NEP 2.0

The UAE has a unique mix of arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid ecosystems. And the people who know the terrain intimately are the ones who have lived on it for generations. 

Azza chose to study Environmental Sciences at Zayed University in 2007. In her work with the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi, she has worked to integrate the idea of sustainability into other sectors such as Energy with the understanding that clean air and water are the foundation of life. “There weren’t a lot of Emiratis specializing in the sector then, and I thought it was important to have Emiratis in this field to be aligned with the country’s vision who understood the sensitivity of the UAE’s ecology.”

Her ambition is to create a plan to move the country’s economy from a traditional “take, make, dispose” system to a circular “make, use, reuse, remake, recycle” model. A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. “I would like to develop a home-grown, holistic strategy based on Emirati values with a clear action plan for the UAE to be leading internationally to support the environment through minimal waste production and pollution.”