Latest news with #SustainabilityWeek
Observer
15-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Duqm Refinery launches 2,000-seedling tree planting campaign
MUSCAT: At a time when national efforts are increasingly directed towards achieving environmental sustainability and expanding green spaces across the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, Duqm Refinery OQ8 continues its proactive role in supporting these goals through unique initiatives aimed at creating a positive environmental impact and raising local community awareness. In this context, OQ8 has launched the second edition of its 'Tree Planting Initiative' as part of its participation in Oman Sustainability Week, striving to play an active role in increasing the green cover in the desert environment of Duqm, in support of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Carbon Emissions Reduction Initiative. Manal al Kiyoumi, Acting Executive Vice-President for Corporate Affairs, stated that the 'Tree Planting Initiative' is one of the company's key projects since last year. The first edition saw the planting of 1,000 seedlings carefully selected to suit the desert climate of Duqm, with the participation of the local community and visitors during an event held at the company's booth at Duqm Refinery. She added that the company ensured the care of these seedlings from Sustainability Week until the celebration of Oman's Tree Day in October, during which some seedlings were distributed to local schools, while others were planted in refinery facilities. She noted that the great success and high turnout last year encouraged the company to continue this approach and double the number of seedlings to 2,000 this year. Speaking about the initiative's objective, Al Kiyoumi explained that the company aims to increase green spaces in Duqm in support of the national initiative to plant wild trees, in collaboration with the Environment Authority. She added that the initiative goes beyond just planting trees, as it also contributes to raising environmental awareness, promoting a culture of sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, ultimately working towards achieving net-zero emissions. She highlighted that the seeds and fertilisers used are provided in partnership with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under contracts designed to enhance community partnership and support the local economy. Ali al Mahrazi, one of the visitors to the event, expressed his admiration for this environmental initiative presented by Duqm Refinery as part of its participation. He pointed out that the booth includes an awareness theatrical performance held four times daily, highlighting the importance of tree planting and its role in environmental protection. He added that the booth offers visitors the opportunity to plant seedlings themselves, with the option to either take them home or have them sent to Duqm for planting, strengthening the community's connection to the initiative. He also noted that all booth materials are sustainably designed and reusable or recyclable, reflecting a practical awareness message about sustainability concepts and waste reduction. Al Kiyoumi also spoke about the company's participation in Sustainability Week, where it won the Best Sustainable Booth Award for the second consecutive year. She explained that this year's booth design was developed in collaboration with multiple teams from the health, safety, environment, sustainability and corporate communications departments. The booth was built using 90 per cent recycled materials, including sanitised and repurposed IBC tanks used to construct the booth structure, ceilings and the stage for the awareness shows and safety training sessions. She confirmed that all booth components, including shelves, wood and seedlings, will be reused in Duqm schools, where they will be allocated for school theatre activities and tree planting initiatives as part of the ongoing collaboration between the company and the local community.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Beyond the parking lot... reflections from Oman Sustainability Week
When I arrived at Oman Sustainability Week, I was ready to dive straight in. Instead, I found myself trapped in loops around a packed parking lot. My coffee cooled as frustration grew. By the time I parked, my panel had already begun. It was a minor inconvenience, but it felt oddly symbolic. Real sustainability isn't just about what happens inside exhibition halls; it begins with the choices we make long before the event itself. Perhaps next year we might consider carpooling, shuttles, or even park-and-ride schemes to reflect the commitments we discuss on stage. Inside, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre overflowed with ambition, but also contradictions. For the first time, the Petroleum and Energy Show and Sustainability Week shared the same space. Two worlds merged into one, yet I overheard whispers in the corridors. 'The oil show and sustainability; what exactly are we selling here?' This quiet exchange stuck with me. Simply gathering under one roof doesn't mean our messages are unified. Without clear framing and sincerity, even the most genuine intentions risk being misunderstood. Later, I spoke with a sustainability director preparing to present their firm's sustainability initiatives. 'How do you feel about your message?' I asked. They hesitated before responding, 'I need more than glossy brochures to convince our shareholders and the public. They want measurable progress.' Their candour underscored a deeper truth. Trust comes from transparency, not clever branding alone. Just around the corner, I found a different atmosphere entirely. Full-scale Swiss and Italian delegations confidently engaged visitors, openly inviting scrutiny and sharing measurable targets. Their presence sent an encouraging signal. Actively participating in sustainability conversations, rather than cautiously observing, builds credibility far quicker. This contrast between cautious hesitation and bold transparency lies at the heart of our sustainability journey. It reflects a question each of us must confront: Are we comfortable enough to openly share both our successes and our uncertainties? Oman Sustainability Week embodied our national ambition, aligning closely with Oman Vision 2040's promise of diversification, transparency and accountable governance. Workshops delved into circular economy practices, while open-data initiatives like Makman, Oman's new national platform providing public access to comprehensive upstream oil and gas sector data, demonstrated a clear shift towards greater transparency, empowering decision-makers and citizens alike. Yet, as energising as the announcements and innovations were, the true measure of sustainability isn't found in the moment of applause. It lies in what happens next. Will the ambitious memoranda we celebrated evolve into solar farms lighting homes in rural Oman? Will Makman's open data genuinely shape public understanding and drive accountability? Can pilot transport schemes, hinted at during the week, become everyday realities? Here's the reflection I want to share openly: Sustainability is more than headlines and handshakes. It begins with transparent commitments and visible accountability. It is about tracking our progress honestly, holding each other accountable and ensuring the momentum generated inside these halls translates to everyday practice. Next year, I hope our first challenge won't be finding a parking space but instead deciding on the most sustainable way to arrive. Because true sustainability isn't about what we announce. It's about what we choose, every single day. The writer is an Omani environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development, focusing on climate change impacts in the Middle East and women's empowerment in environmental solutions. Rumaitha al Busaidi The writer is environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Net Zero Centre launched
MUSCAT: The activities of the Oman Petroleum and Energy Show and Oman Sustainability Week for 2025 were officially launched at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday, May 12, 2025. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Taimour bin Asaad al Said, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Oman, with the presence of several distinguished ministers, ambassadors, senior officials and representatives from various concerned entities, highlighting the growing national interest towards a sustainable and balanced future. A key highlight of the opening session was the formal inauguration of the Oman Net Zero Centre, which operates under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The Centre focuses on several key areas, particularly the preparation and continuous updating of the national plan to achieve net-zero emissions. It also oversees the implementation of relevant projects and initiatives, offering support and consultation to institutions and stakeholders to help achieve national net-zero targets. In addition, the Centre is responsible for defining and updating Oman's national strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. It provides technical guidance and support to both government bodies and private sector organisations on net-zero transition and energy efficiency. The Centre also monitors progress, promotes awareness and builds capacity to ensure the effective implementation of related programmes and initiatives. These efforts reflect a firm belief in addressing climate change and advancing clean, renewable energy solutions. Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. The initiative aligns with the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and have also accelerated the development of the renewable energy sector, created supportive legal frameworks and policies, and introduced incentives to attract foreign investment, support local industries, and localise clean energy technologies. OPES and OSW, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, has been organised by CONNECT (Oman Exhibitions Organising Company) and hosted by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). They serve as an integrated platform, highlighting the importance of securing and sustaining energy while showcasing Oman's commitment to achieving a balanced and progressive future. Commenting on the significance of the events, Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated: 'Having multiple conferences and activities under one roof allows us to send a unified message to the world: Oman is fully committed to cleaner energy, without compromising its core capabilities in oil and gas production.' The minister also highlighted the country's major strides in renewables and green hydrogen. 'Earlier this year, we inaugurated two major renewable energy plants with a combined capacity of 1,000 megawatts. The output from each plant has already exceeded expectations, delivering over 500 megawatts each,' he said. 'This proves that with the right partnerships and execution, Oman can lead in clean energy generation.' In another landmark development, Oman launched its first green hydrogen production, storage and refuelling station — a pioneering project that now powers a fleet of more than 15 vehicles, including Muscat airport taxis. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Mid East Info
30-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Keolis MHI Drives Collective Action During Sustainability Week 2025, Aligning with UAE's Green Agenda - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE –April 30, 2025-Keolis MHI successfully concluded its annual Sustainability Week (April 21–25, 2025) under the banner of the 'Keolis MHI Way' , reinforcing its commitment to environmental guardianship and people engagement. The week-long initiative united employees, partners, and stakeholders through webinars, on-ground activities, and eco-conscious competitions, spotlighting the company's role as a catalyst for sustainable urban mobility in line with the UAE's 2031 Vision and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Building on previous successes, Sustainability Week 2025 offered a dynamic blend of education, innovation, and hands-on participation. Interactive webinars featured experts discussing topics such as carbon-neutral mobility, circular economy practices, and even celebrating Earth Day, reflecting Keolis MHI's global leadership in low-carbon transport solutions. Employees actively participated in a planet-focused trivia competition and embraced a print-free day to minimize paper usage. Additionally, the week featured the on-ground delivery and installation of new air purifiers at the company's operational center, enhancing workplace air quality and demonstrating Keolis MHI's commitment to a healthier, more sustainable environment. Paul Williams, QHSE Director at Keolis MHI, emphasized the deeper significance of the week, stating, 'Sustainability Week isn't just an event, it's a mindset. By empowering our teams to adopt eco-conscious practices, we're not only reducing our footprint but also shaping the future of urban mobility. Our 2025 activities, from energy management to waste-recovery innovations, prove that sustainability and operational excellence go hand-in-hand.' Keolis MHI's Sustainability Week initiatives are closely aligned with national ambitions, directly supporting the UAE's 2031 Vision by accelerating green transportation and promoting responsible consumption. The week also marks another important milestone in the company's ongoing journey to embed environmental responsibility into its corporate DNA. By prioritizing employee engagement, fostering community partnerships, and deploying cutting-edge solutions, the company continues to set new benchmarks for the transportation sector while actively contributing to the UAE's position as a global leader in sustainability.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Selby College students take part in sustainability competition
Selby College staff and students are among those to have taken part recently in a sustainability competition. The college, along with others in the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, has been participating in the Association of College's (AoC) Planet Earth Games. The competition has seen schools across the nation compete in various challenges and activities between January and Earth Day (April 22), gaining points by submitting evidence of participation. The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group organised its own Sustainability Week in March in an effort to boost participation and "highlight how small changes can have a big impact on the environment," according to a spokesperson. Across Selby College, Castleford College, and Wakefield College, a range of creative and practical activities took place, including recycling and upcycling workshops, tree planting, and clothes swap shops; and canteens went meat-free for a day. At Selby College, Art & Design students exhibited eco-friendly artwork at Selby Abbey, using waste materials in their pieces. Feedback was provided by the Abbey's artists-in-residence, Mandy Keating and Helen Brook. The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is working with other organisations, including the HI Group, Let's Go Zero, and Trident Utilities Ltd, to facilitate the achievement of its sustainability goals. The group has expanded its curriculum to include new green skills programmes, covering topics such as Carbon Capture and Storage, Heat Recovery, Groundworks and Pipe Laying, and Fenestration. These activities are captured in the group's sustainability newsletter, Footprint, which can be read at More information about the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is available at
