From living a more sustainable lifestyle to building more eco-friendly businesses, experts have told The National that efforts driven by two consecutive Year of Sustainability campaigns have had a “huge impact” on life in the Emirates.
What was achieved?
The Year of Sustainability was launched in February 2023 with the theme Today for Tomorrow, − the aim being to inspire individuals to take personal actions that contribute towards collective sustainability efforts.
In 2024, the initiative continued under the slogan Plan to Action, focusing on motivating individuals and organisations to participate in sustainable practices through various activities.
A recent survey conducted by the Year of Sustainability organisation found that that 67 per cent of residents have reduced water and energy, while 39 per cent started consuming more responsibly.
Residents were also inspired to take more sustainable modes of transportation with 31 per cent opting for more environmentally friendly alternatives. This number could rise as more sustainable transport infrastructure such as high-speed rail becomes available.
Looking ahead, Year of Sustainability project lead Eisa Alsubousi urged everyone who calls the UAE home to maintain this momentum by continuing to make sustainable choices in their daily lives, workplaces, and communities, helping to ensure a greener future for all.
“Sustainability requires the enduring collaboration of individuals, communities and entities, working together to ensure that the seeds we plant today will flourish into a thriving, sustainable tomorrow for all,” said Mr Alsubousi.
Engaging society
The two-year campaign launched various initiatives engaging all sectors of society − corporate entities, government and individuals.
For example, in October 2024, the Year of Sustainability launched an open call to recognise entities that demonstrated notable success and impactful efforts towards sustainability.
Entries were assessed by members of the Sustainability Experts’ Network and were awarded the Plan to Action: Year of Sustainability’s Seal, which can be displayed digitally online and in their physical establishments. Awarded entities will be also featured in the interactive Plan to Action Map.
Hitesh Sharma, founder and managing director of Taste Studio, a Dubai-based catering brand, told The National that over the past two years the direction of the company has been “more intentional” with its environmentally friendly practices.
“It’s not just about reducing waste or using biodegradable packaging – it’s about creating a culture where sustainability is second nature.” said Mr Sharma. “These two years have been about refining what we do, making sustainability a seamless part of our daily operations, rather than an add-on.”
The government initiative has had a lasting impact for Mr Sharma, as programmes introduced have now become ingrained in his business. “One of the most meaningful shifts we’ve made is in how we handle surplus food. Nothing goes back to the kitchen; instead, we box it up for staff and distribute it in the community.”
Meanwhile, Spinneys Abu Dhabi reduced its carbon emissions by 48,000kg over the course of the two year period – achieving Carbon Saving Certifications in both 2023 and 2024.
“We are committed to driving change that benefits our planet and future generations” general manager Sacha Tanner told The National.
Long-term impact
A pivotal moment for sustainability in the region was the hosting of the UN climate summit Cop28 in Dubai − held in the first year of sustainability. More than 80,000 attendees from across the globe attended the conference, focused on tackling climate change.
Cop28 concluded with the historic UAE Consensus, which includes an agreement to start cutting back on fossil fuels.
The event, which changed the course of climate discussions, also had a huge impact on the business landscape in the Middle East, Habiba Al Marashi, co-founder and chairwoman of the Emirates Environmental Group working group, told The National.
“We saw so many organisations, starting taking their first steps, looking at their internal environmental practices, doing simple things such as reducing plastic from their daily consumption, looking to their energy bills on a monthly basis.” said Ms Al Marashi.
Ms Al Marashi was one of the UAE-based experts involved in the Sustainability Experts Network − launched to promote sustainability across various sectors and foster positive behavioural changes.
Carrying on the year of sustainability into 2024, Ms Al Marashi said, “further pushed the agenda down the line for sustainability and corporate responsibility”.
'Vision, mission and values'
The Arabia CSR Network, which engages small and large businesses and government institutions to strengthen their commitment to sustainable development across the Arab world, recently launched the 18th Arabia CSR and Sustainability Awards.
The initiative aims to encourage businesses to engage in more sustainable practices. Since inception, the award has seen steady momentum, from 36 applications in 2008 to 122 in 2024. Each submission comes with a registration fee and the deadline for entries is June 30.
Arabia CSR Network founder and chief executive Ms Al Marashi told The National that for those businesses that are not sure where or how to start on a sustainability journey, starting with “vision, mission and values” is enough.
The criteria for the awards have been based on global and regional frameworks and standards, including the UN Global Compact 10 Principles, the GRI Standards, the European EFQM Business Excellence Model, the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and, more recently, the financial requirements outlined by the Global Investors for Sustainable Development alliance.
Ms Al Marashi says that going forward, regulations can help encourage further take up of corporate sustainability reporting – but emphasised that this should be at a unified federal level sustainability standards and requirements “will make it so much easier and so much impactful for entities”.
Looking ahead
In January, President Sheikh Mohamed announced 2025 as the Year of Community, aligning with a nationwide effort to foster unity and inclusion throughout society.
In a post on X, Sheikh Mohamed encouraged “everyone who calls the UAE home” to actively contribute to “enhancing their community and ensuring our nation continues to serve as an inspiring model of progress and prosperity”.
Events will be announced throughout the year, with citizens and residents encouraged to engage in community service, volunteering, and various initiatives, said state news agency WAM.
The public will also be invited to share their ideas on strengthening social connections, promoting community development, and celebrating the cultural diversity that makes the UAE unique.
