The UAE's appetite for establishing sustainable goals that fight climate change has become insatiable in recent years. In 2022, the Emirates was ranked first in the Mena region and 11th globally in the 2022 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index report issued by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (Unido).
Since being chosen as the host for Cop28, the country has taken further steps to find sustainable solutions that are accessible to all through various vital partnerships with UAE-based companies and partner governmental entities, one of which is the Rebound Plastic Exchange (RPE) programme.
It is a grim reality that plastic waste is responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.1 million marine creatures worldwide. This alarming fact begs the question of how the UAE's RPE programme can help to safeguard the region’s marine life.
To fully comprehend the impact of this programme, we need to delve deeper into the perils posed by plastic waste and the actions taken by the UAE to address this pressing issue. Studies have shown that a typical UAE resident uses 450 plastic water bottles on average in a year, which translates into a total of 4 billion plastic bottles used annually. Alarmingly, the ultimate destination for this waste is the ocean, causing a detrimental impact on marine life not just in the UAE, but across the entire Gulf. Last year, Dubai officials said that nine in 10 turtles found dead had plastic in their stomachs. The RPE programme was introduced partly in response to this alarming data.
The objective of the programme is to create a distinctive marketplace where recycled plastic materials can be bought and sold. By encouraging individuals and businesses to recycle their plastic waste, the programme aims to divert plastic from landfills and incineration while promoting the utilisation of recycled plastic in the manufacturing of new products. Through this initiative, the UAE seeks to establish an efficient and effective recycling system that will substantially reduce marine debris in the long term. And marine life conservation organisations play a role in reinforcing such programmes.
The UAE's appetite for establishing sustainable goals that fight climate change has become insatiable
The UAE is located at the convergence of several ocean currents, including the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and the cooler waters of the Gulf of Oman. Additionally, the region is also influenced by the Indian Ocean monsoon system. These factors create complex circulation patterns that bring together floating debris from various sources, both local and international, thus posing significant threats to marine life such as damaging fragile coastal habitats, including coral reefs and seagrass meadows, and impacting biodiversity and the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
Alarmingly, accumulated marine debris has far-reaching economic consequences. The UAE is a popular tourist destination, famous for beaches and coastal attractions that are perfect for diving, and stockpiles of marine debris can have a detrimental impact on tourism, resulting in potential revenue losses within the hospitality sector.
Marine conservation organisations, in partnership with the UAE government are continuously employing paramount efforts to mitigate the environmental and economic consequences of marine debris, implementing proactive measures such as promoting responsible waste management practices, enhancing recycling systems, applying strict regulations on waste disposal methods and raising overall public awareness through various initiatives such as beach clean ups and educational workshops, to mention a few.
In 2022, our organisation, Azraq, managed to plant 1,116 mangrove saplings in an attempt to regenerate local areas. This aided in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide generated by 320 kilograms. Over the course of 102 days from the end of January to May, our members and volunteers managed to collect an impressive total of 174kg of marine debris. This averages out to approximately 12 kg per week, reflecting a significant amount of waste that would have otherwise posed a threat to the delicate marine ecosystems. Campaigns like this are needed to mobilise action, promote sustainable practices and advocate for policies that benefit the environment, economy and community. They also produce valuable data, guide sustainability initiatives and inform policymakers.
The UAE's RPE programme is a significant step toward protecting the environment and fostering a sustainable future. Through this initiative, the UAE aims to restore its marine ecosystem by establishing an efficient and effective recycling system. In the long term, it will help to reduce marine debris significantly.
Hopefully, other countries will replicate this programme to ensure that the entire Gulf region remains plastic-free. Safeguarding marine life requires collective action, and the UAE's initiatives serve as a shining example for the rest of the region to follow. By prioritising sustainability and nurturing partnerships between government, businesses and non-profit organisations, we can forge a path toward a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.
RACE CARD
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 1,000m
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Â
Amith's selections:
5pm: AF Sail
5.30pm: Dahawi
6pm: Taajer
6.30pm: Pharitz Oubai
7pm: Winked
7.30pm: Shahm
8pm: Raniah
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission:Â Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to invest in gold
Investors can tap into the gold price by purchasing physical jewellery, coins and even gold bars, but these need to be stored safely and possibly insured.
A cheaper and more straightforward way to benefit from gold price growth is to buy an exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Most advisers suggest sticking to “physical” ETFs. These hold actual gold bullion, bars and coins in a vault on investors’ behalf. Others do not hold gold but use derivatives to track the price instead, adding an extra layer of risk. The two biggest physical gold ETFs are SPDR Gold Trust and iShares Gold Trust.
Another way to invest in gold’s success is to buy gold mining stocks, but Mr Gravier says this brings added risks and can be more volatile. “They have a serious downside potential should the price consolidate.”
Mr Kyprianou says gold and gold miners are two different asset classes. “One is a commodity and the other is a company stock, which means they behave differently.”
Mining companies are a business, susceptible to other market forces, such as worker availability, health and safety, strikes, debt levels, and so on. “These have nothing to do with gold at all. It means that some companies will survive, others won’t.”
By contrast, when gold is mined, it just sits in a vault. “It doesn’t even rust, which means it retains its value,” Mr Kyprianou says.
You may already have exposure to gold miners in your portfolio, say, through an international ETF or actively managed mutual fund.
You could spread this risk with an actively managed fund that invests in a spread of gold miners, with the best known being BlackRock Gold & General. It is up an incredible 55 per cent over the past year, and 240 per cent over five years. As always, past performance is no guide to the future.
Who is Ramon Tribulietx?
Born in Spain, Tribulietx took sole charge of Auckland in 2010 and has gone on to lead the club to 14 trophies, including seven successive Oceania Champions League crowns. Has been tipped for the vacant New Zealand national team job following Anthony Hudson's resignation last month. Had previously been considered for the role.Â
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
SQUADS
South Africa:
JP Duminy (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB de Villiers, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle (wkt), Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi
Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Imrul Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed
Fixtures
Oct 26: Bloemfontein
Oct 29: Potchefstroom
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FIXTURES
New Zealand v France, second Test
Saturday, 12.35pm (UAE)
Auckland, New Zealand
South Africa v Wales
Sunday, 12.40am (UAE), San Juan, Argentina
The specs: 2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS
Price: base / as tested: From Dh632,225
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 540hp @ 8,250rpm
Torque: 540Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L / 100km
Green ambitions
- Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
- Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
- Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
- Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off waterÂ
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