This story was reported by Gulf News on November 26, 2022.
The leaders and organisations working in the field of waste recycling and circular economy in the Middle East region including the UAE gathered at the 4th Middle East Waste & Recycling (MEWAR) Awards 2022 with the objective of celebrating and recognising the best practices in the environmental waste management sector. At the event, the Dawoodi Bohra community in Dubai was conferred with a ‘Special Category Award’ for its outstanding contributions and commitment to making a positive environmental impact in the region.
Recognised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the award ceremony was held at the Address Dubai Marina. The gala function was attended by dignitaries including HE Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary, Support Services Sector from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Senior officials from Dubai Municipality, Ras al Khaimah Economic Zone, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones and Ajman Municipality, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Swaliha Shanavas, Editor, Waste & Recycling Middle East and Africa magazine, said, “Waste & Recycling MEA has been instrumental in raising the bar in the Middle East waste and recycling sector through the MEWAR Awards. As in the previous editions, the awards acknowledge excellence in business practices, and recognise outstanding individuals, private and government organisations that have demonstrated leadership and innovation, and have been playing an important role in contributing to the vision of the governments in the region for a sustainable future.”
Best performers from various parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Egypt, among others, were also awarded for their outstanding work in 17 categories.
On receiving the award, the representative of the Sultan al Bohra in the UAE, Mr Kinana Jamaluddin, said, “We are deeply honoured and humbled to have received this Special Category Award at the reputed Middle East Waste & Recycling Awards. This recognition to the Dawoodi Bohra community is a result of the collective and sustained efforts of each and every community member working at an individual or organisational level to tackle the environmental issues in the region. We’re also grateful to the UAE government for its efforts in addressing the impacts of climate change and conserving the UAE’s natural resources.”
“Our leader, Sultan al Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, continues to guide the community in the Middle East region and across different parts of the world in protecting and preserving the planet through collaborative efforts with local authorities and government bodies,” Jamaluddin added.
The Dawoodi Bohras community in the UAE has been actively involved in raising awareness and undertaking action against plastic pollution as part of its global “Project Rise” initiative. Sustained neighbourhood cleanup drives in the region, including the recent e-waste collection and recycling movements, are inspiring the community to lead a sustainable lifestyle. The community’s environmental awareness arm, Burhani Foundation, is also spearheading initiatives towards a greener, cleaner planet since its inception in 1992. From tree plantation drives and regular cleanup activities to making a shift to zero waste and renewable energy, the foundation is striving to address various forms of environmental concerns.
MEWAR Awards is a celebration of success in adopting best practices in the environmental management business. This unique event recognises outstanding individuals and organisations in the Middle East that have demonstrated leadership and innovation in their respective fields contributing to environmental sustainability, promotes knowledge sharing and innovation, and provide a benchmark for performance, industry recognition and professional credibility, all of which will act as drivers for sustainable growth in the region.