Key Sharjah govt. entities join hands in major green push

Green Middle East gets new mandate from Sharjah government

Sharjah, 06 April 2015 - Sharjah is set to become the launch pad for one of the biggest green initiatives in the region. Green Middle East, which was started as the region’s leading environmental management and technology exhibition and conference, will now offer a new benchmark for sustainable development initiatives in the region.

In its new format, Green Middle East, to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 16 to 19 December 2015, will be the only focused green event in Middle East and see key Sharjah government entities joining hands to make a greater impact in the country and the region.

“This is going to be one of the biggest green initiatives in the region. I am proud to note that Bee’ah, Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority, Sharjah Municipality, University and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry have all come together to give the Green Middle East a new form, meaning and direction from this year onwards,” said Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

“Green Middle East 2015 will continue to have the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It will also boost the UAE’s initiative to build a green economy, and facilitate export and re-export of green products and technologies and maintain a sustainable environment to support economic growth,” added Mr. Al Owais.

Mr. Al Owais was speaking at a press conference held to announce the details of the new initiative at Expo Centre Sharjah on Monday (April 6). The press conference was also addressed by Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah; Dr. Eng. Rashid Obaid Juma Al Leem Chairman of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), Eng. Hassan Al Taffaq, Assistant Director-General for Agriculture and Environment from Sharjah Municipality, Mr. Khalid Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ah, and Prof. Dr. Sabah Al Kass, Dean of College of Engineering, University of Sharjah.

“Expo Centre Sharjah is proud to note that Green Middle East is embarking on a new phase of development and growth. Since its launch in 2011, Green Middle East has successfully anchored the green initiatives being launched in the country. Now, in the new format, I am happy to see that Green Middle East will have one of the largest official mandates to steer the green drive in the country and beyond,” said Mr. Al Midfa.

Green Middle East 2015, which was essentially a B2B event, will now have a B2C element that will promote eco-friendly products and services, apart from a conference component and a gala dinner & awards ceremony. Green Middle East 2015 will be organised by Expo Centre Sharjah and hosted by Bee’ah from December 16 - 19, 2015.

"We believe that the journey of success that the Green Middle East event has been witnessed since 2011, will continue onwards and the 4th edition of the event will be even bigger and better in 2015" said Mr. Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee'ah.

The Green Middle East Conference will present a knowledge-sharing platform for a large audience to analyse, debate and question regional and global environmental issues and challenges, through seminars and activities.

The third component of the event, the Green Middle East Awards for Environmental Excellence, will recognize those individuals and organizations who demonstrate leadership and innovation in sustainability, in both private and public sectors. A Gala Dinner featuring artists bring the curtains down on 4th edition of Green Middle East.

“University of Sharjah being involved, we are looking forward to add an educational dimension to the Green Middle East. We aim to provide an enabling environment to schools, teachers and students to think and learn about contemporary regional and global environmental issues and challenges,” Prof. Dr. Sabah Al Kass, Dean of College of Engineering, University of Sharjah.

The Green Middle East, which will be a carbon-neutral event, will have Renewable Energy, Water & Waste Water, Waste & Recycling, Green Building & Retrofits and Environment Awareness as its main focus areas.

The event will take place from 16 to 19 December 2015 and will be open for trade and general visitors.