Sharjah stages sustainability show today

Global best practice and innovation in sustainability come under the microscope this week as the three-day Green Middle East exhibition and conference opens today (Monday 17 October) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Held in association with Bee’ah, one of the region’s leading and most progressive integrated environmental and waste management organisations, Green Middle East, provides a platform from which to debate groundbreaking technologies and products, and discuss best practices to successfully manage waste in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.

“Green Middle East has been launched to offer a 360-degree perspective on sustainability and environmental management. It brings together leading industry players, waste management solution providers and consultants to debate critical issues, such as solid waste and wastewater management. Moreover it will identify environmental policy that is making a positive difference in other parts of the world and propose a sustainable roadmap for the region moving forward,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

Environmentalism in Islam will lead the opening session of the three-day conference programme, with Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, the US author of the book ‘Green Deen’, and HH Sheikh Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, dubbed the ‘Green Sheikh’, discussing the role of religion in guiding the environmental movement and the responsibility of government in driving practical initiatives for a sustainable future. Abdul-Matin will also host a book signing ceremony for delegates and visitors.

The pressing need for government legislation to control the dumping of waste will be addressed over several sessions, with regional and international experts debating the practicalities and attitudes in a region where dumping of waste is largely free of charge.

In addition to addressing fundamental environmental issues related to resource efficiency and management, the conference will also include specific industry focus sessions covering solid waste, wastewater, air pollution, renewable energies, scrap metal recycling and green building. Leaders from the world of construction, heavy industry, luxury hospitality and facility management will be joined by representatives from various government entities and academics, to share best practice and demonstrate how applying sustainability processes can effect positive change across the Gulf, as well as the broader implications for the Middle East.

The line-up of exhibitors includes regional heavyweights and key local players focused on delivering effective green solutions such as Bee’ah which is unveiling its residential recycling bins and announcing its objectives for 2012 as well as arranging guided tours of its state-of-the-art waste management centre.  

Other key exhibitors on show include, Beringer Middle East, Corodex Trading, Emirates Environmental Technology, Global Engineering Systems, Gorica Industries and Excel Industry.