Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as well as Fujairah Terminals and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, on Monday launched Sustainability Week at the cruise terminal in Mina Zayed.

The three-day event is being held in collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminium, EGA, and National Marine Dredging Company, NMDC.

In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 to create a sustainable economy, the event aims to raise local community awareness, encourage partner and customer engagement and promote knowledge-sharing and a culture of sustainability amongst corporations in Abu Dhabi.

The two platinum partners for the event, EGA and NMDC, are strong local advocates for sustainability.

Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Executive Vice President-Ports said, "The launch of Sustainability Week is a testament to our commitment to raising awareness about sustainability, environmental conservation and innovation. As part of our key priorities, we are exerting all efforts to preserve our natural resources for future generations and to promote growth. Sustainability Week is the ideal opportunity to share best practices and work together to protect the environment and build a sustainable economy through social and environmental innovation, ensuring the success of our industry."

Themed 'Sustainable Businesses for a Sustainable Community,’ the forum features a range of interactive workshops and audio-visual demonstrations to advocate dialogue around overcoming challenges in implementing a strategy to ensure sustainability. A series of awareness lectures and presentations on key research and studies will also take place alongside an exhibition of visiting companies as well as a photo gallery and competition.

Applauding Abu Dhabi Ports for this initiative, Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and CEO of EGA, said, "EGA aspires to be measured amongst the world’s most responsible metals and mining companies in everything we do. We thank Abu Dhabi Ports for this initiative because by working together across industries in the UAE we can more effectively tackle sustainability issues from safety to emissions and waste."

Expressing his pleasure at participating in the new forum, Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC, said, "The foundations we have been laying over the last 41 years are the bedrock for a sustainable future, both in terms of the economy and within our communities. At NMDC, we take these principles to the very heart of everything we do and reflect our purpose and vision to be the best partner in the markets we operate."

The event also welcomed representatives and exhibitors from local academic institutes such as Sorbonne University, NYUAD, American University Dubai, Abu Dhabi University, Zayed University, Rawafed Private School and Abu Dhabi Indian School to emphasise the need for partnerships on sustainable thinking and innovation between academia and businesses.

Abu Dhabi Ports will also host a competition for the visiting students – inviting them to showcase projects, research papers and innovations related to sustainability and social and economic development. Winners will receive AED30,000.