these sites in their promotional packages for the UAE. The portal and

app will serve as an information and visual resource that UAE embassies across the globe and national airlines can use to introduce these attractions to the world,” HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment said. The app provides images and videos which feature two reserves from Abu Dhabi and Ajman, five from Fujairah, 11 from Sharjah and 15 from Abu Dhabi. Reserves range in size from the 80,000 sq m Dhadna underwater reserve in Fujairah to the 6,000 square kilometre Arabian Oryx Protected Area east of Liwa, Abu Dhabi, that is home to 835 oryx. “Over the past few years, the pioneering vision and directives of the UAE leadership have enabled the country to consolidate its leading global status across diverse sectors, with travel and tourism at the forefront,” said HE Dr Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment at the launch of the project, which he considers essential in helping to diversify the economy even more. He added that global travel and

tourism trends in the last decade have indicated the emergence of ecotourism, a concept widely embraced by tourists who seek to leave no ecological footprint behind while travelling. “The National Ecotourism Project is a result of the country’s commitment to preserving the environment, a commitment instilled in its people by the Founding Father of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” said HE Al Zeyoudi. “The National Ecotourism Project aspires to promote the UAE’s environmental attractions to the local and international audience with the objective of establishing the UAE as one of the leading ecotourism destinations in the world within the next few years,” HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, added. HE Al Zeyoudi expects the programme will encourage both the protection of biodiversity and highlight the economic benefits of sustainable tourism. 59

The Sustainabilist | TOURISM

I N D ETHE X

ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF TRAVEL & TOURISM: GROWTH ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION TheTHE Economic Contribution ofOFTravel & Tourism: TRAVELGrowth & TOURISM: GROWTH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

2012

Growth1 (%)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Visitor exports

1. 2.

Domestic expenditure 2. exports Visitor

(includes government individual spending)

3. Internal Domestic expenditure tourism consumption

(includes government individual spending)

3. Internal 4. Purchases by tourism providers, tourism consumption

6.3

2012

Growth1 (%)

(supply chain) 4. Purchases by tourism providers, 5. Direct contribution of including imported goodsto GDP Travel & Tourism

2015

2016

20.5 2014

7.6

7.8

4.9

2015

2016

2017

2018E

2028F 2

7.3 2018E

5.3 4.5 2028F 2

6.8 20.5

21.6 7.6

-0.5 7.8

13.2 4.9

1.6 7.3

-0.3 5.3

1.9 4.5

3.1

6.8

6.4 21.6

20.8-0.5

5.4 13.2

9.2 1.6

4.1 -0.3

5.4 1.9

4.5 3.1

4.2

7.2

5.5

(supply chain) (= 3 + 4)

5. Direct contribution of Other final impacts Travel & Tourism to GDP (= 3 + 4) (indirect & induced)

2013

2014

6.3

6.4

including imported goods

2013

5.5

20.8

22.6

18.7

22.6

18.7

5.4

8.8

1.3

8.8

1.3

9.2

10.9

6.9

10.9

6.9

4.1

4.0

4.2

4.0

4.2

5.4

4.9

6.0

4.9

6.0

4.5

4.1

5.0

4.1

5.0

4.2

4.3

4.1

4.3

4.1

6. final Domestic supply chain Other impacts (indirect & induced) 7. Capital investment 6. Domestic supply chain

5.5

8. Government 7. Capital investment collective spending

6.5

2.8 11.7

24.3 6.1

5.3 11.1

1.6 -5.3

-0.8 2.4

-2.7 7.2

4.4 8.6

4.0

Imported goods from indirect 9. 8. Government collective spending spending

2.8

7.5 24.3

14.8 5.3

10.5 1.6

12.5 -0.8

-3.5 -2.7

2.4 4.4

6.3 4.0

8.0

7.5

3.2 14.8

16.9 10.5

0.1 12.5

1.0 -3.5

0.7 2.4

5.0 6.3

3.9 8.0

2.5

3.2

4.8 16.9

18.2 0.1

0.2 1.0

5.2 0.7

3.5 5.0

5.7 3.9

4.9 2.5

3.8

Imported goods from indirect 10. Induced spending

11. Total contribution of 10. InducedTravel & Tourism to GDP

6.5

18.7

11.7

1.3

6.1

6.9

11.1

4.2

-5.3

6.0

2.4

5.0

7.2

4.1

8.6

(= 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10)

11. Total contribution of (PSOR\PHQW LPSDFWV

Travel & Tourism to GDP of Travel & (= 5 12. + 6 +Direct 7 + 8 + 9contribution + 10) Tourism to employment

4.8

0.9

18.2

13.9

0.2

3.7

5.2

5.5

3.5

0.2

5.7

4.1

4.9

4.1

3.8

2.4

(PSOR\PHQW LPSDFWV

0.9

Total contribution of &Travel & 12. Direct contribution of Travel 13. to employment TourismTourism to employment 13.

Other indicators Total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment 14. Expenditure on outbound travel Other indicators

11.9

13.9

14.0

3.7

2.5

5.5

8.9

0.2

1.0

3.2

2.4

5.1 2.5

5.4 8.9

5.6 1.0

-6.0 3.4

2.6 3.2

2.8 1.8

3.0

5.1

5.4

5.6

-6.0

2.6

2.8

2.1

2018-2028 annualised real growth adjusted for inflation (%)

2012-2017 real annual growthImpact adjusted for inflation (%); Emirates, 2018-2028World annualised real&growth adjusted Source: Travel & Tourism 2018 United Arab Travel Tourism Councilfor inflation (%) 2

4.1

3.0 14.0

2012-2017 real annual growth adjusted for inflation (%);

3.4

11.9

14. Expenditure on outbound travel 1

4.1

1.8 2.1

YOU BRING THE ATTITUDE, WE BRING THE KNOW-HOW.

Why should you consider a sustainability report? IT’s time to:

IDENTIFY

MEASURE

Make your achievements count

Define your long-term vision

MANAGE

CHANGE

Build resilience into your core business model

Adopt world leading best practices

Dubai Carbon is the ‘go-to’ thought leader with the ability to connect the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the GRI Reporting Framework. Dubai Carbon provides tailor-made solutions to accelerate sustainable change. Our collaborative framework allows you to kick-start your sustainability reporting journey in the point most suitable for your internal capacity and experience.

•

Differentiate: Harness sustainability as a true business benefit and differentiate from competitors.

•

Save time & money: On-going management and reporting makes life easier and far less expensive.

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Develop together: Create a culture that encourages new ideas and innovations. Share and learn about best practices within the company, customers and peer groups.

•

Attract top talent: Strong sustainability programs are a great way to attract, engage and retain talent.

Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence PJSC PO Box 333992, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone +971 4 322 9853 Facsimile +971 4 385 4295 Email info@dcce.ae www.dcce.ae

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