Abu Dhabi has launched an eco award that will focus on efforts to safeguard the planet.
The Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environment Award aims to raise awareness of important steps being taken on the path to sustainability by campaigners, researchers and businesses.
It has been established by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and is named after the chairman of the agency's board of directors, who also serves as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.
Its first edition will be made up of three main award categories, headlined by the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Medal, which will be given to those who have achieved excellence in supporting the green agenda.
The awards will champion the eco-conscious approach of individuals such as fishermen, falconers and farmers, as well as private companies and industrial facilities.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony held during Cop 28, the global climate summit being staged at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12.
Sheikh Hamdan underlined the need to support scientists and experts in finding solutions to environmental challenges facing the world.
“The UAE’s keenness to protect the environment represents an original trend stemming from its belief in the importance of the environment in achieving sustainable development, which began many years ago, and has grown day by day thanks to the attention paid by the wise leadership," Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement issued on Wednesday to announce the awards. The foundations of this drive, he said, were laid by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
He said the awards are in line with the vision of President Sheikh Mohamed, who declared 2023 to be The Year of Sustainability in the UAE, under the theme Today for Tomorrow.
Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the environment agency, said the award would be used to help drive change.
“The award provides a motivational framework to enhance interest in environmental work and environmental initiatives, which will help raise public awareness about the importance of protecting the environment," Dr Al Dhaheri said.
"This is in addition to driving positive change in environmental compliance to protect and preserve all elements of the environment.”
EAD will hold awareness workshops about the awards, with the nomination process to begin on May 28 through the agency's website.
Financial awards will be granted to the winners.
The UAE is gearing up to play a key role in the fight against climate change at Cop 28.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, President-designate of the upcoming summit, has consistently spoken in recent weeks of the need to turn talk into action to protect the world for future generations.
The international community will gather at Cop 28 for a global stocktake of eco targets and to develop a blueprint for a more sustainable future.
Countdown to Cop 28 - in pictures
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
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Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)
- Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave.
- Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
- Help out around the house.
- Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
- Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
- Offer to strip the bed before you go.
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
