Rasmala Marks 25 Years with Sustainability Commitment, Planting 500 Mangroves in UAE for World Wildlife Day
3 March 2025, Dubai, UAE – On the occasion of World Wildlife Day and in celebration of its 25-year anniversary, Rasmala reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation in the UAE. Through a partnership with Goumbook's Trees Matter campaign in line with the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment National Carbon Sequestration Program, Rasmala is planting 500 mangrove trees, honouring its 25-year journey while actively supporting the UAE's national pledge to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030.
Mangroves: A Natural Solution to Climate Change
Mangrove forests are among the most vital ecosystems on the planet, playing a key role in climate resilience and environmental conservation: Carbon Storage: Mangroves absorb 3-4 times more carbon than tropical rainforests, making them a key tool for climate mitigation.
Marine Biodiversity: They are home to 80% of fish populations, sustaining local fisheries.
Coastal Protection: Mangroves are natural shields against storms, rising sea levels, and erosion.
Water Filtration: Mangroves naturally filter pollutants, improving marine ecosystems.
A Legacy That Grows
'This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability in the UAE, both in its financial ecosystem and natural environment. Each tree, which we are planting on behalf of our employees, clients, and partners, symbolises the lasting impact we aim to create in the communities we serve,' said Zak Hydari, Group CEO, Rasmala Holdings.
By aligning this initiative with World Wildlife Day, Rasmala aims to raise awareness of the critical role that mangroves play in global conservation efforts. Rasmala's actions on World Wildlife Day reflect not just a one-day initiative but a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, contributing to global conservation efforts aligned with the UAE's ambitious sustainability goals.
'At Goumbook, we believe every tree planted is a step toward a more resilient and biodiverse future. Rasmala's commitment to mangrove restoration is a testament to the power of corporate responsibility in tackling climate change and protecting our natural ecosystems. Through our Trees Matter campaign, we proudly support this impactful pledge, ensuring these mangroves thrive and contribute to the UAE's vision of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030. By incorporating tree planting into their business milestones, Rasmala demonstrates how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into corporate growth and impact,' said Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook.
To further its commitment, the bank will plant 25 mangrove trees for every successful deal closed in 2025—embedding environmental responsibility into its investment strategy and reinforcing a sustainable approach to growth.
About Rasmala: Rasmala is an independent provider and manager of alternative investment products, serving Gulf-based investors, including pension funds, family offices, corporates, endowments, and financial institutions.
Rasmala Investment Bank Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rasmala Investment Holdings Limited, based in the Dubai International Financial Centre. It is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
About Goumbook:
Goumbook is a social enterprise dedicated to accelerating Sustainability and Climate Action in the UAE and beyond since 2009.
Goumbook shapes the global sustainability landscape by offering local solutions to corporates, youth, civil society, and the public sector. We raise awareness, run initiatives, advise and consult to change mindsets and create impact on the current and future living experience of the people in our region.
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Mid East Info
10-08-2025
- Mid East Info
As part of the ‘Year of Community' MUSTADEEM Programme Concludes First Edition, Graduating a New Generation of Young Sustainability Leaders in the UAE
Mohammed Al-Naemi: Participants of MUSTADEEM are the core of the human capital upon which the future of our green economy and sustainable food security will depend. Dubai, August 2025: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment successfully concluded the first edition of the MUSTADEEM programme, organised as part of the 'Year of Community' to build and empower the capacities of Emirati youth in the fields of environment, agriculture, and sustainability. The programme aims to qualify and cultivate a generation capable of promoting innovation in sustainability and enhancing their readiness for the future job market by equipping them with research, analysis, and teamwork skills. Two closing ceremonies were held to honour the participating youth and strategic partners at Silal in Al Ain and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai. Participants aged 13 to 16 who completed the intensive training programme, held from August 4 to 8, were honoured. Commemorative shields were also presented to representatives of Silal and ICBA in recognition of their pivotal role as strategic partners in providing participants with a unique educational and practical experience. His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said: 'The success of the first edition of MUSTADEEM is a testament to our leadership's vision in investing in our most precious asset, our youth. These participants are the nucleus of the national human capital that our future green economy and sustainable food security system will rely upon. The knowledge and passion for sustainability we have instilled in them is a long-term investment that will yield results across all vital sectors of the nation and ensure the continuity of our journey towards global leadership in the fields of environment and sustainability.' He added, 'MUSTADEEM provides participants with knowledge and also aims to foster an innovative mindset capable of developing solutions. We are preparing this generation to continue leading the transition towards a low-carbon economy and to serve as ambassadors of sustainability in their communities. The exemplary partnership between the Ministry, Silal and ICBA embodied the UAE's approach to unifying national efforts to achieve our climate goals and future aspirations. MUSTADEEM will continue to cultivate innovative minds for a better future for the UAE through upcoming editions, which will focus on more pillars of sustainability in our nation.' The MUSTADEEM programme was delivered through two tracks; the first led by Silal at the Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, and the second led by ICBA at its headquarters in Dubai. The programme offered participants a comprehensive educational experience combining theory and practice through specialised workshops in soil and water laboratories, post-harvest technologies, and crop health, alongside interactive activities to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. MUSTADEEM successfully achieved its objectives of exposing young people to the challenges and opportunities in the environmental and agricultural sectors, equipping them with essential skills that provide a strong foundation for their professional future. The programme highlights that empowering youth and providing them with practical knowledge is essential for building a comprehensive sustainability system. Through this advanced training model, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment continues its role as an effective national leader in developing human capital and achieving an environmental and economic balance, positioning the UAE on the world's leading edge of environmental sustainability. The Ministry confirmed that MUSTADEEM is designed to serve as a long-term strategic platform, with its next editions focusing on broader aspects of sustainability across various vital sectors, in collaboration with an extensive network of national partners from both the government and private sectors, as well as academic and research institutions.
Mid East Info
30-07-2025
- Mid East Info
MOCCAE Launches MUSTADEEM for developing and empowering youth in the fields of environment and sustainability in the UAE
Dr. Amna Al Dahak: The programme reflects a strategic investment in human capital, preparing future leaders in food security and sustainability. It will empower youth to be active partners and ambassadors to drive sustainability as an intrinsic part of the Year of Community. Future editions of the programme will broaden their scope to include more environmental and sustainability subjects, while examining sustainable practices across different sectors. Subtitles : The first edition of the programme is organized in partnership with Silal and ICBA. The first edition of the programme is targeted at Emirati youth aged 13 to 16. The first edition seeks to shape future sustainability leaders in agriculture and the environment, while fostering a generation capable of enhancing innovation in food security. The MUSTADEEM programme will take place from August 4 to 8, 2025, through two tracks, the first led by Silal at the Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, and the second led by ICBA at its headquarters in Dubai. MUSTADEEM's educational offerings include specialised workshops in areas like soil and water laboratory, post-harvest laboratory, and crop health, alongside a number of awareness activities in professional safety. The programme improves the readiness of the students for the job market, empowers them with research and analytical skills, and facilitates multidisciplinary teamwork. United Arab Emirates, July 2025 – As part of the 'Year of Community,' the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced the launch the first edition of the MUSTADEEM programme, in collaboration with Silal, a leading agricultural food and technology company in Abu Dhabi and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). The programme aims to develop the skills and knowledge of youth in agriculture, laboratory research, and environmental health, by providing them with hands-on innovative experiences that will foster their professional readiness and instill the values of sustainability and innovation. The MUSTADEEM programme is being launched as a part of the Year of Community, reinforcing the importance of engaging community members, particularly the youth, in shaping a more balanced and sustainable environmental future. The programme reflects the nation's commitment to a comprehensive vision that promotes sustainability as a national value and part of the community culture. This creates a multiplier effect, fostering a more aware and inclusive community, which is better equipped to shoulder environmental responsibility and address climate challenges in an innovative and efficient way. This approach reflects the commitment of the Ministry and its partner entities to nurture young talent and build national capacities. It embodies the guidance of the UAE's leadership and is inspired by the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in safeguarding the environment and protecting natural resources. The first edition of the MUSTADEEM programme will be held from August 4 to 8, 2025, in two parallel tracks. The first is led by Silal at the Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, and the second is led by ICBA at its headquarters in Dubai. The current edition targets Emirati youth aged 13 to 16. MUSTADEEM, in its first edition, offers a comprehensive educational experience, combining theoretical and practical aspects through specialised workshops, including soil and water laboratory, post-harvest laboratory, and crop health, alongside awareness activities in professional safety. The programme enables participants to engage in interactive analytical experiences and apply scientific concepts through activities like 'Escape the Room.' This approach stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving in an engaging and motivating educational environment, enhancing their readiness for future impact in the environmental and agricultural sectors. Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: 'MUSTADEEM is a practical model for the Ministry's vision in developing national talents in key sectors. In the face of rapid environmental and climatic changes, we must equip our youth to lead effective solutions and balance economic development with environmental sustainability. 'Reflecting our leadership's vision for involving all sections of society, the programme's launch aligns with the 'Year of Community.' This initiative reinforces community participation in achieving major national goals like sustainability. MUSTADEEM, in particular, will serve as a significant platform for activating and affirming youth's role as active partners in supporting the nation's efforts in this domain. 'By equipping them with practical skills and deep knowledge, we aim to empower the youth to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives as well as in all their future endeavours. Our aim is to prepare them as sustainability ambassadors within their communities and as leaders who will advance the nation's journey in creating a sustainable future for all.' HE added: 'Through this programme we aim to foster a knowledgeable and innovative national workforce in the fields of agriculture and environment. This will help strengthen the food security framework and achieve the UAE's long-term sustainability objectives. The MUSTADEEM programme offers a comprehensive system dedicated to building and empowering youth capacities in the fields of environment and sustainability in the UAE. Through engaging educational and training platforms, it will enable the participants to acquire skills and knowledge required to understand both local and global environmental challenges, and to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.' Her Excellency highlighted that the MUSTADEEM programme is designed to serve as a long-term strategic platform, with continuous development and expansion. HE noted that the programme's inaugural edition will encompass all facets of sustainability, specifically addressing environmental and comprehensive sustainability themes relevant to diverse sectors engaged in sustainable practices. This will be achieved in collaboration with various national partners, including government entities, specialised institutions and centres, academia, and the private sector, focusing on areas relevant to the Ministry's work. HE said: 'An expansion of the programme will equip young people with a comprehensive understanding of how these sectors are interconnected. This knowledge is crucial for developing innovative, integrated solutions to complex environmental challenges, thereby aligning with the UAE's national vision for a green economy and a sustainable future.' His Excellency Dhafer Al Qasimi, CEO of Silal, said: 'Our partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and ICBA is crucial to our vision of equipping UAE youth with the skills to lead the future of agriculture and food technology. The MUSTADEEM programme embodies this by combining applied knowledge with practical experience to drive sustainable change. His Excellency added: 'At Silal, we believe modern agricultural technology ensures long-term food security. This program offers participants the chance to learn about the latest innovations in greenhouses, post-harvest technologies, and supply chain efficiency. Our goal is to prepare a qualified workforce and empower a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to develop proactive solutions to effectively tackle agricultural and food challenges.' Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), said: 'At ICBA, our mission is to provide innovative scientific solutions for agricultural challenges in arid and saline environments. As the impacts of climate change accelerate and pressure on natural resources intensifies, investing in knowledge and empowering youth with science becomes a top priority to ensure long-term sustainability. 'This programme, a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, ICBA, and Silal, opens the doors of our laboratories and research projects. It allows young students to witness firsthand how science can transform environmental challenges, such as water scarcity and soil salinity, into opportunities for sustainable agricultural production.' Her Excellency added: 'Our objective is more than just training, as we aim to inspire participants, empowering them to ask critical questions, embrace analytical thinking, and engage directly with the tools of scientific research. Cultivating a passion for discovery in young minds and providing them with a solid foundation of scientific thought is essential for building a national pool of scientific talent. This talent will drive innovation and safeguard our future food and water security. Indeed, these are the scientists of tomorrow and the transformative leaders who will advance innovation even in the most challenging environments. Developing a new generation of national talent: MUSTADEEM is designed to cultivate a new generation of Emirati talent capable of shaping the UAE's future in environmental sustainability. The programme seeks to empower youth by raising their awareness of climate challenges and highlighting their integral role in finding solutions. It also promotes food security through sustainable agricultural concepts and responsible environmental practices. The programme improves the readiness of the youth for the job market in the fields of sustainability, empowers them with research and analytical skills, facilitates multidisciplinary teamwork, and enhances their critical thinking abilities and professional communication, thereby forming a strong foundation for promising careers in the fields of environment and agriculture. The programme underscores the necessity of empowering youth with practical knowledge to establish a robust sustainability system. Leveraging this advanced training model, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment further solidifies its position as a national catalyst for human capital development. These efforts contribute to achieving environmental and economic equilibrium, thereby strengthening the UAE's leadership in global environmental sustainability. Those interested to participate may complete the registration form for the MUSTADEEM programme track, led by Silal at the Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, by scanning the QR code below. Those interested to join the MUSTADEEM programme track, led by ICBA at its headquarters in Dubai, can complete the registration by scanning the QR code below.
Mid East Info
02-06-2025
- Mid East Info
Nestlé Honors Youth Innovation with First-Ever Sustainability Heroes Award - Middle East Business News and Information
Nestlé's flagship youth initiative celebrates student-led sustainability solutions from over 200 participants — and announces the program's return for a second edition launching in November 2025. Under the auspices of the UAE Ministry of Economy and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Nestlé and INJAZ UAE announced the winner of the inaugural Sustainability Heroes Award. This youth-centered initiative has equipped more than 200 university students across the UAE with the skills and mentorship to develop innovative sustainability solutions. Kleva, composed of students from University of Sharjah, took top honors for their project,— a dynamic project-based learning platform providing students and young professionals with real-world experience before formal employment. Their proposal stood out for its originality, viability, and potential to create measurable social impact. The winning team will now begin internships with Nestlé, gaining hands-on experience and access to further mentoring opportunities to help refine and scale their solution. Over six months, students engaged in a 'Learning by Doing' format emphasizing entrepreneurship, business acumen, and real-world impact. At the heart of the program is the INJAZ UAE Company Program, which transforms classrooms into start-ups. Students worked in teams to develop business solutions addressing real sustainability challenges while learning from each other and industry professionals. Emphasizing sustainability-driven entrepreneurship, the program empowered participants to build innovative, purpose-led ventures that respond to pressing environmental and social issues. Throughout the journey, students received dedicated training and hands-on mentorship from Nestlé professionals, gaining exposure to real-world business contexts and sustainability practices. As a result: Nestlé employees mentored the students; 10 internships and 15 mentorship opportunities will be extended to top students, with the winning team securing automatic placements to the internships; Finalists are acquiring critical business skills to serve them in future roles, whether as employees or entrepreneurs. The Sustainability Heroes Award celebrates not only the winning solution but also the broader movement to foster sustainable thinking and practical action among the UAE's emerging talent. A platform with long-term purpose: 'As we look ahead to the next phase of the UAE's economic transformation, programs like Sustainability Heroes will continue to play a vital role in equipping our youth to lead with purpose and contribute to the knowledge economy,' said His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy. Ms. Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of the Government Communication Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, added: 'Youth are central to climate action and sustainable development. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is committed to developing the young people of our country as the leaders of tomorrow, a premise that underpins the Sustainability Heroes Award. We believe their role is critical to climate action, and we are committed to strategically integrating young people into every aspect of our efforts to combat climate change. Their energy, enthusiasm, and skillset are invaluable assets that can drive real transformation and help us achieve our sustainability goals. I commend Nestlé's efforts in inspiring student-led sustainability projects, demonstrating how the private sector can contribute to our climate initiatives. I also commend all the participants for their remarkable projects and eagerly anticipate the next edition in November.' Ms. Sarah Shaw, CEO of at Majra, said: 'At Majra, we believe in unlocking the potential of youth to lead national progress. Sustainability Heroes is a prime example of how partnerships can equip young people with the skills, mindset, and confidence to turn their ideas into action — not only for their own futures, but for the future of our planet.' Hassan Atia, General Business Manager of Nestlé UAE, commented: 'This award is not just a recognition of student excellence — it's a celebration of bold ideas and a powerful commitment to change. At Nestlé, we're proud to walk alongside young changemakers building a better future for people and the planet. This initiative is a reflection of our global commitment through the Nestlé Needs Youth program, which empowers young talent with the skills, opportunities, and platforms they need to thrive. And this is just the beginning — we look forward to expanding the program's reach and impact in the next edition.' The Sustainability Heroes initiative is designed as a long-term platform to equip youth with the tools and mindset to contribute meaningfully to the UAE's national priorities — from sustainability and climate resilience to entrepreneurship and food security. By embedding sustainability into entrepreneurship education, the program supports the development of job-ready, purpose-driven talent capable of building solutions for a better tomorrow. Following the success of its first edition, Nestlé and its partners will launch the second edition of the program in November 2025, with an expanded mandate to reach more students across the UAE and deepen its impact nationwide. About Nestlé in the UAE: Nestlé's regional office for the Middle East and North Africa is based in Dubai South, and the company operates across the Emirates with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Nestlé works with more than 850 customers in the UAE and more than 1,700 retail outlets in the country, including supermarkets and pharmacies. The company locally produces confectionary, dairy, culinary, and coffee, at two food and beverages factories in Dubai and operates two water manufacturing sites, one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. Nestlé employs more than 1,300 people from different parts of the world, while providing indirect employment to hundreds more.
