American University of Sharjah Blockchain sustainable marketplace wins first place at ICESCO

American University of Sharjah Blockchain sustainable marketplace wins first place at ICESCO

A blockchain sustainable marketplace concept developed by students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) won first place at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (ICESCO) Youth Climate Leaders Camp – Arab Chapter held at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park recently. Called Thimmar, this innovative platform connects consumers with farming communities and offers AI-optimized grocery subscriptions to cut food waste and connect. It will debut in the ICESCO Pavilion in COP29 in Azerbaijan this month. 

Thimaar, which aligns with two key areas of the UAE Year of Sustainability 2024—responsible consumption and planting wisely—brings this year’s slogan, “Plan to Action,” to life. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: No Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals.

“Our motto is reach, relive and reward. Through the platform, AI-calculated portions will help our customers to minimize food waste. They will also virtually connect with the farmers who grow their food, experiencing organic farming from home while also supporting the organic agriculture industry through micro-financing,” said Izma Fatima, an AUS international studies student who presented the concept on behalf of her team. “Additionally, customers receive loyalty points and gifts with organic and food waste collection. Waste is repurposed to benefit local organic farming communities in Sharjah, in alignment with the UAE’s efforts to reduce waste by 50 percent by 2030.”

By embracing a circular economy model, Fatima noted that Thimaar achieves three key goals: “making organic and sustainably produced products accessible, promoting a culture of organic farming, and minimizing food waste.”

Emphasizing a bottom-up approach that fosters healthy consumer habits, rather than flooding the market with sustainable products that have low demand, the team—comprising seven female students from Oman, Qatar, Sudan and the UAE—focused on female homemakers in the region as their target.

“Women are responsible for making the primary household consumption decisions and are seeking healthy, sustainable options for their families. However, they often face barriers to organic farming, including opposing trends, limited availability and accessibility, and a lack of time and resources. The organic food market in the UAE is projected to reach $500 million by 2025, with female homemakers representing about 10 percent of that market. For Thimaar, this equates to a target market of approximately $50 million. By tapping into this market, the platform not only aligns with the UAE’s sustainability initiatives but also offers a scalable solution that meets the growing demand for healthy, sustainable food options,” said Fatima.

Proposed key partners for the platform would include organic farms and markets, sustainability-focused brands and local governments.

Developing Thimaar followed a thorough process of study that included field visits and discussions with ICESCO, Sheraa, Shajar and Manbat, who provided the student team with access to networks and contacts to leverage support for the initiative.

“We visited Manbat and Shajar, two projects in Sharjah, that explore cultivation practices to maximize organic production through sustainable methods in this region. Facilitating these ideas was a central focus of our project proposal. We also had the pleasure of learning from professors from leading universities across the UAE specializing in economics, sustainable engineering, environmental philosophy, and environmental, social and governance experts, about the popular trends and technologies that focus on the climate challenges unique to the region,” said Fatima.  

Having designed and presented the elevator pitch for the final project, Fatima highlighted how the multidisciplinary education she received at AUS contributed to her ability to approach the project from diverse perspectives.

Greengage to promote green digital assets sector with e-money solutions

Greengage to promote green digital assets sector with e-money solutions

Hub71 startup, Greengage, a blockchain enabled digital finance pioneer serving entrepreneurs, SMEs, family offices and digital asset firms with e-money solutions and B2B lending, has joined the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration to help promote a sustainable digital assets sector in Abu Dhabi.

Leveraging blockchain technology, the Hub71-based startup aims to drive efficiencies in carbon markets and offer SME clients access to carbon credit opportunities for meeting Scope 3 targets while supporting initiatives that make the industry, particularly bitcoin mining, more energy-efficient through advanced technology and investments in clean energy cryptocurrencies.

As per the release, the company will focus on increasing transparency in digital assets to ensure verifiable sustainable practices, fostering trust, and supporting ESG compliance and sustainable regulation and policy.

Sean Kiernan, CEO of Greengage, commented, “We are proud to join the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, alongside esteemed signatories like our partners at Zumo. Our commitment to long-term client relationships aligns seamlessly with sustainable business practices, reflecting Greengage’s brand mission to promote ‘green’ growth and environmental responsibility, with a clear focus on sustainability as our core ‘gage’ for collateral.”

Greengage is also dedicated to increasing transparency to ensure that sustainable practices in digital assets are real and verifiable, which will help build trust and ensure ESG compliance. To date, Greengage supports the Blue Carbon Gold project, which tokenizes blue carbon initiatives that capture carbon in coastal ecosystems, such as UAE mangroves, which are high impact assets.

The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, is a voluntary, membership-based initiative launched by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and endorsed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Central Bank, and the Securities and Commodities Authority. Over 135 organisations, including Greengage, have signed the declaration, committing to integrate ESG considerations into their business models, products, and investments.

UAE Commercial Bank International partners with Zumo digital assets as a service platform

UAE Commercial Bank International partners with Zumo digital assets as a service platform

UAE Commercial Bank International (CBI), a leading UAE bank, has partnered with Zumo, an award-winning digital-assets-as-a-service platform registered with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to enable both parties to explore the tracking of digital asset sustainability.

As per the press release this marks a significant step in CBI’s commitment to furthering innovation and offering cutting-edge digital solutions to its clients.

The UAE’s digital assets market is projected to generate $453.20 million in revenue by 2024, reaching an estimated $616.80 million by 2028.

The Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) recently launched a dedicated accounts for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to manage client money and regulatory prudential requirements, in compliance with the latest regulations issued by the Central Bank of UAE and the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The first VASP to be onboarded is Laser Digital a crypto broker and investment service provider, a subsidiary of Japanese Nomura.

Giovanni Everduin, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer of Commercial Bank International, said, “Our partnership with Zumo marks a significant milestone in CBI’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. Aligned with our vision of partnership driven innovation, we look forward to collaborating with Zumo to become one of the first banks in the world to provide carbon footprint insights with carbon offsetting for digital assets. This revolutionary capability will ensure that, as digital assets become further embedded within the financial ecosystem, customers and institutions have the required tools and data to ensure their sustainability goals are tracked and achieved.”

Clark Povey, Chief Operating Officer of Zumo, added, “We’re delighted to announce our strategic partnership with Commercial Bank International, one of the UAE’s most innovative banks, headquartered in Dubai. Our collaboration with CBI will see Zumo’s pioneering digital assets and blockchain technology complement CBI’s financial expertise and innovative approach to drive sustainability. Zumo solves the biggest challenges in digital assets for financial institutions by providing business-critical technologies to navigate the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape, and with Zumo’s technology and leadership in sustainability of digital assets, the exciting journey ahead is just beginning.”

Zumo provides the critical infrastructure required by financial institutions to implement sustainable digital asset solutions.

As an early signatory of the Crypto Climate Accord, a signatory of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration and a key contributor to industry guidelines for the decarbonization of digital assets, Zumo has firmly established itself as a leader in advancing sustainability within the digital asset sector. By aligning Zumo’s technology and expertise with CBI’s innovative approach to banking services, this partnership is poised to accelerate the adoption of digital assets within the UAE’s banking ecosystem.

Prior to this, Commercial Bank International and Fuze, MENA’s digital asset infrastructure provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that would allow both parties to jointly explore digital assets use cases under the comprehensive regulatory frameworks of the UAE. The agreement between CBI and Fuze provided the foundations for innovative new use cases that leverage the potential of blockchain and digital assets, including investments and payments.

UAE Fils to offset carbon footprint of Saudi capital market fintechs

UAE Fils to offset carbon footprint of Saudi capital market fintechs

UAE based Fils, an ESG-focused financial technology that utilizes blockchain technology is collaborating with Saudi based tech platform Madkhol, which specializes in robo-advisory investment services, to offset the carbon footprint of Saudi capital market fintechs. The official signing took place at the prestigious 24 Fintech event, marking a significant milestone for both companies and the region.

This collaboration allows Madkhol’s customers to seamlessly invest in carbon credits and actively offset their carbon footprint directly through the platform. By embedding Fils’ sustainability stack, Madkhol is setting a new benchmark for capital market fintechs in Saudi Arabia and beyond, enabling users to integrate impactful climate action into their investment portfolios.

Capital markets play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and sustainability initiatives. Globally, the world requires $9.2 trillion annually to meet sustainability and climate goals, according to industry estimates. Achieving this will require the participation of every industry, with capital markets as a key driver of this monumental transition. Sustainable investments, which reached over $35 trillion in assets in 2020, are a critical part of this movement.

Saudi Arabia is leading the charge with its Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) initiative, which aims to create one of the largest carbon trading platforms in the region. Spearheaded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Saudi Tadawul Group, this initiative aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 goals and is designed to promote investments in carbon credits and support companies in achieving their net-zero ambitions. The inaugural auction of carbon credits by the Saudi VCM saw a record 1.4 million tons of carbon credits sold, highlighting the sector’s growth potential.

The partnership between Fils and Madkhol is strategically aligned with Saudi Arabia’s VCM initiative. By leveraging Fils’ sustainability infrastructure, this collaboration allows users to participate in the carbon credit market with full transparency, trust, and integrity, setting a new standard for ESG investments.

CEO of Fils, Nameer Khan, commented: “Our partnership with Madkhol comes at a critical time when sustainable finance is becoming a cornerstone of capital markets, and Saudi Arabia’s VCM initiative is setting the stage for the region. Together, we are enabling users to make investments that not only drive returns but also contribute to a sustainable future. This collaboration highlights Fils’ commitment to transparency and trust, essential elements in building a credible and superior solution in the sustainability space.”

He added, “The global challenge of reaching $9.2 trillion annually in climate investments can only be met through the leadership of key industries, and capital markets are at the forefront of this transformation. Fils’ integrity-driven platform ensures that businesses and investors can participate in carbon markets with confidence, helping to foster a more sustainable world.”

Saad bin Atyan, CEO of Madkhol, commented, “At Madkhol, we are committed to providing our customers with innovative and responsible investment solutions. Partnering with Fils allows us to take our platform to the next level by integrating carbon credit investments and giving our customers a practical way to offset their emissions. Signing this partnership at 24 Fintech highlights our dedication to pioneering sustainable fintech in Saudi Arabia.”

By utilizing Fils’ comprehensive API-driven sustainability stack, Madkhol customers can now access a variety of carbon credit projects, enabling transparent reporting and ensuring investments align with environmental goals. This seamless integration also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Ahson Saeed, Partner – Strategy & Commercials at Fils, noted, “At Fils, we believe that the future of finance is not just about returns, but about responsible, impactful investments. Our partnership with Madkhol is a testament to this vision, bringing together cutting-edge technology and a deep commitment to sustainability. By integrating carbon credit investments into everyday financial decisions, we are empowering investors to take actionable steps towards a greener future. This collaboration marks a new chapter in sustainable finance, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious climate goals and the broader global movement towards ESG-driven growth.”

Currently, the Fils network supports over 105 banks, 1.5 million merchants, and 4 million wallets. Leveraging innovative fintech and blockchain technologies, Fils provides businesses with the tools to integrate climate-positive solutions across industries. Fils is at the forefront of transforming the financial landscape to foster sustainability, building trust through transparency and integrity.

Web3 Holon green data storage provider sets up in UAE

Web3 Holon green data storage provider sets up in UAE

Australian Web3 Holon, a pioneer in Web 3.0 and AI-driven data storage and compute, has set up a base in the UAE.

Based in Australia, Holon has been building their innovative technology since 2018, with the aim of becoming the world’s greenest Web 3.0 infrastructure company. Holon is working to establish a 100% verifiably green global data network and empower data ownership.

“Holon recognized early that Web 2.0’s legacy infrastructure would struggle with cybersecurity, data privacy, and resource consumption. Web 3.0, with its decentralized, open-source framework, offers solutions for creating secure, transparent, and efficient digital ecosystems,” said Heath Behncke, Managing Director. “The UAE, particularly Dubai, have emerged as global leaders in fostering technological innovation. The country’s comprehensive approach to regulation, policy, and infrastructure development makes it an ideal hub for Web 3.0 and AI advancements. Holon’s commitment to Web 3.0 aligns with its vision to drive innovation for a sustainable and equitable digital future.”

Holon’s approach to sustainable data innovation involves modular micro-data centers equipped with immersion cooling technology. These small, efficient units can be integrated into existing properties, reducing the need for large, energy-intensive data centers. By leveraging Web 3.0’s distributed and decentralized technologies, Holon can bring data storage and computing closer to the user, improving latency, security, and energy efficiency. Additionally, Holon’s solutions can be powered by green energy, with the added benefit of repurposing waste heat to offset property energy costs, making it a win-win for businesses and the environment.

The company noted that the growth of data is staggering, from 1 Zetabyte (ZiB) in 2010 to over 100 ZiB in 2020. With AI driving significant data consumption, it is forecasted that 75,000 ZiB of machine-generated data will be generated annually by 2040. This surge will require around 1,000 ZiB of enterprise storage, a 250-fold increase. However, this expansion comes with a rising carbon footprint, with data centers projected to consume 8% of global electricity by 2030.

Heath said, “The blend of AI and Web 3.0 is transforming data management, offering secure, verifiable, and efficient handling of large data sets. Web 3.0’s decentralized infrastructure meets AI’s demands for accuracy and security, fostering a global ecosystem essential for AI deployment. Holon is committed to leading the way in sustainable data innovation, ensuring a secure and prosperous digital future.”

The company is exploring new opportunities to support commercial real estate firms in repurposing their infrastructure to tap into the booming data market. By merging property and data infrastructure, Holon is set to create a new future for both industries, ensuring they are well-positioned to thrive in economic challenges.

Web3 sustainability venture studio jointly launched by UAE Inacta ventures and The Hashgraph Association

Web3 sustainability venture studio jointly launched by UAE Inacta ventures and The Hashgraph Association

The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss-based association and leader at the forefront of digital enablement on the Hedera network, today announces the launch of a groundbreaking Sustainability Venture Studio for Enterprises, in collaboration with Inacta Ventures, a renowned Swiss and UAE Web3 venture builder. 

Under “The Green Block” Iinitiative, a global think tank and launchpad for sustainability projects launched during COP28 in UAE, the joint Sustainability Venture Studio aims at empowering sustainable projects around the globe, leveraging the Hedera Guardian as the balance sheet of the planet that enables fair carbon markets with industry leading trust and transparency. 

The Hedera Guardian is an open-source platform that uses the Hedera distributed ledger technology (DLT) network to enable digital sustainability policies and requirements-based dMRV (Digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) tokenization for carbon credits and reduces fraud in the ESG market. 

The $50 million Sustainability Venture Studio will focus on enabling auditable climate finance transactions that are easily verifiable, publicly transparent, and accurate. This global co-investment sustainability program will span over the next five years, with The Hashgraph Association investing $25 million, contributing to 50%, while the remaining $25m co-investment reserved for enterprises interested in developing sustainability use cases on the Hedera Guardian.

By combining resources and specialist expertise in sustainability and Web3, this unique partnership is set to revolutionize the way sustainability projects are funded and executed around the world, ensuring a long-term positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact.

Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association stated, “With The Green Block Sustainability Venture Studio, we are creating standards for reporting sustainability assets to ensure credibility and accuracy using the Hedera Guardian platform as the balance sheet of the planet, while leveraging the Hedera network as the world’s most greenest distributed ledger network.” 

He added, “We look forward to further growing the global ESG ecosystem that is being built on the Hedera Guardian, introducing certainty, credibility, and comparability of data.”

Ralf Glabischnig, Founder of Inacta Ventures, noted, “We are thrilled to integrate the Sustainability Venture Studio into The Green Block Initiative. This collaboration with The Hashgraph Association will accelerate the development and implementation of sustainable projects in The Green Block ecosystem worldwide.”

Hedera, known and proven as the greenest DLT in the market, according to the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies research paper, continues to uphold its promise of sustainability. This new venture studio focused entirely on sustainability use cases not only reflects its commitment through developing various projects but also paves the way for innovative solutions in the sustainability sector. 

Over the past months The Hashgraph Association has announced two major venture studios one in KSA, and one in Qatar. The venture studio in KSA is aimed for deep tech development, while the one in Qatar is for digital assets.

Fils partners with Arab Financial services to embed sustainability in business models

Fils partners with Arab Financial services to embed sustainability in business models

Fils, a UAE based enterprise-grade digital infrastructure provider enabling companies to embed sustainability and climate action into their business models using technologies such as Blockchain has partnered with Arab Financial Services (AFS), the Middle East and Africa region’s leading digital payment solutions provider and fintech enabler.

As per the press release, the collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering sustainable practices and driving climate action across industries in the region. Leveraging Fils’s state-of-the-art fintech technology and AFS’s expertise and regional leadership position in digital payments, the partnership will be key to helping integrate sustainability seamlessly into businesses’ operations, customer journeys, and financial transactions.

AFS, which has offices in Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, and the UAE, offers digital payments solutions and fintech, serving over 60 clients across more than 20 countries in the Middle East and Africa region. Fils’ partnership with AFS enables a significant proportion of banks, financial institutions, and organizations in the MEA to track and mitigate their emissions, aiding the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

Samer Soliman, CEO of AFS commented, “We are proud to join forces with Fils in a strategic partnership to drive sustainable solutions within the digital payments landscape. This collaboration directly supports our ESG strategic goals by accelerating their implementation. As a leading digital payments provider, we embrace the responsibility to drive sustainability not only for ourselves but also empower our partners and clients to achieve their own environmental ambitions.”

Nameer Khan, CEO of Fils, said, “We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Arab Financial Services. By combining our advanced digital infrastructure with AFS’s leadership in electronic payments outsourcing, we have a unique opportunity to drive positive change across industries in the MENA region. Our shared commitment to sustainability and climate action will not only transform business operations but also redefine the landscape of responsible finance in the region and beyond.”

Key highlights of the partnership between Fils and AFS include:

  • Sustainable Digital Transformation: Fils’ enterprise-grade digital infrastructure will empower AFS to seamlessly integrate sustainability and climate action into its payments ecosystem. This includes developing innovative solutions that contribute to reduced carbon footprints and environmental impact.  
  • Green Financial Products: The collaboration will explore opportunities to introduce sustainable financial products, with a specific focus on Islamic Credit Cards. By incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, both organisations aim to set new industry standards for responsible and ethical financial services.
  • Enhanced Customer Experiences: Fils and AFS will work together to enhance customer journeys by providing eco-friendly and sustainable options for electronic payments. This includes the development of user-friendly interfaces that promote responsible consumer choices and a positive environmental impact.
  • Industry Leadership in Sustainability: As pioneers in their respective fields, Fils and AFS will lead the financial and digital industries in the MENA region towards a more sustainable future. By combining their strengths, the partnership seeks to inspire businesses to prioritise sustainability in their business strategies and take measurable action to tackle climate change.

Fils’ partnership with AFS is hot on the heels of an impressive roster of collaborations so far this year. Exciting partnerships with e& Enterprise, Mashreq Bank and Flowcarbon have cemented Fils’ place as a global leader in sustainable financial infrastructure.

In addition Fils recently announced its expansion into Pakistan through a partnership with TPS, a digital banking and payments solution provider that powers banks, digital banks, FinTechs, payment processors, merchants, and telecoms around the world. The collaboration aims to make a lasting impact on the international stage, embedding climate action at the core of digital financial services.

DEWA uses cutting edge tech including blockchain for sustainable energy solutions

DEWA uses cutting edge tech including blockchain for sustainable energy solutions

UAE based Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it is utilizing cutting edge technologies including blockchain to develop innovative and sustainable energy solutions to provide its electricity services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, sustainability, and quality. This is supported by an advanced infrastructure for managing facilities and services through smart and integrated systems, utilising cutting-edge technologies such as the smart grid, artificial intelligence (AI), Space-D programme, blockchain, energy storage and integration of its sources, Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing, among others.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasised DEWA’s ongoing efforts and commitment to global sustainability goals, leadership in digital transformation, and spearheading clean and renewable energy projects and initiatives. These efforts are aligned with the vision of the wise leadership to enhance effective adaptation to future developments and address challenges securely and sustainably across all areas. DEWA’s preparedness reflects its strategy and unwavering efforts to achieve its vision of being a globally leading sustainable and innovative corporation committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050.

Energy production and storage projects:

DEWA relies on pioneering initiatives and projects to diversify clean energy production sources. This includes clean and renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic panel technology, concentrated solar energy, and green hydrogen production using solar energy, along with projects and initiatives to increase energy efficiency.

DEWA is also developing energy storage technologies through several pioneering projects, including the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which will have the largest energy storage capacity in the world of 15 hours, allowing for energy availability around the clock, and the pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta.

Smart grid:

DEWA aims to enhance its leadership in innovation, sustainability, and future shaping across all its projects and initiatives, focusing on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and digital transformation. To achieve this goal, DEWA has developed a comprehensive strategy to implement a smart water and electricity infrastructure, known as the Smart Grid. This intelligent grid incorporates advanced features such as automated decision-making and interoperability throughout the electricity and water network.

Among the programmes launched by DEWA under the umbrella of the smart grid is an Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System (ASGR), the first of its kind in the MENA region, to increase the control, management, and monitoring of its power network. The system works around the clock without any human intervention. It uses a smart, innovative, and central system that locates the fault in the power network, isolates it, and automatically restores the service.

Smart meters

Smart meters serve as the backbone of the smart grid and play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation. They enhance operational efficiency and mitigate losses. In Dubai, all active traditional meters for electricity and water have been upgraded to smart meters. These smart meters offer numerous benefits, enabling customers to proactively and digitally manage their consumption without the need to contact DEWA. The Smart Meters Analysis and Diagnosis Centre remotely monitors the smart meters every 15 minutes. As of the end of 2023, the number of smart meters in Dubai reached 2.2 million.

Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System (ASGR):

Among the programmes launched by DEWA under the umbrella of the smart grid is an Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System (ASGR), the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, to increase the control, management, and monitoring of its power network. The system works around the clock without any human intervention. It uses a smart, innovative, and central system that locates the fault in the power network, isolates it, and automatically restores the service. This improves grid automation, fault detection and retrieval of connections.

Enhancing efficiency through Space-D

DEWA’s Space-D programme contributes to raising the development, maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks. It improves the efficiency of DEWA’s generation, transmission, and distribution divisions by monitoring solar power plants and enhancing the accuracy of generation predictions. This is achieved through forecasting weather patterns, seawater temperature and salinity, and monitoring electricity transmission lines. Additionally, it aids in detecting water leaks and identifying any changes in the infrastructure, further optimising DEWA’s operations. As part of its Space-D programme, DEWA launched two nanosatellites DEWA-SAT1 in January 2022, and DEWA-SAT2 in April 2023. DEWA is the first utility in the world to launch nanosatellites to improve its operations.

Innovative initiatives for the production, transmission, and distribution divisions:

DEWA’s initiatives for its production, transportation and distribution sectors, which rely on expertise, experiences and capabilities, contribute to enhancing DEWA’s leadership and excellence. These initiatives ensure the sustainability and preservation of resources and provide ways to develop them by applying best practices in all initiatives and projects to raise production and operational efficiency. During 2023, there were many initiatives undertaken by various divisions within DEWA, the most important of which were: Distribution Automation of Secondary Distribution Substations, Distribution Network Smart Centre, and DEWA Cable Lab.

Globally competitive results:

The seamless, swift, and effective operation of the smart grid has enabled DEWA to achieve competitive results that surpass prominent European and American companies in terms of efficiency and reliability. DEWA has reduced electricity Customer Minutes Lost (CML) in Dubai from 4.9 minutes in 2014 to 1.06 minutes in 2023, which is the lowest in the world. DEWA has also reduced losses in electricity transmission and distribution networks from 3.3% in 2014 to 2.0% last year by adopting the best international technical standards and the most accurate engineering practices in the planning, design, construction, and operation of energy systems. This percentage is also the lowest worldwide. In 2014, water network losses were at 9.1%, and reached 4.6% in 2023, which is the lowest in the world.

Swiss Vonom to hold Sustainable Blockchain conference in UAE

Swiss Vonom to hold Sustainable Blockchain conference in UAE

 Swiss based Vonom Academic AG, which is transforming scientific publishing through blockchain technology to elevate research publication standards will be holding the Vonom Academic premier academic conference, “Proof of Green: The Future of Blockchain and Sustainability”. The conference will be held in Dubai on May 7th – 8th at the Address Downtown hotel.

The conference fosters dialogue on blockchain for sustainability, key for tackling environmental issues.

A wide range of topics will be covered , including ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), renewable energy, environmental conservation, carbon credits, and social policies. Key discussions will focus on blockchain’s impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), its influence on emerging industries and regions, and community involvement in sustainable blockchain solutions.

“We chose sustainability as our focus because, now more than ever, it’s crucial to change our behaviors toward the environment. Blockchain’s wide reach can amplify these efforts, making it pivotal in our mission for positive change,” says Philip Blazdell, CEO of Vonom Academic.

Featuring speaker panels, workshops, and more, “Proof of Green” offers a comprehensive exploration of blockchain’s role in shaping a sustainable future. Announcements regarding keynote and session topics will be released in the days ahead.

The conference will also unveil a glimpse of their cutting-edge blockchain-powered publishing platform. Through blockchain technology, researchers can meticulously record every step of the publication journey, from data aggregation and analysis to peer evaluation and revisions, all in an immutable and auditable fashion. This decentralized platform not only safeguards copyright entitlements and equitable compensation but also facilitates universal accessibility to published materials, thereby championing the principles of open access.

“Our blockchain-powered publishing platform heralds a new era of trust in academic research and revolutionizing the way knowledge is shared,” adds Mr. Blazdell.

Fils and Cashin to redefine sustainable payments in KSA

Fils and Cashin to redefine sustainable payments in KSA

CASHIN Saudi Arabia, a POS and digital payments fintech provider and UAE based Fils, a blockchain enabled empowering climate-positive transactions, have partnered to empower CASHIN KSA’s extensive network of merchants across the kingdom, comprising a significant share of the market, to integrate Fils’s blockchain enabled enterprise-grade payments platform. Through this collaboration, merchants will gain the ability to accurately track their environmental impact, mitigate their carbon footprint with high-quality carbon credits, and transparently report their progress.

This partnership represents a significant milestone for Fils, which, following its successful ventures with other market leaders in the region, is now expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging CASHIN KSA’s extensive market reach and established presence, Fils is primed to accelerate its growth trajectory and advance its mission of embedding climate positivity into every transaction.

“Our collaboration with CASHIN KSA underscores our commitment to advancing sustainability in the financial sector and aligns perfectly with our mission to empower businesses to embed climate action into their operations,” said Nameer Khan, CEO of Fils. “Together, we are not only driving positive environmental change but also supporting the climate goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.”

According to Omar AlRammah, CEO of CASHIN KSA, this partnership exemplifies the company’s dedication to sustainability and innovation: “Our collaboration with Fils marks a significant step forward in our journey towards a more sustainable future. By integrating Fils’s cutting-edge technology into our payments infrastructure, we are advancing our commitment to environmental responsibility and paving the way for a greener financial ecosystem.”