The closing day of the GCC region’s first Clean Air Forum and Future Air Quality Technology Exhibition was marked by an alternative energies and technology innovation showcase, alongside expert presentations and panel discussions.
Keynote presentations of the day included Mohamed Omar Al Ameri, Acting Director of Industrial Development, Industrial Development Bureau Abu Dhabi who shed light on the progress within sustainable industrial growth in the emirate. Dr. Hamid Ragab Orban, Preventive Medicine Specialist, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority discussed the impact of air pollution on wildlife and animal health in the region. Ruqaya Mahmoud Mohamed, Section Manager – Air Quality, Noise and Climate Change, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) spoke about the various processes underway in developing the soon-to-be launched Abu Dhabi Air Quality inventory, a milestone in towards monitoring and mitigating air pollution.
The Clean Air Forum’s second day introduced several sustainable transportation solutions while featuring a panel discussion on the regulations, plans and policy for monitoring and management of pollution from road transport. Panelists including Mansour Malik, Environment, Health and Safety Management Specialist, Department of Transport; Fares Almazrooei, New Energy Vehicles Club (NEVC) spokesperson, Clean Energy Business Council and Captain Abdullah Ghafli, Abu Dhabi Police, who touched upon balancing reward and penalties for consumers and businesses. The session was moderated by Dr. Farid Chaaban, President, AZM University.
Dr. Mohamed Al Madfaei, Executive Director Integrated Environment Policy & Planning at EAD said, “At the core of our mission is creating a sustainable environment for a sustainable future for the people’s wellbeing. The Clean Air Forum has proved to be a catalyst to uniting the Emirate’s efforts in reducing ambient pollution and improving air quality. Progress in policy development, technology adoption and project success stories discussed over the two days are all important steps in the right direction. The regulatory updates, research, cutting-edge technology and top methodology presented at this first Forum, which will expand in future editions, will guide our efforts in fulfilling the UAE Environment Vision 2021 for Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure.”
Ahmed Helal Al Balooshi, Acting General Director, Industrial Development Bureau Abu Dhabi added, “Abu Dhabi’s growth is enabling a more sustainable and diversified knowledge-based economy with every passing day. Policy management and strategic planning are key to improving air quality with the equal participation of regional, national and local regulatory instruments and public-private partnerships. This year’s Forum has brought to light for the first time the role of air quality monitoring and communications and public education and its role in protecting public health. This year will set the stage for a sustainable integrated system and effective emissions reduction and management strategies for industries in the years ahead at the Emirate level. This will remain central to the initiatives of the Industrial Development Bureau Abu Dhabi that is creating the ideal environment for the development and growth of the industrial sector.”
The Forum also included a showcase of technologies that are leading the way of air quality improvements across the region, including one on hydrogen vehicles by a senior representative at Al Futtaim. This was followed by a presentation on Emirates Transportation’s zero emission school bus by Ajit Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Al Naboodah Group Enterprises. Ahmad Al Haidani, Department Manager NG sales and customer service, ADNOC spoke of the organization’s journey of preparing and promoting standards, specifications and procedures for the safe and efficient use of distributed natural gas in the Emirate. Linden Coppell, Head of Sustainability, Etihad Aviation Group spoke of the airline’s role in developing the national sustainable aviation biofuel industry. The presentations were moderated by Stefan Kraxner, Competitiveness Advisor and Senior Project Manager, Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi.
The adoption of renewable energies in order to improve air quality was highlighted by a session led by Eva Ramos, Director Policy Analysis and Economics, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, followed by Hussein Abdullah Madi, Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) talking about the clean energy that will be generated by the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
Brijesh Dhruve, Chief Environment Officer, ENOC spoke about how his organization utilizes solar energy at petrol stations to reduce carbon footprint. Mohammed Al Jawi, Senior Manager, Environment & Waste Management, Emirates Global Aluminum took audiences through the innovation in design and construction of the world’s cleanest smelting factory.
The event was closed by a discussion on upgrades implemented by leading regional oil and gas companies to reduce their levels of pollution. The panel comprised of Amjad Naaz, Deputy Chief Engineer Environment and Safety, Fujairah Cement Industries; Vidya Sagar, HSE Manager, Al Ghurair Iron & Steel and Dr. Muhammad Tayab, HSE Advisor, ADNOC Onshore, with Nabil Al Awlaqi, Acting Director, Environment, Health and Safety Department, Industrial Development Bureau Abu Dhabi moderating.
About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.