HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum welcomes EEA delegation

He praised the extensive efforts made by the EEA in promoting energy awareness in the GCC, as well as the success of its training courses in 2008.

The EEA, a sustainable energy-focused awards program designed by the Dubai Quality Group, the UAE-based non-profit organization established by the Department of Economic Development to help improve and develop standards of business in the region, was represented by Dr Wafi Dawood, Chairman of the Dubai Quality Group; Dr Abdullah Al Amiri, EEA Chairman; Mr Marwan Al Sawaleh, Honorary Board Member of Dubai Quality Group; and Ms Samia Al Yousuf, Dubai Quality Group Managing Director.

Dr. Dawood said:

"The objective of the EEA is to highlight the current global energy situation and encourage companies to invest in the future through energy conservation and sustainable development. The successes reaped during 2008 can be directly attributed to hard work, passion and dedication, all of which we pursued in an effort to promote our beloved UAE. Now, having met with HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, we have committed to an additional responsibility, one we are able to carry out due to our extensive experience and ambition."

Topics of discussion included various EEA agendas; plans to establish strong relations with the country's various sectors; and the means to achieve the EEA's goals of spreading awareness around the efficient use of energy for a sustainable growth.

Two courses were proposed to achieve the latter: the first saw the establishment of workshops to tackle energy management in the sectors of transportation, gas, construction and commercial buildings; the second looked at energy management through varying viewpoints.

The date for the final ceremony of the Emirates Energy Awards 2008 was also confirmed, and will be taking place on Tuesday, 20 January, 2009.

At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the delegation praised the support that the EEA has received from Dubai leaders since its inception, stating that it served as inspiration for the many achievements the Award has attained.

Dr. Al Amiri said:

"There has never been any doubt as to the heights the EEA is able to reach, thanks to the unwavering support of the rulers of our beloved Emirates, and we vow to continue reaching higher to achieve our goals for the advancement of our country."