Dubai, UAE* – Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, the inaugural Sustainnovate 1.0, a Leadership Forum for Accelerating Sustainability Solutions, convened to announce the ambitious “Falcon” Sustainability Project. This initiative aims to create a green space shaped like a falcon, a symbol of the UAE, as part of the Artwork@NetZero series.
The forum drew a distinguished assembly of leaders and experts from around the globe.
The forum recognized key contributors to sustainability with awards presented by Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum. Prominent sustainability actionists also highlighted included Eng. Maitha Alblooshi (ENBD Scrum Master/Youth Leader/Board Advisor CSR Projects), Dr.Samiullah Khan- CSO of Fakhruddin Holding , Dr. Mohamed Salah Al Fawy (Senior First Officer at Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department – Dubai Municipality), Marwa Nahlawi (Masterplanning/Net Zero Emissions / The Sustainable City – SEE Institute), Chandra Dake – Executive Chairman group CEO | innovation and sustainability of Dessert farming and Breathable Sands, Fawad Ali Langah (Director General – The Best Diplomats USA), Joakim Larsen (Consulate of Denmark), Leyong Wang and Danny Wang (Leyong Wang Group), and Samer Homsi (General Manager of Al Habtoor Metropolitan Hotel). Vijay Ahilani, founder of DealzDXB (SUSOUQ), was honored for his innovative approach to waste reduction and food distribution. Cristus Cleetus, CoFounder and Director of Digital Media of The Sustainable Times and founder of The Goodness Catalyst, a venture studio focused on sustainable startups.
These individuals underscore the forum’s commitment to a collective sustainability effort.
The “Falcon” Sustainability Project is scheduled to become a tourist destination, featuring 11 million diverse trees planted in environmentally friendly sand. The project aims to address challenges such as limited water availability, harsh weather conditions, and soil erosion. The Falcon project would be the world’s first net positive project in the segment. The project would be designed with minimal embodied and operational carbon footprint. It would leverage “circular economy ” and can operate as an independent off grid development.
In her keynote address, Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum emphasized the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through investment in green technologies and renewable energy. She highlighted the importance of rainwater conservation and the development of smart infrastructure to support these efforts.
Moderated by Ms. Nita Odedra and Fawad Ali langah – Director general of Impact Directors, Sustainnovate 1.0 marks a pivotal step towards realizing a cleaner, greener, and healthier future, aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental aspirations. This forum exemplifies the power of global collaboration in addressing pressing sustainability challenges and sets a precedent for future initiatives.
By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, Sustainnovate 1.0 has laid a strong foundation for ongoing efforts to foster innovation and action in sustainability, embodying the UAE’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
