The Middle East Environmental Excellence Awards announced by Expo Centre Sharjah on Monday will recognise Middle East businesses that demonstrate environmental sustainability. Applicants have until September 15 to submit nominations in 14 categories. To be held as part of the Green Middle East trade event — slated for October 15-17 in Sharjah — the awards will build on the UAE’s myriad green initiatives and those in the GCC as well. “The UAE has successfully paved the way for a green economy that supports technology transfer, economic stability and social empowerment. Through the awards we are taking our green initiatives a step further ... we aim to encourage regional businesses to adopt clean technology and reap its benefits, and recognize organisations for their positive environmental and sustainable practices,” said Saif Mohammad Al Midfa, Director-General, Expo Centre Sharjah, in a statement. “The awards will also help winners receive gain superior green credentials, concrete business opportunities and better regional visibility, apart from demonstrating their social and corporate responsibility,” he said. Middle East countries moving to diversify their economies away from reliance on oil production are planning to invest about $500 billion in ‘green’ energy alone over the next two decades, said Expo Centre Sharjah. To submit entries, log on to www.green-middleeast.com. From : Gulfnews