Latest news with #SustainableDevelopmentGoal12
Muscat Daily
20-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
GCC waste generation surges 154%
Muscat – The waste management market in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is projected to grow from an estimated US$68.3bn in 2025 to US$97.4bn by 2030, according to a study by Mordor Intelligence. The sector is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4% over the five-year period, driven by rising waste volumes and enhanced treatment infrastructure. Latest figures released by the GCC Statistical Centre show that total waste collected across member states reached approximately 262.7mn tonnes by the end of 2023, marking a 153.7% increase over 2019 levels. Of this, 192mn tonnes were treated, representing a 128.5% increase. The per capita share of household waste in the region declined by 17.4% to 1.4kg per person per day, reflecting a shift in consumption patterns and increased awareness. Household waste volumes, which had peaked at 35.5mn tonnes in 2020, dropped to 30.8mn tonnes in 2023. Almost all the waste collected – 99.2% – was classified as non-hazardous. Among the hazardous waste collected, 95.8% was exported for treatment, mainly involving recovery of metals and metallic compounds. The region has met Sustainable Development Goal 12 targets for hazardous waste recycling and reuse, with a reported 30% recycling rate in 2023. GCC countries have collectively submitted 87 national reports under the Basel Convention on hazardous waste control. Medical waste volumes have also shifted post-COVID-19. Hazardous waste from the healthcare sector dropped 11.4% in 2023 compared to 2022. However, the region has expanded its treatment capacity significantly. The number of incineration facilities rose to 23 by the end of 2023, up 27.8% from 2022. Industrial hazardous waste recorded a 23.8% increase over the same period, indicating a rebound in industrial activity following the pandemic. Agricultural waste rose sharply to 2.5mn tonnes in 2023 – a 44% increase over the previous year. Waste from other economic activities rose from 11.9mn tonnes in 2019 to 14.3mn tonnes in 2023. The GCC's evolving waste landscape, marked by declining household contributions and rising volumes from agriculture and industry, reflects both environmental policy shifts and economic recovery trends. Ongoing investments in treatment infrastructure and waste export mechanisms are central to the region's broader sustainability goals.
Al Etihad
20-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
262.7 million tons of waste collected, 192.0 million tons treated across GCC countries: GCC-Stat
20 July 2025 10:48 MUSCAT (WAM)A total of 262.7 million tons of waste was collected in the GCC countries by the end of 2023, marking an increase of 153.7% compared to the figures recorded in 2019, according to the latest data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat).The per capita share of household waste in the GCC countries decreased by 17.4%, reaching 1.4 kilograms per person per volume of total waste treated reached 192.0 million tons, reflecting a 128.5% indicate that 99.2% of the collected waste in the GCC countries was non-hazardous, while 95.8% of the hazardous waste was exported from the GCC to other countries for treatment. The treatment methods primarily involved recycling or recovering metals and metallic compounds from the GCC countries succeeded in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12, related to the recycling and reuse of hazardous waste, reaching a rate of 30% in 2023. The cumulative number of national reports submitted by the GCC Countries under the Basel Convention on the Control of Hazardous Wastes reached 87 national amount of hazardous waste collected from the healthcare sector in the GCC after the COVID-19 pandemic decreased by 11.4% in 2023 compared to countries have also made significant strides in developing their medical waste treatment infrastructure. In 2023, the total number of incineration facilities for medical waste reached 23 sites, marking an increase of 27.8% compared to the figures recorded in the design capacity of medical waste incineration sites increased by 123.9% during the same period, reaching 207.5 thousand metric amount of hazardous waste collected from the industrial sector increased by 23.8% in 2023 compared to the figures logged in 2022, following the COVID-19 for municipal waste, the amount of household waste collected in the GCC has decreased over the past three years after peaking in 2020 at 35.5 million tons. By the end of 2023, the collected household waste amounted to approximately 30.8 million amount of agricultural waste collected in the GCC Countries increased by 44% in 2023, reaching 2.5 million tons, compared to 2.0 million tons in 2022 and 1.7 million tons in amount of municipal waste collected from other economic activities in the GCC Countries also increased from 11.9 million tons in 2019 to 14.3 million tons in 2023. The Waste Management Market Analysis Study in the GCC Countries (2019–2023), published by Mordor Intelligence, estimates the waste management market size in the GCC to be approximately $68.3 billion in 2025. It is projected to reach $97.4 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during the period 2025 to 2030.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
The bane of built-in obsolescence
From apps to gadgets, clothing to furniture, and kitchen utensils to cosmetics, all things are getting outdated faster than ever. A linear economy driven by consumerism makes almost everything useless after some time. We need to constantly upgrade our stuff to catch up with time. If we decide not to go with the flow, we are not only left out but also judged as not 'cool'. Corporations are making huge profits whereas the middle class is suffering a serious decline in savings rate due to this, probably. Things have lost intrinsic value. The only way we associate with our products is based on their extrinsic value. We dump them as soon as they are outdated and longevity is not even a virtue any more. High-end customers want exclusivity and low-end customers want features. Exclusivity is breached by the updated version of the product hitting the market even with nominal upgrades. Features are hampered by the way things are designed. The height of commodity fetishism is that some people are closer to the market than they are to the people around them. They say that change is the law of nature but this change is nominal and not real. I call it 'treadmill motion' when we run a lot but reach nowhere. Everything is changing yet nothing is changing. Humans have advanced so far yet the suffering remains intact. Poverty, health issues, social tensions, sorrow, still exist. We solve one problem and in the process, we create new ones. In the words of Thomas Sowell, 'Sometimes it seems as if there are more solutions than problems. On closer scrutiny, it turns out that many of today's problems are a result of yesterday's solutions.' Linear economy takes a toll on the environment in which we manufacture a product and discard it. Consumerism ensures that the manufactured product becomes waste soon. Therefore, a circular economy cannot be achieved until we put an end to consumerism. Sustainable Development Goal 12 talks about responsible consumption and production, which requires waste management and waste reduction as well. The European Union has come up with policies to increase the longevity of the products within the ambit of the 'right to repair'. These measures include providing parts and servicing to the customers at reasonable prices even after the warranty period. India also needs to chalk out a National Action Plan for sustainable consumption and production just like many countries have done. This would help in reducing the overall ecological footprint. We need to adopt behavioural changes in our lifestyles. We must actively appreciate people who try to use a product for a longer period. Companies indulging in marketing strategies to promote mindless consumption need to introspect how they can build sustainable supply chains with a lesser ecological footprint. A lot of research must be conducted to achieve such product designs that last longer. Business models must adapt to the ways of providing maximum value to the stakeholders with minimum resources. The initiative starts with us not defining our lifestyles in terms of ephemeral products. We must learn to satisfy our wants with optimum resources at hand. This requires active engagement with the market trends and awareness about sustainability issues. Our consciousness will also lead to a larger change in the ways corporations and governments operate. emailtoaakashbajpai@
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Holding's Gift It Forward initiative expands scale and impact through mindful giving this Ramadan
It champions responsible consumption and a circular economy, repurposing new inventory items from across Dubai Holding and partners into gifts for those in need. Last year's inaugural initiative transformed more than 120,000 items valued at more than AED 7 million, reaching more than 10,500 individuals in Dubai. Dubai, UAE: Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with investments in 34 countries, announced the return of Gift It Forward this Ramadan. A philanthropic initiative in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA) and DHL Global Forwarding, Gift It Forward unites partners across Dubai's public and private sectors to transform new inventory items to be donated to low-income beneficiaries across Dubai. The 2025 edition will repurpose and gift a larger volume of inventory, building on last year's initiative, which successfully delivered 120,000 items valued at over AED 7 million to more than 10,500 individuals across Dubai. The initiative commences with the Holy Month, cementing itself within Dubai Holding's philanthropy programme and aligns with the UAE's 2025 Year of Community. Gift It Forward combines the spirit of giving with Dubai Holding's Sustainability Strategy, promoting responsible consumption and production, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12. By sourcing and repurposing new inventory items from across the Group's portfolio companies and contributing partners, the initiative advances the circular economy by transforming existing inventory into valuable products for those in need. The inventory includes personal care items, clothing, accessories, homeware and toys. Along with enriching the lives of beneficiaries, last year's edition successfully diverted more than 30 tonnes of materials from potentially ending up in landfills. To create a more immersive experience for beneficiaries, Dubai Holding will introduce a vibrant marketplace where individuals can curate the gifts based on their needs. 'Gift It Forward is a powerful model of how collective action can create positive change within our communities,' Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer, Dubai Holding, said. 'As much a vehicle to uplift those in need, this initiative promotes a fundamental mindset shift in how we approach our consumption habits as businesses and individuals. Gift It Forward harnesses the collective force of our diverse portfolio by promoting a culture of volunteering and advancing our Group's commitment to being a force For The Good of Tomorrow.' 'The overwhelming response to last year's edition bolstered our determination to enhance our impact in 2025. As we enter its second year with an extended reach and a broader network of partners, we hope to foster a meaningful platform that inspires more people to be mindful of their consumption habits while upholding the values of the UAE's Year of Community.' Saeed Ahmed Al Tayer, CEO, Social Development Sector, Community Development Authority, said, 'The success of last year's Gift It Forward initiative demonstrated the profound impact of collaboration in fostering a culture of giving and social solidarity. By continuing our partnership with Dubai Holding, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the well-being of Dubai's communities, ensuring that the values of compassion and generosity reach those who need them most. This year's expanded efforts build on our shared mission to create meaningful opportunities for individuals and families, strengthening social bonds and reinforcing the UAE's vision for a more cohesive and empowered society.' Fatima Ait Bendawad, Global Humanitarian Logistics Competence Center Manager, DHL Global Forwarding added, 'We are thrilled to join Gift It Forward as a strategic partner. This effort is exemplary of how Dubai's global business community can transform owned resources into a force for positive social and environmental change – a cause we're deeply passionate about as the world's leading logistics company. By leveraging our expertise in reducing the carbon emissions in distribution, we hope to further enhance the scope of Gift It Forward.' Gift It Forward underscores the power of collaboration, uniting over 25 partners, including Dubai Holding brands Jumeirah and Dubai Parks and Resorts. Partners also include CDA, DHL Global Forwarding, AZADEA Group, L'Occitane en Provence, Virgin Megastore, Apparel Group, Alshaya Group, GMG, The Giving Movement, Fairmont Printing Services, Greenline FZC, Restofair RAK, Rove Hotels, Accenture Middle East, Adeco Technologies LLC and Earthbags, as well as outreach partners Beit Al Khair Society, Dar Al Ber and SmartLife. Execution partners include Lapis Group, Innov8 Tech Education Services and The Surpluss. Fostering a culture of volunteering, awareness and unity within the workplace, Gift It Forward will rally volunteers from across Dubai Holding's businesses and partner organisations to ensure the gifts reach their intended audience. Employees will also attend insightful workshops on recycling and the circular economy to become sustainability champions within their businesses and communities. The initiative builds on the Group's record of community outreach and philanthropic programmes. This includes the Innovate for Tomorrow Challenge, the global competition launched in 2024 in partnership with TECOM Group's start-up incubator in5, to empower scale-ups to deliver robust sustainability solutions with access to funding and new business opportunities. It also follows Dubai Holding's partnership with the UN World Food Programme for the A Meal for a Brighter Tomorrow initiative and the contribution to the 1 Billion Meals Endowment campaign in Ramadan 2023, in addition to its partnership with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre to help promote health and wellbeing and the award-winning Life Goals campaign launched last year to boost financial literacy among blue-collar workers. For further information, please contact: Malaika Fernandes Senior Manager – Sustainability Communications Dubai Holding ABOUT DUBAI HOLDING Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company with investments in more than 30 countries and a combined workforce of more than 45,000 people. Established in 2004, Dubai Holding touches the lives of millions of Dubai residents and visitors through its extensive portfolio of over AED 284 billion worth of assets that support the diversification and sustainable growth of Dubai's economy across 10 key sectors: real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, media, ICT, design, education, retail, manufacturing & logistics and science. Our portfolio includes: Dubai Holding Real Estate, one of the largest integrated master developers in Dubai, combining the long-standing expertise of Dubai Properties, Meraas, Nakheel and Meydan. Its portfolio offers innovative residential real estate solutions across property development, project management, facilities and district management; Dubai Holding Asset Management, which offers a world-class portfolio of 21 residential communities, 15 lifestyle destinations, 10 malls and 19 centres in addition to being the majority strategic shareholder in TECOM Group PJSC, which consists of 10 business destinations catering to six vital knowledge-based economic sectors; Dubai Holding Hospitality, which manages leading hospitality assets and a diverse collection of unique F&B concepts as well as top-notch hotel brands, including Dubai Holding's flagship hospitality brand and global luxury hotel company Jumeirah; Dubai Holding Entertainment, the largest and most diversified media, leisure and entertainment company in the region, which comprises leading parks and attractions such as Global Village, Ain Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts and The View at The Palm; and media and entertainment venues such as Roxy Cinemas, Coca-Cola Arena and ARN; Dubai Holding Investments, a dedicated investment arm responsible for the Group's investment strategy and managing a diverse portfolio of strategic and financial investments across public and private markets in the UAE and internationally to drive diversification for the Group and seek attractive risk-adjusted returns. It has investments in Emirates NBD, Warsan Waste Management Centre, Du and Azadea, as well as joint ventures and partnerships with Brookfield, Emaar, Aldar and others; Dubai Holding Land Estates, which is dedicated to optimising and future-proofing the management of the Group's extensive land bank and supporting its commitment to sustainable urban development; and Dubai Holding Community Management, an integrated, customer-centric company that focuses on creating and managing sustainable and vibrant communities. It is committed to fostering a sense of belonging and connectivity amongst its 1.2 million residents living in 46 master communities.
