Griffiths’ appointment signals a global push to accelerate aviation’s journey towards reducing emissions, leveraging industry expertise from the world’s busiest international airport. As the urgency to tackle aviation’s climate impact rises, SAF is recognised as the most viable near-term solution, capable of cutting flight emissions by up to 80%. Yet today, SAF makes up less than 1% of global jet fuel supply. The SMI's Pathfinder Initiative unites key players across aviation, energy, finance, and policy to drive transformative change in the industry. The SAF Pathfinder Initiative is focused on:

• Mobilising investment and demand signals to unlock production
• Advocating for harmonised global policies and incentives
• Enabling critical infrastructure upgrades
• Driving collaboration across the supply chain to overcome production and cost barriers

Paul Griffiths commented: “I’m honoured to take on this role at such a critical time for our industry. Sustainable Aviation Fuel is one of the most important levers we have to decarbonise flight, and I’m committed to accelerating its availability and adoption across the sector. Together with the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by Dubai Airports, we aim to drive decarbonisation, innovation, and resilience across both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) through coordinated efforts and shared responsibility.”

Under Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports has achieved Level 4 “Transformation” accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), a recognition reserved for the top 5% of airports worldwide. This milestone reflects not only Dubai Airports’ sustainability strategy but also the strength of collaboration with partners, to pioneering biodiesel ground fleets, radically cutting emissions, and launching multiple green infrastructure projects at Dubai International (DXB).

With the aviation sector’s 2050 net-zero goal approaching, Griffiths’ leadership aims to spur decisive action and scale up SAF adoption worldwide.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: “We view Sustainable Aviation Fuel as a powerful catalyst, not only for decarbonising aviation, but also for driving the global expansion of sustainable technologies and investment. With Paul Griffiths’ proven leadership and commitment to innovation, SMI is set to accelerate SAF adoption at scale and lead the way towards a more sustainable future for aviation.”

Developed by Dubai Airports, dnata, flydubai and over 30 industry collaborators, the showcase highlights how collective action can accelerate the aviation sector’s transition to net zero.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airshow has long been a global stage for innovation, and this year’s theme, ‘The Future is Here’, perfectly captures the spirit of what we’re unveiling. The world’s first Sustainable Turnaround Showcase is a real-world example of progress in action and symbolises what can be achieved when we align ambition with collaboration. Sustainability is not an individual pursuit – it is a shared responsibility that demands partnership and leadership across the aviation industry. Through this showcase, we’re showing the world that Dubai is not only ready for the future – we’re helping shape it.”

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata, said: “Dubai stands out as one of the world’s most forward-looking aviation markets, and the Airshow is the perfect stage to showcase where the industry is heading. We’re proud to present the latest generation of our advanced ground support equipment fleet in a unique display – tangible proof of how innovation and sustainability advance together, driving improvements in both operational efficiency and environmental performance. Our approach is clear: ‘green first.’ We prioritise zero- and low-emission technologies wherever infrastructure allows, complemented by alternative solutions such as biofuels to maximise impact. Progress at this scale depends on strong collaboration, and our partnership with Dubai Airports and flydubai – here and every day – is an excellent example of how working together can shape a more sustainable future for aviation.”

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Dubai is no stranger to innovation, and it is always at the forefront when it comes to meaningful progress. We recognise that a sustainable future is a shared goal, one that requires collaboration, innovation and collective action across our industry. As part of the oneDXB alliance, our participation in the Sustainability Showcase at the Dubai Airshow reflects our commitment to building a more responsible and efficient future for aviation. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are focused on exploring how investing in technology and enhancing our operational efficiencies can support our shared vision of a greener tomorrow.”

Those attending Dubai Airshow can also explore the Sustainability Showcase firsthand, with guided tours hosted by Dubai Airports daily from 10 AM to 1 PM between 17–21 November 2025. Taking place at the Dubai Airshow Site (DWC), S05 in the Static Park, the tours are open to all Airshow attendees and require no pre-booking.

Reflecting the UAE’s continued leadership in sustainability and aviation excellence, the Airshow provides the ideal setting to launch this first-of-its-kind initiative – bringing together the industry’s most influential players to demonstrate practical progress and inspire collective action. As main showcase partners, dnata, Dubai Airports and flydubai will use this world stage to unveil its pioneering demonstration of how a fully sustainable aircraft turnaround can be achieved through cutting-edge technology, collaboration, and a shared commitment to climate action.  

The inaugural showcase marks a defining moment in aviation sustainability, highlighting what’s possible when the industry works together to tackle its greatest challenges. Nearly 30 partners – including Airbus, Bee’ah, Cobus, dnata, ENOC, Etihad ESCO, flydubai, Katmerciler and Rosenbauer – have joined forces to reimagine the turnaround process from the ground up, demonstrating how data-driven management, smarter energy use, and advanced ground-support equipment can make aircraft turnaround faster, safer, and cleaner than ever before.

The showcase will feature two zones: a welcome area focused on Decarbonising Airports and The Future of Flight, and a static display – centred around an operational flydubai aircraft – highlighting six key themes of Sustainable Turnaround, Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Vehicles, Biofuels, Energy Management, and Circularity. Together, they will present more than 40 pieces of sustainable ground equipment and innovative technologies. Among these are solar panel systems, cooling and air quality solutions, electric baggage tractors, hydrogen-powered buses and refuelling dispensers, solar-powered waste bins, green recycling solutions, and more – many of which are locally available, reinforcing Dubai Airports’ role as a connector and accelerator of aviation’s transition to a sustainable future.

The initiative forms part of Dubai Airports’ broader sustainability strategy, focused on reducing the carbon footprint of airport facilities through energy-efficient buildings, low-emission airside vehicles, and eco-friendly utilities. Through partnerships with innovators such as Airbus, flydubai, Lootah Biofuels, and Elysian Aircraft, Dubai Airports continues to embrace technologies and policies designed to cut carbon emissions.

With global air traffic set to double by 2045, the aviation industry faces a defining challenge – to operate cleaner, smarter, and more sustainably. The Sustainability Showcase marks a pivotal step in this journey.

As one of the most anticipated aviation events on the global calendar, Dubai Airshow 2025 will welcome more than 1,500 exhibitors from 47 countries and feature over 200 aircraft across the static and flying displays – the largest in the event’s history. With eVTOLs joining the flying display for the first time, the skies above DWC will truly showcase the future in flight. Visitors can also look forward to an expanded content programme with 12 future-focused conference tracks, including seven new themes addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Among these will be the Airport and Airline Keynotes track, hosted by Dubai Airports.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, received the Level 4 “Transformation” Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly. The accreditation, formally awarded this month, reinforces Dubai International’s (DXB) position among a select group of global airports recognised for absolute emissions reductions and leading initiatives with stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem to drive change. 

Coinciding with Earth Day, this echoes Dubai Airports’ continued progress towards the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target. Dubai Airports has established a comprehensive long-term decarbonisation strategy, actively being put into practice through a series of impactful initiatives. These include enhancing energy efficiency across buildings and infrastructure, installing the region’s largest airport rooftop solar power system at Terminal 2, introducing waste-to-compost systems, and transitioning airside vehicles to biodiesel-blended fuel.

Through the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, Dubai Airports is also working collaboratively with Alliance members to drive down emissions across the broader airport ecosystem.

The “Transformation” certification is awarded to airports that realise absolute emissions reductions and drive systemic change with its stakeholders. In strategic alignment with the UAE, Dubai Airports is playing a vital role in supporting the country’s Net Zero 2050 strategy— through its commitment to minimising its environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency, with a comprehensive focus on decarbonisation, resource conservation, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. 

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports commented: “Achieving Level 4 ‘Transformation’ accreditation underscores our firm commitment to embedding sustainability at the core of everything we do at Dubai Airports. This recognition not only highlights our progress in reducing our own carbon footprint but also reflects the strength of our partnerships in driving broader, systemic change across the aviation ecosystem.” 

“For us, sustainability is not a checkbox – it’s a long-term strategy that involves collaboration, innovation, and constant improvement.  The responsibility we own goes beyond our operation; it’s about leading by example and embracing a culture where every stakeholder plays a part in creating a more sustainable future. Together, we are setting a new standard for what is possible in airport operations, as we continue to support Dubai’s and the UAE’s leadership in the global effort towards Net Zero by 2050,” he added.

Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “We congratulate Dubai Airports for its significant strides in reducing carbon emissions, setting a benchmark for airports across the region. By positioning itself as one of the leaders in efficient carbon management, Dubai Airports demonstrates a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future. Dubai Airports’ approach aligns with our industry's collective vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

DXB has made significant progress through key initiatives and partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable aviation. A recent example is the collaboration with dnata and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), transitioning dnata’s non-electric airside fleet to a biodiesel blend, reducing carbon emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually.

Other initiatives include a partnership with Etihad Energy Services to enhance energy efficiency through building and lighting retrofit and solar integration, and a collaboration with BEEAH Group, reducing landfill waste by 60% through an innovative food waste treatment plan. DXB’s adoption of the ‘Follow the Greens’ system has also optimised aircraft taxiing, cutting fuel consumption and emissions. Other successful initiatives include active engagement with ‘Airports of Tomorrow’, a collaborative venture by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and ACI, to steer the aviation industry toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

The recently launched oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a network of airport partners, is further driving sustainability by exploring over 180 additional potential decarbonisation projects.

The Level 4 ACI Accreditation affirms Dubai Airports’ leadership in sustainability and positions DXB as a benchmark in the global airport community.

In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Airports announced a landmark collaboration with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DEWA, to launch the world's largest rooftop solar panel installation project at an airport.

To solidify this ambitious initiative, Dubai Airports and Etihad Energy Services Company formalised an agreement during the prestigious World Green Economy Summit organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, and the World Green Economy Organization. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 2 to 3 October 2024.

The agreement was signed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports and Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO.

Sharing his insights on the initiative, Griffiths said, “Airports are significant energy consumers, but with that comes tremendous opportunity and responsibility to drive real change. For us, this is not just about installing solar panels; it’s about embedding sustainability into the core of everything we do. Every kilowatt we generate from renewable sources brings us closer to shrinking our carbon footprint and future-proofing our operations. This is about setting the standard and leading the way for what a truly sustainable airport can achieve.”

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: "This initiative aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to establish Dubai as one of the most sustainable cities in the world. While our roadmap outlines clear targets of achieving 25% of the energy mix from clean energy sources by 2030, and 100% by 2050, we are proactively accelerating our efforts. We anticipate surpassing these goals, potentially reaching 27% clean energy capacity as early as 2030, which would enable us to achieve our 2050 vision ahead of schedule. Undoubtedly, innovation and cutting-edge technologies are instrumental in expediting our progress towards a greener future.

This phased project of total 39MWp of clean energy, which will be fully operational by 2026, involves the installation of 62,904 solar panels across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, set to generate 60,346MWh annually. It marks a significant stride toward decarbonising airport operations.

The solar panels, which will span passenger terminals and concourses across both airports, are expected to offset 23,000 tonnes of CO2 annually — equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road or powering 3,000 homes for a year. The energy generated will meet 6.5% of DXB’s power needs and 20% of DWC’s, reinforcing Dubai Airports' long-term vision for cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable operations.

Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, remarked, “Our longstanding partnership with Dubai Airports plays a pivotal role in our strategy to accelerate Dubai’s sustainability agenda. By broadening the solar footprint and implementing transformative initiatives like Shams Dubai, we are not only reducing energy demand but also driving the adoption of sustainable energy solutions across the emirate. This project, and others like it, demonstrates our commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that aligns with Dubai’s vision for a greener, more energy-efficient future.”

This solar initiative complements a series of ongoing environmental sustainability efforts by Dubai Airports, from strategic partnerships in the aviation sector to collaborative efforts within the oneDXB community, which includes airlines, service providers, and regulatory authorities managing the airport’s critical touchpoints. Whether it’s retrofitting hundreds of thousands of LED lights, optimising cooling systems, switching to biodiesel-powered ground vehicles, or cutting food waste to landfill, Dubai Airports is committed to making measurable, impactful changes — one step at a time.

The project builds on the successful installation of solar panels at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D, where solar power is already playing a vital role in reducing energy consumption and lowering emissions. While ambition and innovation drive progress, the key to achieving sustainable transformation lies in collaboration, foresight, and consistent action. Dubai Airports is focused on ensuring these values guide every initiative, aligning with Dubai’s and the UAE’s broader environmental objectives to create a better tomorrow, together.

The operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC), is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing operational efficiency through various initiatives, including energy-saving projects, environmental coalitions, diverting waste from landfill, and installing large-scale solar energy systems. These efforts have significantlyreduced carbon emissions and energy costs, earning Dubai Airports recognition from the Airport Council International (ACI) Carbon Accreditation Programme.

At the heart of this transformation are three exceptional Emirati women, who are playing crucial roles in supporting Dubai Airports’ sustainability goals forward. Their efforts prove that change doesn't just happen from the top down; it takes passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of progress across the entire organisation.

Sara Al Abdulla, Senior Manager of Commercial Sustainability, is not merely discussing sustainability; she is actively building it, one partnership at a time. Dubai Airports waste management diverts a remarkable 60% of all Dubai International (DXB) waste away from landfill, a testament to the organisation’s commitment to decarbonisation, and Sara’s ability to rally the entire airport community around a shared purpose. "Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a journey we embark on together. By building a community that shares knowledge and works collaboratively, we are creating a future that benefits everyone," says Sara. 

Maryam Alawadhi, a passionate Energy and Sustainability Engineer at Dubai Airports, is on a mission to prove that sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. One of her key projects was a lighting and building retrofit, which managed to offset 47,000 tonnes of carbon - equivalent to planting more than a million trees annually. "Every project I contribute to, no matter how small or big, is a step towards a more sustainable world. The energy savings we achieve are more than just numbers; they represent a tangible difference in our community’s future," Maryam shares. 

As the Director of Category Management, Najla Alghammai has been at the forefront of integrating environmentally sustainable practices into procurement processes at Dubai Airports, proving that it can be a 

core business strategy. Her leadership in developing the Dubai Airports’ Green Procurement Policy has resulted in a 49% increase in eco-friendly purchases compared to 2022. Additionally, her support for implementing a Dubai Airports paperless policy has drastically reduced printing, from thousands of pages in 2018 to zeroin 2024. "Sustainability in procurement is not just about choosing the right products; it is about setting a precedent for responsible, ethical decision-making that ripples throughout the entire industry," says Najla. 

As Dubai Airports continues its journey towards a net-zero future, Sara, Maryam, and Najla stand as a testament to the power of Emirati women to shape a better future, one step at a time.

Situated in the vibrant passageway between Concourses B and C, this high-traffic area has been transformed into a vivid canvas showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of wildlife. Fallows' images, often captured in extreme conditions, offer a unique and compelling artistic perspective as told from the coal face on the challenges facing biodiversity and security worldwide.

"Dubai Airports is a signatory of The Buckingham Palace Declaration and a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. "We're dedicated to supporting global efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and ensure a safer future for earth’s wildlife and biodiversity. This stunning exhibition reaffirms Dubai Airports' commitment to conservation and sustainability."

The exhibition is a visual journey told through two powerful lenses— 'The 11^th Hour' and ‘Moments in Time’. ‘The 11^thHour’ captures the beauty and fragility of endangered species, featuring awe-inspiring shots like the majestic flight of great white sharks and the poignant presence of Africa's last tuskers. ‘Moments in Time’ showcases the planet’s biodiversity through memorable moments in Fallows' career. Commenting on the exhibition, Fallows said, “If a picture is worth a thousand words, I hope the narrative conveyed through these photographs speaks volumes as to the magnificence of the iconic species we share our planet with. It has been my honour to spend a life in their company, and my duty to share this visual journey of creating awareness and inspiring hope through the art of photography.”

Adding an interactive element, guests can scan QR codes to learn more about the stories behind the photographs’ creation and how they can contribute to conservation efforts and protect our precious wildlife heritage. This innovative approach ensures the exhibition inspires and empowers visitors to take meaningful action. 
With its captivating visuals and urgent message, Chris Fallows’ wildlife exhibition at DXB promises to leave a lasting mark on all who experience it, fostering a deeper commitment and connection to our planet's incredible biodiversity.

Etihad Energy Services, in collaboration with Dubai Airports, a key operator of Dubai International (DXB) the world's busiest airport as well as Dubai World Central (DWC), is at the forefront of driving substantial positive transformations in energy practices while championing sustainability initiatives. Anticipated to generate significant annual energy and water savings, these projects at Dubai Airports play a pivotal role in shaping a more eco-friendly and sustainable future for the region.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “In line with the vision and directives of the wise leadership in consolidating a green economy in the UAE, and coinciding with COP28, we are keen to strengthen cooperation with government and private organisations that share the same vision with us to consolidate environmental sustainability and achieve carbon neutrality. Sustainability is our central focus. Our cooperation with Dubai Airports marks a pivotal step in our commitment to environmental sustainability, addressing energy efficiency through retrofit measures and embracing clean energy with solar integration. Through these projects, Etihad Energy Services aims to play a key role in achieving Dubai’s vision to reach a sustainable future.”

Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports stated, "Dubai Airports is steadfast in our commitment to facilitating efficient global air connectivity while prioritising environmental sustainability at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). Our collaboration with Etihad Energy Services on energy-efficient projects represents our dedication to embracing innovative and sustainable practices. These endeavours align with the UAE's strategic initiative to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and with the aviation industry's united effort to continue decarbonising operations, to collectively forge a path towards a brighter and more sustainable future.”

This dynamic collaboration sets a new standard for sustainable partnerships, showcasing the positive impact that joint efforts can achieve in both energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Etihad Energy Services and Dubai Airports establish a remarkable benchmark for sustainable practices, setting the stage for a brighter future beyond current expectations.

Sven Deckers, Director of Strategy Planning at Dubai Airports said, “We’ve aligned with the World Economic Forum because we recognise the critical importance of collaboration in addressing environmental sustainability challenges - in the aviation industry, competition is non-existent. This is a collective effort where all airports are united in a race against time. Together, we’re committed to achieving a net-zero future for the aviation industry. 

In the lead-up to COP28, the annual international climate summit being held in the UAE, and on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2023, Dubai Airports hosted a delegation of top representatives from the Airports of Tomorrow community. The group held a Brainstorm Breakfast to select three ideas for pilot projects to be developed by the community. Welcomed to Dubai Airports by Edward Slater, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Planning at Dubai Airports, the group toured key facilities at DXB including the hub’s 140km baggage handling system and the solar energy installation at Terminal 2 – the largest of its kind at any Middle Eastern airport. 

This initiative aligns seamlessly with Dubai Airports' commitment to advancing sustainable aviation practices through strategic collaboration. The company has demonstrated notable success in recent years with several key initiatives, including installing a 15,000-panel solar energy system – the largest at any Middle Eastern airport. Other achievements include diverting 60% of waste generated at its facilities away from landfills, converting 100% of waste cooking oil into biodiesel, and ongoing efforts to integrate electric ground operations vehicles. Facility upgrades for enhanced energy efficiency and the widespread replacement of conventional lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures further underscore the airport's environmental commitment.

Airports of Tomorrow employs a comprehensive approach, tackling hydrogen and battery electric propulsion, the expansion of biofuel and synthetic SAFs, and exploring new innovations in aviation decarbonisation. With ambitious industry-wide goals, such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and scaling up a minimum of 300 SAF plants by 2030, the initiative is helping to harness the power of airport ecosystems to shape a sustainable future for aviation.

This achievement marks a significant leap in Dubai Airports’ broader sustainability goal to reduce DXB’s carbon footprint, while setting an industry standard and inspiring its guests to be more environmentally conscious. Dubai Airports’ waste management initiative outlined an innovative food waste treatment plan to capture and compost more than 2,000 tonnes of food waste annually from food and beverage outlets, lounges, and hotels across DXB terminals and concourses. Dubai Airports partnered with BEEAH Group, a holding company with businesses pioneering sustainability, including through industry-leading waste management, to create and implement the food waste plan. The project was structured in three phases: the distribution of food waste bins, comprehensive training, and the processing of more than 400 tonnes of food waste yearly since its launch.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports commented: "Sustainable waste management is a crucial step in mitigating environmental impact and reducing our ecological footprint. Diverting 60% of our waste from landfills is a testament to our collaborative efforts with stakeholders at DXB and highlights our commitment to sustainable practices and the UAE’s broader sustainability agenda, aimed at achieving Net Zero by 2050. We’ll continue to launch initiatives like this so we can continue to create a better tomorrow, together.”

Dubai Airports' waste diversion strategies include separation of recyclables at the source, on-site composting of organic materials, and close collaboration with key stakeholders like DXB Hotel, lounge operators and key commercial Food & Beverage partners, to ensure effective waste management and the highest possible level of diversion from landfills. It includes a special initiative that captures 100% of all cooking oil used in food and beverage outlets and converts it to biodiesel fuel.

“We would like to congratulate Dubai Airports for achieving 60% landfill waste diversion, a landmark milestone for the world’s busiest international airport. By providing sustainable waste collection infrastructure and services, BEEAH provides one part of the solution to the challenge of waste and emissions. The other part is collaboration, as demonstrated in this partnership with Dubai Airports, to achieve tangible and positive climate action. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to turn the challenge of waste into opportunities for a sustainable future,” said Rafael Lopez, CEO of BEEAH Tandeef, BEEAH’s waste collection and city cleaning business.

Dubai Airports continues to work with its concessionaires to align operations with its environmental sustainability goals related to waste and water management, and efficient use of electricity. Through a collaboration with Emirates Airport Services Lounges, additional training and awareness resulted in waste reduction, conscious procurement, and energy-saving lighting.  A similar collaboration with Emirates Flight Catering, the largest food producer at Dubai’s Airports, has reinvented itself to recycle glass bottles, compost food waste and reduce waste to landfills.
Waste management at Dubai Airports consists of managing the stakeholders’ waste streams. This consists of aircraft cabin waste (37%) and municipal solid waste generated throughout the concourses and the terminal buildings (55%) both of which make up around 92% of the total waste generated daily. The waste management plan has helped the airport save 38% in operational costs monthly, due to the recovered value of recycled materials.

The award was presented at a prestigious ceremony held in Montreal, Canada, at the 41^st General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently. Dubai Airports was recognised for its efforts as a leading player in the global aviation industry in implementing its ongoing sustainability programmes. Some of these projects include the replacing of 150,000 conventional light fixtures across DXB's terminals and airfield with significantly more efficient LED lights, introducing electric and hybrid ground service vehicles, and building a 15,000-panel solar array at DXB’s Terminal 2, the largest at any airport in the Middle East.  

Commenting on Dubai Airports’ achievement, Omar Binadai, Executive Vice President of Technology & Infrastructure at Dubai Airports said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a positive force within the industry – one that is helping to support the global aviation community on its journey to a more sustainable future, and an organisation that is both fully aligned with, and committed to, helping the UAE’s wider efforts in achieving long-term climate action goals.”

Established in 2016, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award aims to shine a light on countries, businesses, and individuals around the world by recognising their contribution to the success of aviation industry. This triennial award reflects UAE’s commitment to promote aviation and support to ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative.

This year, the second edition of the Award was divided into three categories that represent a unique mix of aviation business, including outstanding resource contribution to ICAO programs, best aviation sustainability program (Environment or Socio-economic Pillars), and aircraft cabin noise-research and development category. 

Dubai Airports is marking the World Environment Day by kicking off a new waste management initiative that will play an integral role delivering on its commitment to keep 60% of all waste from Dubai International (DXB) from entering landfills by the middle of 2023.

As part of the new programme, the operator has implemented an innovative food waste treatment plan which is expected to capture and compost more than 2,000 tonnes of food waste annually from food and beverage outlets, lounges and hotels across DXB terminals and concourses. Decomposing food waste in landfills results in the emission of methane gas which is 72 times more harmful to the environment than CO2.

The innovative new food waste plan was created in partnership with Dubai Airports’ waste management partner BEEAH Group, the Sharjah-based sustainability pioneer. It uses a special high-tech biodigester compost system installed in multiple locations across DXB that dramatically increases the speed at which food waste breaks down and becomes reusable compost and clean wastewater.

The DXB waste diversion strategy is designed to sustain a resilient waste management system that identifies the least economic, environmental, and social impact methods to capture, treat, reuse, or recycle all forms of waste. To date, the programme has already achieved greater than 40% reduction in waste, including a special initiative that captures 100% of all cooking oil used in airport F&B outlets and converts it to biodiesel fuel.

“Capturing and diverting all forms of waste from landfills is a strategically important component of our waste management programme. While airport operations contribute a very small percentage of the overall waste generated at DXB, we are working in close partnership with airlines, F&B facilities, and all other partners across the airport to make a unified commitment to achieving and surpassing our 60% waste reduction objective,” said Jamal Zaal, Vice President of Safety and Sustainability at Dubai Airports.

“BEEAH Group is committed to being Dubai Airports’ partner to create a range of innovative new programmes to capture and find a useful purpose for all forms of waste in the most practical and impactful ways possible. Deploying Power Knot technology across all DXB terminals and concourses is a great example of that innovation and will put us on the path to achieve our goal of eliminating food waste and achieving our waste diversion targets,” said Rafael Sanjurjo Lopez, CEO Bee’ah Tandeef.

World Environment Day is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. Held annually since 1974, it has grown into the largest global platform for environmental outreach. The campaign slogan for World Environment Day 2022, hosted by Sweden, is “Only One Earth” and is focused on living sustainably in harmony with nature.