Latest news with #sustainableDevelopment
Times of Oman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Al Jabal Al Sharqi in Al Hamra emerges as key eco-tourism hub
Al Hamra: Al Jabal Al Sharqi (The Eastern Mountain) is witnessing a qualitative transformation that positions it as a key contributor to domestic tourism and local community empowerment, thanks to ongoing efforts to develop tourism infrastructure and enhance the readiness of natural sites. Sheikh Hilal Said Al Hajri, Governor of A'Dakhiliyah, affirmed that the governorate has prioritised the development of the Al Jabal Al Sharqi, working to create an integrated tourism environment that meets visitors' expectations while adhering to sustainable environmental standards. He noted that the governorate, in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, is improving service efficiency, regulating visitor traffic, and ensuring smooth entry and exit to guarantee a balanced and safe tourism experience. Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), he highlighted the "Al Jabal Al Sharqi Oasis" project as one of the most prominent development initiatives in the governorate. The project's tender was floated last April, and bids are currently under review. Spanning 10,000 square metres, the project includes a comprehensive range of tourism and service facilities, such as prayer halls for men and women, a 300-square-metre investment restaurant, an outdoor theater, 13 seating canopies, pedestrian walkways, open spaces, and service amenities designed to enhance the site's year-round appeal. He emphasised that this project embodies the practical implementation of "Oman Vision 2040" through high-quality initiatives that leverage the geographical and environmental uniqueness of each wilayat. The focus on sustainable tourism sites goes hand in hand with direct support for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a pivotal role in service delivery and generating economic opportunities for citizens, he affirmed. The Governor of Al Dakhiliyah stated that Al Jabal Al Sharqi is a year-round destination, particularly for camping and adventure enthusiasts, necessitating infrastructure capable of accommodating this demand. He affirmed that the governorate's development vision relies on engaging local communities in project implementation and fostering an enabling environment for youth initiatives, thereby promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the tourism sector. Sheikh Sulaiman Said Al Azri, Wali of Al Hamra, told ONA that the "Al Hamra Tourism 2025" event will kick off on 1 August in Al Jabal Al Sharqi, running until 30 August. The event, he pointed out, features a packed program of diverse activities catering to all age groups, blending entertainment, adventure, and culture. He added, "The event includes sunrise-viewing trips from mountain peaks, a dedicated camping zone with fully equipped tents, and service facilities such as restrooms and power stations." Exciting adventures will include mountain horse rides, designated hiking trails, and 4x4 vehicle tours to high-altitude peaks, alongside sports activities like trail running and cycling on carefully curated routes for nature and fitness enthusiasts. On the entertainment front, he noted designated areas for restaurants and cafés, along with family and children's activities. This year's standout additions include a glass viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Al Hamra and a modern stargazing platform with advanced telescopes, enriching the tourism experience by linking it to science and space exploration. The Wali explained that organising these tourism events aligns with a broader vision to establish the wilayat as a vibrant tourist destination while empowering youth to launch their own projects and fostering a stimulating environment for local economic initiatives. The event serves as a vital platform to support SMEs, reinforcing the integration of economic, social, and cultural development. It should be noted that Al Jabal Al Sharqi is one of Oman's most prominent tourist destinations, rising 2,000 metres above sea level with a moderate climate that attracts visitors year-round. Its combination of adventure and leisure opportunities makes it an ideal location for ecotourism and outdoor sports. Amid these accelerated efforts, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate reaffirms its commitment to developing key tourism sites and linking them to sustainable investment and operational plans, ensuring their contribution to the national economy. These projects reflect Oman's development vision, which focuses on governorate-level growth, community empowerment, and optimal utilisation of natural and heritage resources for long-term prosperity and balance.
Times of Oman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
OHRC recommends to Include business and human rights in academic curricula
Muscat: The Business and Human Rights Forum, organised by the Omani Human Rights Commission (OHRC) over two days in Muscat, has recommended encouraging private universities and colleges to incorporate the topic of human rights in business environments into relevant academic curricula. The forum also called for establishing ethical policies that promote these values within academic institutions. Concluding its sessions on wednesday, the forum urged private sector companies to adopt an ethical charter enhancing employees' ability to uphold and protect human rights in the workplace. It emphasised integrating the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights into corporate policies and establishing monitoring and inspection mechanisms to ensure compliance. The forum highlighted the importance of exchanging expertise among entities implementing human rights standards, particularly in supply chains, and publishing reports on their application to promote transparency. It also stressed raising societal awareness about respecting human rights and sustainable development in the workplace. Additionally, the forum recommended encouraging private sector companies to launch initiatives focused on human rights in business, as well as promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market while considering the types of disabilities and their suitability for various jobs.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE Circular Economy Council discusses policies to accelerate shift to circular models and expand biofuel production
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Circular Economy Council held its second meeting of 2025 at the Blue Biofuels factory in Abu Dhabi, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Council, in the presence of Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA). It was attended by council members from both the public and private sectors. The meeting reviewed proposals for the second batch of circular economy policies under the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031, targeting key sectors such as sustainable transportation, sustainable infrastructure, and clean industries. H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that, under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE continues to adopt integrated and advanced national strategies and initiatives to drive sustainable economic and social development, in line with the principles of the circular economy and the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031. Circular economy: A strategic opportunity to enhance economic growth His Excellency said: 'The circular economy is a key pillar of the UAE's new economic model for the next 50 years, which is built on more diversified and resilient economic components. In this context, we will continue, through the Council, to strengthen cooperation with relevant federal and local government entities as well as the private sector, to accelerate the development of UAE circular economy policies across four main sectors - manufacturing, food, infrastructure, and transportation - ensuring the optimal utilization of natural and financial resources.' Private sector's active participation in circular economy transition His Excellency emphasized the importance of the private sector's active participation in the national circular economy ecosystem, encouraging it to adopt cleaner production methods and technologies, reduce environmental pressures, and meet basic needs, in line with the UAE's vision of becoming a global leader in green development. Sheikha Shamma added: 'The circular economy is not just an environmental commitment; it represents a strategic opportunity to achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth. In the UAE, we believe in our ability to transform challenges into achievements, and we continuously strive to empower entrepreneurs and develop innovative solutions that turn waste into valuable resources. We will continue to strengthen collaboration with partners in both the government and private sectors to support policies that advance the circular economy, ensuring sustainable prosperity and environmental responsibility for future generations.' Initiatives to foster innovative circular economy projects The latest meeting of the Circular Economy Council focused on developing innovative policies and ventures, including economic models to support private sector companies operating in this promising field. The meeting featured a presentation on the legislative, regulatory, and national policy frameworks that underpin the UAE's vision for a sustainable and innovative circular economy, aligned with global best practices. The Council also reviewed a set of incentives and initiatives designed to encourage projects that enhance resource sustainability and promote the adoption of circular practices across all key sectors, fostering sustainable production and consumption chains. These efforts are part of the UAE's broader ambition to establish itself as a global hub for the circular economy within the next decade. Localizing innovation and technology in circular manufacturing Moreover, the meeting explored future directions for localizing innovation and technology in circular manufacturing, recognizing them as key pillars in the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient economy. The Council underscored the critical role these elements play in delivering advanced solutions for industrial processes, ensuring optimal resource utilization, minimizing waste, enhancing productivity, and reducing the environmental footprint of the industrial sector. Digital platform to support circular economy startups The participants also emphasized the importance of developing integrated digital platforms for the circular economy, particularly a dedicated platform to empower startups and SMEs operating across various segments of this sector nationwide. This initiative aims to support business growth and foster innovation in key projects that advance sustainability and ensure the efficient utilization of natural resources. Online marketplace for plastics The discussions also included a proposal for a specialized online platform for plastic materials trading, designed to facilitate safe buying and selling while promoting plastic waste recycling. This initiative aims to establish a digital ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and accelerates the transition to a circular economy. The Council reviewed a presentation by PepsiCo – MENA & Pakistan, highlighting the company's efforts in utilizing recycled plastics and exploring opportunities within this field. The meeting concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening the Council's partnerships at both regional and international levels, particularly in the areas of circular economy and climate technology. Participants underscored the value of exchanging best practices with experienced international entities and leveraging the global momentum around climate action to help shape national policies that support the transition to a sustainable economy. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Smart cities key to driving SCO's international influence
Participating countries can learn from host nation's modernization process, officials and experts say BEIJING, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from Officials and experts from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries emphasized the pivotal role cities have played in contributing to the organization's development and expanding its global influence during the thematic dialogue among leaders of SCO cities at a summit in Tianjin on Tuesday. As China advances its modernization process, the vast experiences accumulated by Chinese cities in areas such as smart technologies, the green economy and sustainable development will provide valuable insights for future SCO cooperation, participants told the Global Mayors Dialogue・SCO Summit Cities. With Tianjin poised to become the SCO's capital when it hosts the organization's upcoming summit in autumn, Wang Xu, executive vice-mayor of Tianjin, said that the city is moving toward the goal of building a world-class smart and green port. Wang said that Tianjin is actively opening routes to Tashkent in Uzbekistan, Minsk in Belarus and other cities in SCO member countries. "We are also developing a comprehensive pilot zone for cross-border e-commerce, encouraging enterprises to set up warehouses overseas. We also hope to establish a convenient digital trade platform with SCO member cities to engage in commercial logistics cooperation and supply chain collaboration," he said. Rashid Alimov, the organization's former secretary-general, said in a video speech: "Since its founding, the SCO has grown into the world's largest trans-regional organization, influencing politics, economics and culture far beyond the Eurasian space." This global presence would not be possible without the vibrant contributions of its cities, large and small, which serve as hubs of innovation, cultural exchange and everyday diplomacy, he said. The SCO region is home to over 40 percent of the world's population, and at least half live in more than 1,000 cities. Aziz Kanatbek, director of the Research Institute of Geopolitics and Strategy in Kyrgyzstan, said that as integral parts of a nation, cities have always been and remain the clearest indicators of the true state of a country's development. "If a city is orderly, with security ensured and modern infrastructure in place, and if people can see the future and the prospects for development, it indicates that the country has the ability to govern effectively, maintain stability and shape the future," he said. The Kyrgyz expert mentioned his visit to the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City prior to Tuesday's event, saying that his country looks forward to learning from Tianjin's experience to develop Kyrgyzstan's smart city of Asman. Gulnar Shaimergenova, director of the China Studies Center in Kazakhstan, said that the SCO has increasingly become a people-centered platform, where human values and cultural sustainability are being translated into concrete governance practices. "In the process of modernization, China has become a model of cultural sustainability by combining technological advancement with respect for tradition. This inspires us to draw on advanced experiences in urban governance," she said. Parvina Mukhamadalievna Nematova, an expert with the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, said that cooperation among countries, especially within the SCO framework, is beneficial for the sustainable development of cities and the economic growth of countries. "As China has become one of the global leaders in communication technology innovation, its experience in the digital economy and building e-government could provide an important reference for many countries, including Tajikistan," she said. Nematova highlighted Tianjin as an important hub of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that the city's accomplishments in urban digital transformation, and other cooperative projects within the SCO, have vigorously promoted regional partnerships, exchange of knowledge and the development of an innovative economy. After more than 40 years of rapid development since reform and opening-up began, Tianjin has become a modern international port city. It is home to Tianjin Port, one of the world's top 10 ports with a total of 147 container routes, connecting land and sea to facilitate trade across the globe. Sun Zhuangzhi, an expert with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that with the expansion of the SCO which now consists of 10 member countries, finding commonality presents more of a challenge compared to the organization's early days. Despite its growing influence, it's necessary to further promote practical cooperation so that the organization can genuinely benefit the economic development of member countries and improve people's livelihoods, Sun said. "The involvement of more than 1,000 cities in the SCO will make their cooperation more dynamic, thus serving not only urban governance but also helping to improve the living standards and quality of life for the people," he said. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MBRF and UNDP to organise 10th edition of Knowledge Summit
Dubai, UAE - Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will host the tenth edition of the Knowledge Summit on 19 and 20 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The summit's upcoming edition, coinciding with its tenth anniversary, commemorates a long journey of exemplary achievements, presenting a pioneering model of innovation and setting new standards for knowledge production and dissemination. Over the past 10 years, the summit has established itself as the most prominent knowledge event in the region. It is also regarded as a distinguished international platform convening the most prominent policymakers, thought leaders, and experts in various fields from all over the world to enhance cross-sector collaboration and create effective frameworks and policies aimed at leveraging knowledge to drive comprehensive and sustainable community development. The summit coincides with the UAE's 'Year of Community' initiative, underscoring its humanitarian and scientific mission of promoting the values of ambition and giving, developing both regional and international human capital, as well as empowering communities. The summit's vision also aligns with national objectives aimed at consolidating the country's leadership, advancing knowledge and progressing towards a brighter and more prosperous future. His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, noted that the Knowledge Summit 2025 is a landmark milestone in its decade-long history, as it celebrates the achievements made so far while moving towards new horizons of global impact. His Excellency remarked: 'Over the years, the Knowledge Summit has successfully highlighted the importance of building a strong knowledge economy, keeping pace with ongoing global digital transformation trends. This year's edition, in particular, will reiterate the need to position equitable access to knowledge as a basic right and a catalyst for empowerment, while exploring the evolving role of knowledge in shaping various sustainable development models. Moreover, aligning with the goals of the 'Year of Community', we aim to go beyond just knowledge dissemination and strive towards the advancement of both individuals and societies, paving the way for a prosperous tomorrow.' The summit will explore knowledge markets and their role in developing sustainable societies, highlighting the critical role of knowledge as a tool for empowerment and a dynamic economic and social asset. It will also focus on finding new methods to exchange knowledge, benefit from it, and expand its scope, thereby promoting sustainable growth, bridging gaps, and enhancing the resilience of communities. The Knowledge Summit plays an important role in building global knowledge partnerships, which promote cooperation between countries and institutions in various sectors. Furthermore, the summit continues to consolidate its pioneering global position through key events, such as the announcement of the results of the annual Global Knowledge Index, which guides important policies, shaping the future vision of countries. The summit's agenda will be shortly announced, including the details of speakers and topics of discussion, aligning with its commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation to build cohesive and sustainable knowledge societies. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
