Overview of Sustainability Developments

Special Address by Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Director General - Dubai Silicon Oasis

As we stand at the forefront of a pivotal year for environmental, social and governance stewardship, I am pleased to address the strides we have made at Dubai Silicon Oasis towards accelerating a sustainable future.

2023, a landmark year for global environmental action, has seen Dubai proudly hosting COP28 - The 28th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties. The outcome of this session will impact the ways how we see our joint progress and world’s fulfilment of its’ duties.

With 2024 marking the continuation of the Year of Sustainability, we reaffirm our collective dedication to safeguarding our environment for future generations. This year, our achievements in fostering a sustainable ecosystem have been multifaceted. We have initiated and executed several pioneering projects, each designed to empower startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations with a sustainability-first approach.

Our focus on education remains unwavering. The schools within our economic zone have consistently achieved top-tier rankings, mirroring our dedication to nurturing a generation that is not only academically proficient but also deeply rooted in sustainable principles. The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) University stands as a testament to this educational excellence, continually advancing our collective environmental knowledge and practices.

Our commitment to leveraging emerging technologies has been relentless. We have introduced and tested advanced solutions, from autonomous vehicles and AI-powered pedestrian systems to innovative medicine delivery methods and delivery service robots. These advancements are pivotal in redefining efficiency and sustainability in our day-to-day business operations.

Embracing the concept of a circular economy, we encourage entities within Dubai Silicon Oasis to capitalize on the synergies offered by our community. We advocate for inter-company collaborations, where your neighbour could be an integral part of your supply chain, fostering not only economic growth but also sustainable practices.

I call upon each of you to join us in this enduring commitment to sustainability. Let us work together to cement Dubai Silicon Oasis, and indeed the broader global community, as a paragon of sustainable development.

Discover practical ways to contribute to a sustainable future

MITDesignX Global Impact Accelerator
The MITdesignX Dubai (MDXB) accelerator began its operations in 2023, scouting 12 high-impact startups from the UAE, Middle East, Asia and Europe. Its mission is to address pressing global sustainability challenges. The program is led by faculty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology together with UAE-based partners. The programme is taking place at Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Campus (Dtec) in Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Digital Park.
Join the next cohort: https://www.mdxb.mit.edu/ 

Industrial Symbiosis at Dubai Silicon Oasis
This is a significant initiative that further strengthens our commitment to sustainability and community integration. 1,000 founding partners has joined ‘The Surpluss’  – a platform for sustainability practices across Dubai Silicon Oasis and beyond. This initiative is designed to streamline the adoption of sustainable practices, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to integrate these into their daily operations. 'Surpluss' facilitates efficient resource use and connects businesses in a way that promotes both environmental responsibility and economic opportunity.
Join the Sustainability Cluster: partner@dso.ae

Let's work together to make Dubai Silicon Oasis a model of sustainable development.