Ziwira Dubai Special Edition

BUILDING THE FUTURE

www.ziwira.com SUSTAINABLE

A CULMINATION OF CULTURE & SUSTAINABILITY ENSURING THE FUTURE OF OUR EARTH

Building the Future

CONTENTS DUBAI SPECIAL EDITION

04 04 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dubai’s Inspirational Leader

06 His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum A poetic and insightful Crown Prince

08 Expo 2020 Exciting Prospects for Dubai 10 Dubai’s Nature-Inspired Tourist Spots

12 Dubai’s Green Real Estate 14 Faciliating Green Transport 16 Exhibitions: Spotlight on Sustainability 18 Green Food in Dubai 20 Dubai Facts

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06 www.ziwira.com

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Building the Future

Publisher Ziwira CEO and Founder Adam Merza adam@ziwira.com Editorial Saba Khan saba.khan@ziwira.com Nasreen Rasool nasreen.rasool@ziwira.com Zane Small zane.small@ziwira.com Marketing Nadir Khan nadir.khan@ziwira.com +971 56 7481747 Design Asif Habib asif.habib@ziwira.com Head Office Techno Hub Building, Office No. 161-162, PO Box No. 341171, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE. USA Office Ziwira Inc. 445 Park Avenue 9th Floor

DUBAI EDITION 2015

EDITORIAL Sustainability is one of the most talked about subjects globally; moreo-

ver, it has become the theme for most of the government projects in the UAE as it has pledged to become one of the most sustainable countries in the world by Expo 2020. One of the greatest leaders and visionaries

of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is leaving no

stone unturned to realize this aspiration and is striving to do his best to make the city of Dubai energy efficient, enhance the waste manage-

ment and disposal systems, source and use water in a more upright manner and take appropriate steps to reduce carbon foot prints considerably.

The city of Dubai was ranked 33rd globally in a recently launched sustainability index by the build asset consultancy firm Arcadis. With the

introduction of new green building legislation and sustainable policies, Dubai is bound to make its mark worldwide. While the legislation is not

a rating system like Estidama (used in Abu Dhabi), it is a way to improve and ensure that the way the buildings are being built reduces the con-

sumption of resources, which also includes use of more solar reflective material and planting different indigenous species.

This special edition of Ziwira is dedicated to the government of Dubai and the UAE, its visionaries and leaders and their remarkable efforts in making this dream come true.

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L e a d i n g t h e UA e to a s u s ta i n a b l e f u t u r e

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum prime minister & vice president of the united arab emirates

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Apart from the emergency aid we provide to alleviate the sufferings of victims of natural disasters, calamities and crises, we worked for transforming UAE charity activities into an institutional activity with

H

an aim of making them more effective and sustainable.

is Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, and the Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed is responsible for Dubai’s rapid transformation to become the international mega-city that it is today. His Highness was born on July 15 1949, the third of four sons. He was privately tutored as a child, until attending the Bell School of Languages at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. He is well-known for his love of poetry and horse riding.

Sheikh Mohammed was crowned Prince of Dubai in 1995, and was

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named Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister, and Vice President of the UAE after the death of his brother in 2006. He was the mastermind behind projects such as the Burj Khalifa Tower, the Burj al-Arab Hotel, and the Palm Islands, all of which have influenced Dubai to become a luxurious resort and business destination.

Thanks to his vision, Sheikh Mohammed has competently authored the Dubai success story in record time and put the United Arab Emirates on a unique course, which nations around the world compete to replicate.

Sheikh Mohammed’s book, ‘My

Vision’ describes his philosophy and his political and economic vision. He also offers a detailed account of how Dubai and the UAE have been guided to their present day status as international centers, renowned for their high quality commercial and financial services, luxury tourism, and their drive towards sustainable human and structural development.

Through innovation, generosity, and dedication, Sheikh Mohammed has achieved notable success while shouldering the great responsibility of leading Dubai and the Federal Government.

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C ROW N P RIN C E OF D U BAI

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum

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Chairman of Dubai Executive Council

The natural beauty of the desert gave me a sense of harmony and identification with nature, this is a key poetic influence on me.

T

he vision of Dubai’s Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, is to improve his homeland and the lives of its citizens under a continuing thread of wise leadership.

Born on 14th November 1982, the Prince descends from the Al Bu Falasah clan of the Bani Yas. He is the second son of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whom he says is his inspiration. Sheikh Hamdan is the descendant of His Highness Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founder of modern Dubai. He assumed his position as the Crown Prince of Dubai on 1st February 2008.

Sheikh Hamdan and his father jointly launched the Dubai 2021 plan for a smart, sustainable city.

His initiatives are all in-line with this sustainable vision, which he seeks to support and promote at every opportunity, inspiring in others a mutual love and respect for the city and its natural environment.

He takes a comprehensive approach to development, focusing on the youth’s capabilities to participate effectively in the development process. He generously invests in any project that can enhance economic and social welfare of UAE citizens. He is also keen to get involved in community affairs and what matters to the people of the city.

One of his greenest achievements to date has been the launch of the “Dubai Green Economy Partnership”, which aims to grow Dubai’s green economy and position it in the international value chain for clean technologies and sustainable consumption. With Sheikh Hamdan’s guidance, it will facilitate the smooth adoption of technological solutions and application of best economic practices while conserving the environment and natural resources.

The program is in harmony with the UAE Green Economy strategy launched by his father, Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, under the theme “Green Economy for Sustainable Development” in January 2012.

expo 2020

eXCItInG PrOsPeCts FOr DubaI

In November 2013, the United Arab Emirates won the right to host the World Expo in Dubai in 2020. This will be the first time that the World Expo is staged in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. This is a great privilege for the young city, and Dubai has spared no expense to become the sustainable destination that it strives to be.

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sustainability pRincipal Dubai’s World Expo will be held under the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. Through this theme, Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as a catalyst, connecting minds from around the world and inspiring participants to mobilize around shared challenges, during a World Expo of unprecedented global scope, under the sub-themes of Mobility, Sustainability & Opportunity.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be a monument to the Green Economy, a landmark in sustainable development, and will contribute to the Bureau International des Expositions legacy as one of the most sustainable Expos in history.

Improving access to precious natural resources such as water and energy through responsible conservation and effective management –as well as embracing a culture of sustainability –are important goals for Dubai, and topics high on the agenda for the Expo.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, promised to “astonish the world” in 2020, after the announcement was made that Dubai would be hosting the event.

gReat anticipation Expo 2020 Dubai officially marked the 2020 day countdown to the opening of the iconic event with the releasing of 2,020 wishes made by the public into the Burj Lake at Downtown Dubai. Visitors were encouraged to write their hopes and dreams for Expo 2020 Dubai on glowing LED balls which were then cascaded into the lake. At exactly 20:20 in the evening (8:20pm) thousands of gathered spectators were treated to a specialized Dubai Fountain show, adding to the occasion.

“ “ “ I wish the very best

I hope the UAE

I wish the environ-

for Dubai and I

becomes the leader

ment to be better

believe Expo 2020

in sustainability for

and believe Expo

will bring new and

a more eco-friendly

2020 can make this

dynamic business

future.

change.

innovation.

RAVI GURANG

RIANNE ALI

from Nepal

from UK

WAEL EL HAFIZ

Dubai-based youngster

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MiraclE GardEn

duBai crEEk

raS al khor WildlifE SanctuarY

al MaHa eco ResoRt

dubai’s

nature-InsPIreD tOurIst sPOts The desert becomes a nature-lovers paradise, with tourist spots aplenty in Dubai that offer a closeness to the natural environment.

Luxury and sustainability go hand in hand at Al Maha, the ecofriendly resort, located in a lavish 86 mile protected desert landscape, with modern Bedouin tents and plush interiors. It’s an apt place for fine dining and relaxing delights. The Al Maha resort, nestled in the sandy dunes on Al Ain - Dubai road, not only boasts of eco-friendly restaurants, but also equally sustainable infrastructure. The luxurious eco-resort has set a new benchmark in the UAE with its conservation program. The resort is Green Key certified and participating in the environment awareness program called 30-20-20 which means reducing 30% energy and 20% water by the year 2020. All waste water in the resort is being recycled for irrigation purposes. Guests can find the following animals in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: the Arabian Oryx, Gazelle, Arabian Fox, Sand Fox, Jeboa, Gerbil, Arabian Jurd, and the Arabian Hare.

MiRacle gaRden With over 45 million flowers, 4 kilometers of walkways and 72,000 square meters, it’s the world’s largest natural flower garden. Located in Dubailand, the garden’s landscapers have managed to turn the desert green by utilizing recycled wastewater.

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Safa Park

Al Maha Eco Resort

Balloon Adventures

Miracle Garden

Balloon Adventures A great way to experience the natural beauty of the Arabian Desert is from a hot air balloon. Dubai offers hot air balloon rides that fly over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which is home to many indigenous species like Oryx and Gazelles. The balloon takes off at sunrise, being the best time for flying. The cool and serene ambience against the backdrop of the majestic Hajjar Mountains allows you to soak in the breathtaking views and incredible desert landscapes. You may even spot a few wandering camels!

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985 and was officially declared as a protected area on March 1, 1998.

Its aim is to protect and restore the local bio-diversity, as well as a natural abundance of individual species through habitat conservation, management and restoration. It has flourishing mangrove forests and mudflats, which receive nutrient enrichment from irrigation run-off and treated sewage effluent. It’s also home to many water bird species such as Flamingoes, the Pacific Golden Plover and the Common Black-headed Gull.

Dubai Creek Experience history at the water’s edge. Dubai Creek dates back 4,000 years, when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area. Pearl divers and fishermen settled here in its early days. Some of the traditional boats, or Dhows anchored in the creek are well over a hundred years old. Visitors can meander, while enjoying the history and bustling village trade that still takes place. You can also travel across the creek on a restored cruise boat or wooden ferry.

Safa Park This 64 hectare urban park is one of the oldest and most popular parks in Dubai. The park houses three lakes, more than 200 species of birds, and more than 16,000 varieties of trees and bushes. There are green grassy lawns, which cover 80 percent of the park, apart from little forests and small gentle rolling hills.

It has plenty of picnic and sport areas, including sufficient space for tennis and football. For those in love with water, there is the waterfall, fountain and touring boats.

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Dubai’s Green R e a l E s tat e

Dubai Municipality released regulations in 2001 mandating the insulation of buildings in order to conserve energy. Now the city is speeding ahead in its development of green property without losing the luxurious appeal synonymous with Dubai.

D

ubai is leading the region in the greening of its real estate scene, taking green building regulations very seriously and implementing as many sustainable features as possible into its new developments. From organic farms to electric cars and greywater systems, Dubai property is taking on a new image that is both elegant and environmentally conscious.

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akoya oxygen Property giant, Damac is planning Akoya Oxygen, a residential paradise that would boast expansive vegetation and sustainable buildings, as well as added green features that bring luxury and nature into harmony. It will be spread over 55 million square feet and will include townhouses, villas and a golf course. Akoya Oxygen is designed to be the “greenest� residential community in Dubai, complete with its own organic market and enough space for residents to grow their own vegetable gardens. The planned lush surroundings will contribute to cleaner air and naturally cooler temperatures, thereby reducing the need for energy guzzling electrical cooling systems. Eco-friendly and energyefficient interiors and solar power will also be prominent features in this sustainable community.

sustainable city Located in Dubailand and a project of Diamond Developers, Sustainable City is a unique concept for the region, aiming high to be a completely self-sustaining and eco-friendly city in all respects. The development is currently under construction and set for completion by 2016. It spans across 46 hectares of land, accommodating for 2,700 residents.

It has five residential clusters with 100 villas in each, and is surrounded by a buffer zone of four rows of trees. The project includes organic urban farming, a community mall, a central green spine, an Equestrian Centre, a 1km jogging and cycling track and a green school. There will also be an eco-resort for tourists, a country club, a science museum and a research and training center, not to mention storm water collection.

Each villa will be equipped with Green Star energy efficient appliances and non-VOC emitting interior finishes. The city will have 100% water recycling and 75% or more of its energy needs will come from solar power. All home owners will receive a free electric buggy, which can be charged at no cost using renewable energy. The idea is to provide everything residents need to reduce the amount of road trips to and from the city. An electric bus will transport residents to the nearest metro station.

eMaaR Since inception in 1997, they have brought us the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and many others and now have offices throughout the Middle East, North Africa and USA. But Emaar not only creates buildings, they build communities too, and most recently, green communities.

One of the most admirable features of the company is Emaar Community Management, a division of the company whose sole purpose is ensuring safe and sustainable communities. This is done through educational and edutainment initiatives in each community, covering topics such as recycling, waste management, water and energy conservation as well as activities that get younger residents involved in sustainable living practices. In 2014, they received the high profile Arabia CSR Award for sustainability practices in the region in the Medium Enterprise category. Their green gated communities include Acacia Park Heights, The Springs, The Greens and The Meadows.

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facilitating Green transPOrt

Dubai is a widespread metropolis, with new suburbs popping up every year. This expansion is great for the city, allowing more space for people to live. However, it creates a problem of transport. People need to be able to get from A to B. Dubai has established innovative ways for people to travel, reducing CO2 emissions.

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sustainability pRincipal

The amount of carbon

dioxide emissions for a

regular vehicle per day is

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estimated at 182kg, while the amount of emissions

left by hybrid composites per day is 121kg - AHMAD AL HAMMADI

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF DUBAI TAXI CORPORATION

The Roads and Transport Authority is responsible for planning and providing the requirements of transport, roads, and traffic in the Emirate of Dubai, and between Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE. The Dubai organization is determined to provide sustainable solutions for transport in the busy city.

Hybrid vehicles, powered by petrol and electricity, will be part of Dubai Taxi’s fleet as RTA drives ahead with its green transport solutions. The project is carried out under a partnership with Al-Futtaim Motors, who are providing the vehicles and taking care of the maintenance and monitoring of the vehicles.

RTA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Liberty Automobiles for a trial run of an electricity-powered bus for nine months, so as to measure the effectiveness and competency of running such a vehicle as part of the bus fleet.

The Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully automated metro rail network in Dubai operated by RTA. The rationalization and optimization of the station’s structure, makes it much lighter and efficient, thereby using less structural tonnage. Highly insulated cladding, which went beyond the local authority’s requirements, was used to reduce comfort cooling loads and thereby lower energy usage.

RTA gives consideration to all elements of modern public transport means, including marine transport. Residents of Dubai can use Abra, the Water Bus, the Water Taxi, and Dubai Ferry. The Abra service allows customers to move enjoyably across Dubai Creek sides, linking the Deira and Bur Dubai areas. Traditional Abras use no power, and are therefore very eco-friendly.

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dubai electRicity & WateR autHoRity (deWa) The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has also contributed tremendously to the sustainability goals of Dubai. Electric vehicles (EV) are slowly on the increase, thanks to successful EV models from Toyota like the Prius. Therefore, people need an efficient way to charge their EV’s.

Sixteen charging stations for hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) were officially launched in Dubai in May, to allow motorists to charge their vehicles across the city for roughly AED 7 for long-distance driving.

It is part of the three-pronged approach that DEWA is implementing, including connecting solar energy to houses and buildings, and smart applications through smart meters and grids.

Eighty-four more charging stations will be launched by the end of 2015. Those charging stations exposed to the sun will be solar-powered for a carbon-neutral option, meaning no greenhouse gases will be emitted into the atmosphere.

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Exhibitions

SPOTLIGHT on sustainability Dubai is known for hosting some of the world’s largest international exhibitions and conferences at the highly esteemed Dubai World Trade Center. Topics around sustainability and energy feature prominently.

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Wges The World Green Economy Summit has become the first green economy summit in the Middle East and North Africa region, bringing together World leaders, united in pursuing a sustainable future. WGES complements Dubai’s leading efforts in green infrastructure investment from renewable energy and green building to public transport and green technologies.

aRab futuRe cities suMMit Over 350 senior executives, government officials, sustainability experts and service providers collate under one roof with the common goal of finding smart solutions for sustainable cities. The event aims to fuel Dubai’s journey to becoming a smart, sustainable city by 2020.

Middle east electRicity & solaR Middle east Wetex The Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition is part of Dubai’s Green Week. Held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this exhibition is organized by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). More than 1,500 exhibitors from 42 countries showcase their latest technologies and equipment, building awareness about products and services while sharing ideas and best practices with the world leaders.

Waste Recycling & ManageMent expo GCC countries generate 80 million tons of waste per year. In an attempt to create a cleaner environment and reduce waste to landfills, the event unites key waste industry players from various market segments to discuss trends, challenges and best practices. Among the key issues brought to the fore are how to increase recycling and waste management efforts, waste to energy and how to achieve zero waste, to name a few.

With energy resources fast depleting, this event plays an important role in highlighting more sustainable sources of electricity generation. Middle East Electricity began in small tents along the Dubai Creek in 1975 and now pulls in thousands of guests and exhibitors at DWTC annually. Solar Middle East, a subsidiary of the main event, focuses on innovations in solar energy in the GCC.

aRabian tRavel MaRket The region’s largest travel and tourism event is going green. The Arabian Travel Market, which attracts around 23,000 visitors is making conscious efforts to include responsible travel and wellness in its lineup of exhibitors and seminars. Guests can bask in the opportunity to network with eco-friendly hotels, and learn and share information on sustainable travel solutions.

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gReen food SPOTS

tidJooRi Tidjoori has opened the door to a whole new range of mouthwatering vegan and organic food products which are all produced in strictly controlled European farming. The concept is built on sustainability, not only for the environment but for customers too. Nothing is fried, so there is no excess of oil and salt.

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77 veggie boutiQue This cozy, contemporary organic cafĂŠ uses 77 vegetables available in the market that cover all the vitamins, hence the name 77 Veggie Boutique. The menu is international and based on seasonal produce that is not fried but parcooked and calorie counted. They use wholewheat, gluten-free and non-dairy options. No chemicals, no preservatives, no canned foods, no carbonated drinks, no sugar and no frozen food. Just pure, fresh veggies!

bestRo Dubai’s first Raw Foods Restaurant. The menu is 100% Raw, Organic & Vegan.

Super healthy,

The Dubai culinary market is definitely ripe with eco-conscious consumers, and it is growing. Below are some of the best local restaurants for healthy, delicious green cuisine.

fReedoM piZZa eco-friendly and scrumptious!

Juices are made fresh and can be tweaked to preference.

Freedom Pizza makes delicious, honest pizza we can all feel good about with the freshest local ingredients and wholesome grains, GMO-free.

Almost all veggies are sourced locally, from the Greenheart organic garden, and picked daily, at the height of flavour and nutrition. They also do gluten-free and guilt-free deserts made of exotic fruit.

oRganic foods & cafÉ A family run line of organic supermarkets and cafÊ supplying over 10,000 hormone and chemical free products direct from small handpicked farms around the world. They sell fresh organic and biodynamic foods, supplements, beauty products, baby items and household cleaning products. None of the products are bought from the open market. Find them in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, in the Village in Jumeirah, and in the Greens.

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dubai facts Dubai’s real estate is growing so fast, that 24% of the cranes on Earth are located in the city.

85% of Dubai’s population are expatriates.

The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai and can be seen from 95km away.

In 2013, Dubai attracted more tourists than the entire population of Shenzen, China.

The Dubai Metro is the world’s longest automated driverless train system.

Oil was discovered at Dubai’s Fateh Oil Field in 1966, and the first export was in 1969, spearheading the growth of the economy.

Dubai is now diversifying its economy for a greener future. Its renewable energy target is 15% by 2030.