The Middle East is known for its oil and Dubai for its shopping. A profile of the UAE is an example of countries from the middle east.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) economy is mainly dependent on oil and natural gas, which accounts for around 36 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). The UAE is currently the fourth largest producer of oil in the Organization of Exporting Petroleum Countries (OPEC) with reserves estimated at 98 billion barrels (10 per cent of the world reserves).
The region is slowly changing its attitude towards the environment. Some examples:
Organic Expo in Dubai.
THE Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo will be almost 80 per cent bigger next year as a result of bookings confirmed when the 2006 edition ended a three-day run at Dubai’s International Exhibition Centre yesterday (Tuesday, Dec 12).
The show has already grown by 100 per cent since it was first staged in 2003, with more than 300 exhibitors from 35 countries now occupying 5,000 square metres of floor space.
“The seismic shift to natural and organic foodstuffs and medications, as well as products such as textiles, cosmetics, and cleansing agents is a worldwide phenomenon that is gaining strength virtually by the day.”
Global Links managing director Nadim Al Fuqaha added: “Middle East consumers are always among the first to adopt global trends and this is very evident in the success of this year’s expo and the projected growth for next year.”
Water Awareness in Abu Dhabi
With water scarcity being an important issue across the globe, and especially in the Arab Region, this project will help bring a much needed awareness to the younger generation in the following countries: UAE, Qatar, Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Tunisia. Water and awareness experts from some of these countries also attended the launch.
‘The project’s aim is get Arab youth more interested and more active when it comes to water issues in their part of the world. By providing them with the right tools, training and awareness, the project will help generate a new generation of pro-active and knowledgeable youth working towards conserving the precious resource of water,’ said H.E Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.
Sharjah Municipality launches ‘Bee’ah’, the biggest waste recycling company in the Arab region
A waste-recycling factory will be set up in Al Saj’ah area and will depend on the latest international technology in the recycling industry under the supervision of highly experienced specialists and technicians. The company will also set up branches in all other municipalities of the Emirate of Sharjah.
Mrs Randa Kamal Chief Executive Officer of JMS Property Development stated that: “Governments and institutions are set day after day to launch environmental programmes and projects aimed at seeking solutions as required for handling the increasing environmental issues, which our contemporary world suffer from after hving gone too far in exhausting its natural resources.
As a first stage, “Bee’ah” will collect, sort out and classify waste within the following categories: aluminium materials, plastic materials, all kinds of paper, glass and ceramic, building materials, iron and organic materials. These will be sent to the recycling factory, which will be operational by late 2008 after being completed according to the latest technical specifications under the supervision of a group of manufacturing and recycling engineers and specialists.
Even though they have arrived late, the middle-east is moving fast in this area. There are many opportunities for Green companies to exploit and make a difference in this region.
