The diversity of programmes offered to young people in the UAE prepares them for all kinds of work opportunities through partnerships across multiple sectors. AP
The diversity of programmes offered to young people in the UAE prepares them for all kinds of work opportunities through partnerships across multiple sectors. AP
The diversity of programmes offered to young people in the UAE prepares them for all kinds of work opportunities through partnerships across multiple sectors. AP
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is an Emirati businessman and philanthropist
February 29, 2024
We live in a time marked by the urgent need for climate solutions. It is also a time in which the connection between philanthropy and business is vital. Last year, as global leaders gathered for the climate summit Cop28 in the UAE, it became apparent how such a partnership could contribute to a sustainable future.
The concept is clear: businesses drive economic growth, while philanthropy, by addressing areas often strained by environmental and social challenges, complements and strengthens government initiatives. This is more than a theoretical approach.
For example, last year, the UAE's Ministry of Education announced an international eco-education programme – a Green Education Partnership with Unesco and Unicef – that would offer schools across the UAE a national framework to support climate education and action among young people.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and the UK's Prince William plant trees with school children at the Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi, in February 2022. AFP
And since 2015, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation has run similar initiatives such as the green education programme, benefiting approximately 100,000 young Emirati and Arab students, equipping them with skills that are technical, transferable and high in demand.
The diversity of programmes offered to young people in the UAE prepares them for all kinds of work opportunities through partnerships across multiple sectors.
Our efforts are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and are realised through collaborations with entities such as the UAE Ministry of Education, the American University of Beirut, and companies such as Accenture, Samsung, Mashreq, Amazon, Burjeel Medical Centre among others. These partnerships demonstrate a shared commitment to foster a climate-conscious mindset across different industries, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future in business.
Philanthropy’s role to drive meaningful climate action is significant to promote the strategic use of resources to maximum effect
To tackle climate change and secure sustainable financing, awareness across all levels of society is crucial. This involves educating everyone from students to employers, governments and thought leaders, which then creates a momentum of positive change.
Such an approach aims to cultivate an understanding of environmental issues among youth, consumers and business communities, thereby influencing and then changing behaviour at the scale that is required to make a real difference.
Philanthropy is key in this endeavour, going beyond generosity to embody responsibility. Philanthropists have the resources and influence and they can help support positive societal trends and guide initiatives towards sustainable goals.
Their role is not just to provide funding but also to foster innovation and envision long-term impacts. By embedding education in climate action strategies, we ensure an informed, proactive approach to sustainability. This is why we partnered with the UAE Ministry of Education to support climate learning across the nation.
Philanthropy’s role to drive meaningful climate action is significant to promote the strategic use of resources to maximum effect. This demands a mindset of optimisation – that is – a business mindset. Philanthropic foundations can pioneer innovative financing models, support research and development, and support climate solutions. They play a vital role in funding efforts in communities that are most affected by climate change, by influencing people in these communities to demand greener options for all goods and services.
The intersection of philanthropy and business holds enormous potential. In my dual role as a business leader and a philanthropist, I see the immense opportunities that arise from aligning business strategies with philanthropic goals, especially in the field of climate action. Businesses possess the necessary resources, extensive reach and expertise to enact sustainable changes on a grand scale.
The growing consumer demand for sustainable business practices drives companies to adapt and improve. This shift in consumer awareness and subsequently their preferences compels companies to revise their policies and practices and makes them more sustainable.
This also encourages more business houses to embrace environmentally responsible operations. In addition, the growing consumer demand for sustainable business practices drives companies to adapt and improve.
Philanthropy can accelerate in this process. Philanthropic investments can mitigate risks in green technology ventures, support start-ups focused on sustainable solutions and provide incentives to businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. This can have a much large effect and cultivate a market for sustainability, promoting both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The Foundation is committed to this vision but we cannot embark on this journey alone. The complexity and scale of climate challenges require collective action – a united front of governments, businesses, philanthropic foundations and individuals. As we gathered at Cop28, we pledged to this collective endeavour for action, not just talk. Let us use our strengths to drive significant, lasting change.
Envisioning the future, philanthropists and business leaders can catalyse systemic change by embedding sustainability in their ethos. By viewing the climate challenge as an opportunity for innovation, we can build a better world for future generations. As each business adopts green goals, we approach a point where some of these practices become routine and which can ultimately lead to a profound and lasting impact.
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
THE SPECS
Touareg Highline
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 340hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh239,312
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.
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
