Day: November 9, 2022

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UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group issues second public statement

ABU DHABI, In pursuit of the sustainable growth of the nation and recognition of the co-ordinated actions of the 27th United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP27), the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) members today issued their second public statement entitled ‘2022 Public Statement on Collaboration on Sustainable Finance in the UAE’ providing an overview of their ongoing efforts and progress updates on sustainable finance within the UAE.

Through the second high-level statement, SFWG members reiterated their commitment towards enabling the UAE’s economic transition and encouraging the adoption of sustainable finance at a national level.

The members include ministries (the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Office of the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change) and, financial regulators (Central Bank of the UAE, Securities and Commodities Authority, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai Financial Services Authority), and UAE exchanges (Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Dubai Financial Market, and Nasdaq Dubai).

Showcasing the expansion of the UAE’s international commitments, such as the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030, the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017- 2050 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the latest statement further indicated the importance of the financial sector in directing private capital towards sustainable projects, businesses and products within the UAE.

Subsequently, the 2021 Public Statement, built on the Guiding Principles on Sustainable Finance in the UAE provided a ‘Roadmap’ through which the required scaling up of sustainable finance in the country could occur. This focused on three interlinked topics, namely, strengthening sustainability disclosure; fostering sustainability-focused corporate governance; and designing the UAE’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.

The progress made in this direction in 2022 includes extensive benchmarking and fact-gathering exercises undertaken by the SFWG members to gain a first-hand understanding of evolving standards and international best practices.

In this context, the SFWG met with regulators from other regions and jurisdictions, international organisations, industry standard-setters and consultants with expertise in sustainable finance.

Additionally, several publications, such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s proposals on General Sustainability-related Disclosure Requirements and Climate-related Disclosure Requirements, and the Basel Committee’s Principles for the Effective Management and Supervision of Climate-related Financial Risks are being considered by international standard-setters such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions and International Association of Insurance Supervisors. These have notably informed the SFWG’s work this year. The SFWG’s approach is also being influenced by global policy priorities set by the G20 Sustainable Finance Roadmap.

The SFWG was established in 2019 and is co-ordinated by the FSRA of ADGM to support the development of sustainable finance in the UAE and facilitate regulatory co-operation amongst the UAE authorities on practices and frameworks that can enable the finance sector to deliver on this goal. The publishing of the second Public Statement coincides with COP27’s Finance Day, given the international focus on addressing environmental concerns that COP provides.

In light of the UAE hosting COP28 next year, the SFWG will continue to progress its work over the coming year and intends to publish more specific outputs in 2023. The members plan to seek feedback from the industry and relevant stakeholders on these proposals.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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DEWA’s Innovation Centre invites school students to participate in the second ‘Young Inspirers Contest’

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s Innovation Centre launched the second ‘Young Inspirers Contest’ to raise awareness among students from grades 4-12 about solar energy, its technologies and its role in achieving a more sustainable future. This is in addition to motivating them to use solar energy in their daily life, thus contributing to positive change.

“At DEWA, we support the wise leadership vision to enhance the role of the young people, to engage them in sustainability efforts, and prepare them to be the next generation of sustainability experts and leaders. We attach great importance to instilling a culture of creativity and innovation, and providing opportunities and tools for the youth to launch their creative and innovative solutions to meet current and future challenges, especially in the areas of clean and renewable energy,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Al Tayer noted that DEWA, through the Innovation Centre, aims to strengthen the skills of the next generation of innovators and experts in clean technologies while focusing on nurturing skilled Emiratis. This supports the country’s development and prosperity, to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

To participate in the contest, students need to shoot a 90-second video on how to use solar energy to promote a responsible and sustainable lifestyle, send it to competition@innovationcentre.ae, follow the Innovation Centre account on Instagram, and post the video on their public accounts and tag the Innovation Centre @solarinnovationcentre. They need to add the hashtags #SolarInnovationCentre, #SolarEnergy, #Innovations and #young_inspirers. The Centre offers a range of valuable prizes to the winners of the contest. Deadline for participation is 20 November 2022.

Source: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

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DEWA showcases its leading experience at the ‘Foreseeing Government Audit Future Conference’

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) actively participated in the Foreseeing Government Audit Future Conference, which was held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and organised by the Dubai’s Financial Audit Authority. During the conference, DEWA highlighted its commitment to consolidating Dubai’s leadership in government auditing and achieving the wise leadership vision to promote transparency in government departments in the UAE and Dubai.

DEWA follows the best international practices to enhance accountability and improve government performance, to support sustainable development. DEWA also adopts the highest governance standards to build a government culture that upholds governance principles based on sustainability and innovation. Modern governance is based on integrity, transparency and accountability. To keep up with international guidelines, DEWA adopts the three lines model as per the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA): 1st Line: DEWA business and support divisions; 2nd Line: Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance; and 3rd Line: Internal Audit as an independent assurance provider.

During the conference, Ahmed Obaid Al Tayer, Vice President of Internal Audit at DEWA, presented a lecture entitled ‘Leadership in Internal Audit Practices’. He reviewed the role of the internal audit, feedback from stakeholders, measurement indicators, internal audit success factors, and the world’s best practices applied by DEWA in this area.

The Internal Audit Department, through its practices based on examination, evaluation and analysis, provides a range of advisory and assurance services to provide added value to stakeholders and contribute to assessing and improving governance, risk management and control at DEWA.

Source: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

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DEWA’s adoption and development of storage CSP systems ensure Dubai’s energy supply security at the lowest cost

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) translates the ambitious vision and developmental renaissance in Dubai into mega projects and promising opportunities, especially in the energy, water, and environment sectors. Among those projects is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 and investments of up to AED 50 billion following the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The current production capacity of the solar park is 1,827 MW using photovoltaic solar panels. DEWA is currently implementing projects in the solar park with a total capacity of 1,033 MW using both photovoltaic solar panels and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies. This raises the clean energy share in Dubai’s energy mix to 12.8% and is expected to reach 14% by the end of 2022.

DEWA uses several technologies for clean energy production. One of which is the CSP technology, which can generate an ample supply of electricity around the clock with excellent energy storage capabilities. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that the organisation is keeping pace with the latest clean technologies to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

“DEWA’s total production capacity of energy has reached 14,317 megawatts (MW), and its capacity of desalinated water production has reached 490 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD). DEWA has pioneering initiatives and projects to diversify clean energy sources. These include multiple clean and renewable energy sources and technologies such as PV panels, CSP, green hydrogen production using solar power, pumped-storage water technology using clean energy in Hatta, and research into electricity generation from wind power. DEWA has also implemented projects and initiatives to increase energy efficiency. Additionally, DEWA invests in the latest Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and its state-of-the-art infrastructure to keep pace with the requirements of sustainable development. DEWA has also expanded its energy and water infrastructure to meet the growing demand according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency, and quality,” added Al Tayer.

CSP systems

DEWA works to develop energy storage technologies through pioneering projects, including the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. On its completion, the project will have the largest thermal storage capacity in the world of 15 hours, allowing for energy availability around the clock. This is a world record for thermal energy storage. The fourth phase of the solar park is the largest single-site solar IPP project in the world that combines CSP and PV technology with a capacity of 950MW. It will use 700MW of CSP; 600MW from a parabolic basin complex and 100MW from a solar tower; and 250MW from PV solar panels.

DEWA seeks to set two new records for the tallest solar tower in the world at 262.44 metres and the largest 700-megawatt Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant in the fourth phase of the Solar Park.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer reiterated the strong partnerships between DEWA and its strategic partners. These partnerships are a global role model of successful partnerships between government and private sectors. This ensures the security of energy supplies according to the highest international standards, with effective cost. This enhances Dubai’s position as the global centre for clean energy and a green economy.

DEWA received the lowest global solar energy prices five consecutive times, making Dubai a global benchmark for solar energy prices. The fourth phase achieved the world’s lowest CSP LCOE of USD 7.3 cents per kWh, and the lowest LCOE for PV technology of USD 2.4 cents per kWh.

Patent for system to identify best locations for CSP projects

DEWA attaches great importance to CSP projects and works to innovate its technologies. In recognition of its efforts in this area, DEWA, represented by the R&D Centre, has been granted a patent for a system to measure atmospheric attenuation that results from different factors, such as dust. This adds to DEWA’s record of achievements. The system identifies the best locations for solar towers and heliostats in CSP projects through meticulous calculations using a drone and an autonomous vehicle. The patent also enhances the efficiency of heliostats by controlling their direction to maximise the benefit from solar radiation.

World records and awards

DEWA won first place at the 6th International Best Practice Competition in the Partnership Category for its CSP project that it is currently being implemented at the Solar Park using the IPP model.

Source: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

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Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council The 45th IHF World Hospital Congress opens in Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, November 9, 2022: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the International Hospital Federation’s 45th World Hospital Congress officially opened today under the theme “Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare.”

Dubai is hosting the prestigious World Hospital Congress for the second time.

His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said during his opening speech that organizing and hosting such a conference reflects the capabilities of the UAE and Dubai, as an international hub for healthcare services.

He said that it also highlights Dubai’s excellence in the sector and is in accordance with the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.”

H.E. Al Ketbi thanked H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council for his support and highlighted that HH’s patronage provides a further impetus to this conference.

The conference opening ceremony took place at Dubai World Trade Centre in presence of high-level health officials including H.E. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates and Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation.

H.E. Al Ketbi, added: “The conference presents an important opportunity for participants and decision-makers to discuss potential solutions to overcome global health challenges and in particular to discuss sustainability in healthcare. It also poses an important opportunity to share experiences and expertise, strengthen relationships, and discuss new prospects for cooperation among all participants.

Al Ketbi added: “Sustainable healthcare will positively impact the quality of life of the communities we serve. At the same time, it will help the global healthcare sector become environmentally responsible. In many ways, it can also help reduce costs and drive efficiency.”

Ronald Lavater, CEO of the IHF, underlined the critical need for sustainable healthcare. “Climate change is already impacting human health and is increasingly recognized as the greatest threat to our future health. Hospitals and health systems are on the frontline when it comes to responding to its consequences. We understand the impact. But we are only beginning to address the sector’s contribution to the problem. At the IHF, our members agree that we need to raise awareness, and act now, to manage our health systems in more sustainable ways.

Sustainable healthcare will reduce the burden on hospitals and health systems, and positively impact the quality of life, resilience, and wellbeing of the communities they serve.

And that is why the IHF’s statement is a call to action to address climate change as an integral part of healthcare delivery.”

Deborah J. Bowen, President of IHF; President and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives stated: “We are excited to bring the World Hospital Congress to the United Arab Emirates again and look forward to hearing about the efforts of our partners, the Dubai Health Authority, in fostering innovative and integrated care models and enhancing community engagement. When we come together in Dubai, our conversation will focus on driving solutions and extending the reach and impact of our work into the future.

Dr Ramadan Al Blooshi, chairman of the organizing committee of the conference, said the global meet will also discuss the challenges and solutions of the healthcare workforce, ways and processes to ensure the wellbeing of healthcare providers, and the role of leadership in building and shaping successful health institutions.

Dr.Farida Al Khaja, Head of the Scientific Committee of the Conference said that over three days, leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare community will share knowledge and good practices, exchange new ideas and innovations, and network with other senior executives.

The 45th World Hospital Congress features over 30 plenary and parallel sessions; more than 150 renowned speakers; 150 poster presentations; 13+ industry exhibitors.

H.E. Amb. Dr Abdul Salam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC, Chairman of INDEX Holding and IHF Special Adviser to the Middle East Region, said: “UAE’s wise leadership has long recognized the pivotal role of innovation across the healthcare sector and more importantly in hospitals which drives better outcomes and improves the efficiency of the healthcare system. By organizing the 45th World Hospital Congress, we are committed to providing the right environment for individuals and companies to thrive and connect while fostering long-term relationships among participants.”

The first day highlighted many important topics that discuss the latest global developments related to healthcare challenges faced by hospitals around the world, better application practices, innovations, smart solutions, and digital technology in the health sector, in addition to methods in providing sustainable health services to members of society and ensuring the service continuity during and after a crisis.

The conference program started with: “Precision Medicine – the impact for hospitals and health delivery session alongside multiple panel discussions and presentations that discussed world-class healthcare, nursing staff, sustainability, paediatric care, maintaining wellness in times of epic change, and bridging boundaries through technology and collaboration.

About the Dubai Health Authority (DHA):

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the heath policymaker and regulator in Dubai, its mandate focuses on governance and oversight of Dubai’s health sector.

This includes regulating Health Providers, Professionals, Health Insurance, Public Health Protection Practices, Medical Education & Training in addition to managing Government Insurance Programs. DHA’s mandate extends to cover, Healthcare Planning, Digital Health, and Medical Tourism.

DHA’s aim through these functions is to ensure provision of the highest quality of healthcare, enhance public health and wellbeing, safeguard patient safety through regulatory governance and oversight, ensure accessible care and develop a dynamic health sector through health funding, and promote PPP’s and investment in the health sector in Dubai.

About the International Hospital Federation (IHF):

Established in 1929, the IHF is a global not-for-profit, non-governmental membership organization. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the IHF is the global voice of hospitals and health systems. The IHF provides its members with a platform for knowledge exchange and networking with different actors in the health sector, to improve the standard, quality, and level of service delivery.

About the IHF World Hospital Congress:

The World Hospital Congress is a unique global forum connecting leaders and decision-makers of hospitals, health services and healthcare organizations to share knowledge and good practices, exchange new ideas and innovations, and network with other senior executives from across the international healthcare community. The 46th World Hospital Congress will take place in Lisbon (Portugal) from 25 to 27 October 2023.

Source: Dubai Health Authority

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45th IHF World Hospital Congress opens in Dubai

DUBAI, Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the International Hospital Federation’s 45th World Hospital Congress officially opened today in Dubai, under the theme “Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare.”

Dubai is hosting the prestigious World Hospital Congress for the second time.

Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said during his opening speech that organising and hosting such a conference reflects the capabilities of the UAE and Dubai as an international hub for healthcare services.

He said that it also highlights Dubai’s excellence in the sector and is under the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

Al Ketbi thanked Sheikh Hamdan for his support and highlighted that his patronage provided a further impetus to this conference.

The conference opening ceremony took place at Dubai World Trade Centre in the presence of high-level health officials including Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation.

Al Ketbi, added, “The conference presents an important opportunity for participants and decision-makers to discuss potential solutions to overcome global health challenges and, in particular, to discuss sustainability in healthcare. It also poses an important opportunity to share experiences and expertise, strengthen relationships, and discuss new prospects for cooperation among all participants.”

Ronald Lavater, CEO of the IHF, underlined the critical need for sustainable healthcare. “Climate change is already impacting human health and is increasingly recognised as the greatest threat to our future health. Hospitals and health systems are on the frontline when it comes to responding to its consequences. We understand the impact. But we are only beginning to address the sector’s contribution to the problem. At the IHF, our members agree that we need to raise awareness and act now, to manage our health systems in more sustainable ways.

Deborah J. Bowen, President of IHF; President and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives, stated, “We are excited to bring the World Hospital Congress to the UAE again and look forward to hearing about the efforts of our partners, the Dubai Health Authority, in fostering innovative and integrated care models and enhancing community engagement. When we come together in Dubai, our conversation will focus on driving solutions and extending the reach and impact of our work into the future.

Dr. Ramadan Al Blooshi, chairman of the organising committee of the conference, said the global meeting would also discuss the challenges and solutions of the healthcare workforce, ways and processes to ensure the well-being of healthcare providers and the role of leadership in building and shaping successful health institutions.

Dr. Farida Al Khaja, Head of the Scientific Committee of the Conference said that over three days, leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare community would share knowledge and good practices, exchange new ideas and innovations, and network with other senior executives.

The congress features over 30 plenary and parallel sessions, more than 150 renowned speakers, 150 poster presentations and 13+ industry exhibitors.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Chairman of INDEX Holding and IHF Special Adviser to the Middle East Region, said, “UAE’s wise leadership has long recognised the pivotal role of innovation across the healthcare sector and more importantly in hospitals which drives better outcomes and improves the efficiency of the healthcare system.”

The first day highlighted many important topics that discuss the latest global developments related to healthcare challenges faced by hospitals worldwide, better application practices, innovations, smart solutions, and digital technology in the health sector, in addition to methods in providing sustainable health services to society and ensuring service continuity during and after a crisis.

The conference programme began with a session on “Precision Medicine and the impact on hospitals and health delivery” alongside multiple panel discussions and presentations that discussed world-class healthcare, nursing staff, sustainability, paediatric care, and maintaining wellness.

Source: Emirates News Agency