A stall at Green Middle East, an event organised by Expo Centre Sharjah

THE GCC countries’ need for initiating green policies and investing in eco-friendly technology to achieve all-round sustainable development was underscored by a premier environment event in Sharjah.

Green Middle East turned out to be a complete event for the regional environment management industry, featuring an exhibition, several special focus areas, an awards component and a high-profile conference, said organiser Expo Centre Sharjah.

“Green Middle East is no more just a sourcing platform ... it has expanded to become a gathering point for businesses, government departments and officials, academics and students, professionals and even the common man to join hands towards a greener tomorrow,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Regional and international exhibitors were happy to recognise that green products and practices are fast gaining prominence in both the public and private sectors. Governments are coming out with new green policies and new projects are having considerably higher eco-friendly components, they noted. Privatisation of municipal services is another factor that has helped the industry in a big way.

“Our primary presence here was to touch base with our clients. This show is essential for us to continuously represent ourselves in the waste management industry,” said Rina Vaz e Luis, business co-ordinator, Excel Industry Co LLC.

Apart from presenting innovative technology and products that could effectively reduce, reuse, recycle, renew and recover natural resources in a cost-effective and sustainable way, the show offered a platform for businesses and government departments to assess their green initiatives.

“While exhibitors and visitors took notice of the big-ticket solar projects that became operational recently, ventures that aimed at recycling and reusing also made headlines,” pointed out Al Midfa.

The company Bee’ah highlighted its material recovery facility in Sharjah, the third largest in the world. It also operates the Middle East’s only cryogenic tyre recycling facility with a capacity of three million tyres per year and the region’s first solar-powered cleaning boats in Mamzar and Khaled lagoons.

Its chairman Salim Al Owais was chosen as the ‘Green Personality/Visionary of the Year’ at the Green Middle East Environmental Awards. The ‘Best Solid Waste Management Company of the Year Award also went to Bee’ah.

During the show, Bee’ah announced its foray outside the UAE and has set up its office in Riyadh.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the show featured more than 100 exhibitors and brands, with individual segments such as Solid Waste, Waste Water, Air Pollution, Scrap Metal, Alternative Energy and Green Building. New segments included ‘Middle East Green Products’ and ‘Equip 4 Municipalities.’ The ‘Middle East Green Products’ section saw the participation of over 40 European exhibitors dealing in green and natural products.

C Prince, managing director, Gulf ECO Friendly Services LLC, said his firm introduced two new technologies on water waste management. 

According to a straw poll among exhibitors, it was revealed that four out of every five exhibitors introduced new products.

Other winners of the Green Middle East Environmental Excellence Awards include Beirut Arab University (Best Wastewater Management Company of the Year), Qatar Solar Technologies (Best Alternative Energy Project), Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (Environmental Awareness & Education), Tourism Development & Investment Company (Green Building Design), Centre of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi (Natural Resource Conservation Award), Municipality of Abu Dhabi City  (Best regional Sustainability Initiative) and Smardt Chiller Group (Green Technology Award).

Held in association with IQPC, the Forum for Environmental Change featured keynote speakers Dr Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water; Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, Bee’ah; Dr Mohammad Al Madfaei, executive director-Environment Agency Abu Dhabi; Edwin Young, programme manager Estidama – Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council; Ragheb Alama, Arabic pop singer and UNEP goodwill ambassador.