Innovation to Unlock Sustainable Potential of UAE Economy

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 24 November 2016 

The Zayed Future Energy Prize convened a majlis of business, science, technology and youth leaders in Masdar City today, to explore ways in which innovation can unlock potential in the economy to sustainably deliver on the goals of the UAE Vision 2021.

Entitled ‘#Innovate2Sustain’, the majlis was organised as part of the UAE Innovation Week 2016 and held behind closed doors in Masdar Institute of Technology’s i-Innovation Centre. Moderated by Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, representatives from a diverse spectrum of entities discussed how the UAE can better harness innovation to drive sustainable development.

Speaking after the majlis, Dr. Al-Hosany said: “The UAE Vision 2021 is a roadmap for national success that calls for greater innovation and sustainability from all sectors of the economy. Today, we set out the ways in which the business, science, technology and youth communities can all employ these crucial concepts to achieve our national goals.

“It is natural that the Zayed Future Energy Prize, which recognises outstanding achievements in renewable energy and sustainability, should lead discussions on innovation, because there is no sustainability without innovation, and for innovation to succeed, it must be sustainable.”

Participants in the majlis included Stuart Oda, COO and Co-founder, Alesca Life; Carla Koffel, Executive Director, Pearl Initiative; Jonathan Davis, Director, and Michael Petrakis, Director, Zeoform; Huda Al Houqani, Director, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group; Anthony Mallows, Director, Delivery and Planning, Sustainable Real Estate, Masdar; Alya Al Mazroui, Manager, UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP); Natascia Radice, Curator, TEDx Dubai; Omar Al Yazeedi, Head of Research, Development and Training, National Center of Meteorology and Seismology; Dr. Mohammed Atif Omar, Head, iSmart Center, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology; Maitha Al Tamima and Ahmed Al Khatari, Students, Emirates Diplomatic Academy, Tawadud Mohamed Al Katheeri and Bader Ahmad Ali Al Hammadi, Young Future Energy Leaders.

The majlis was one of many activities which have been taking place in Masdar City to celebrate the UAE’s second annual Innovation Week (20-26 November). In cooperation with General Secretariat of the Executive Council (GSEC), the City also played host to a number of entities which showcased their latest products and applications, including interactive information booths from Emirates ID, AD Media, Zakat Fund, Awqaf, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and Tadweer.

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As Abu Dhabi’s hub for innovation, research and technology, integrated with a world-class research institute – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI) – Masdar City is home to international innovation leaders including Siemens, General Electric, Lockheed Martin and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

With Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2017 just around the corner, Innovation Week is providing another platform for collaboration between the public sector, business, educational institutions and the community to create a sustainable future.

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About Zayed Future Energy Prize
The Zayed Future Energy Prize, managed by Masdar, is bestowed annually on pioneers in renewable energy and sustainability-related fields. Established in memory of the Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his passion for environmental sustainability, this set of international awards celebrates the pursuit of a sustainable energy future. For more information, visit www.ZayedFutureEnergyPrize.com .

About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company which works to advance the development, commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future. Wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company PJSC, the strategic investment company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the United Arab Emirates’ long-term vision for the future of energy and water.

Contact
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +971 55 508 0413

© Press Release 2016