Shell announces winners of Better Environment Awards in Dubai

From the 25 schools that participated in the Field Study Category competition, seven schools received recognition and were awarded for their efforts. The winning schools in the order of their win are: Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi at first place, followed by Pakistanian Education Academy, followed by Al Saaidiya School for Boys, Dubai Gem Private School and Al Muleiha High School, who shared the fourth position and Al Thuraya Private School and Ammar Bin Yaser School who shared the fifth position.

The Better Environment Awards ceremony was attended by all participating schools and a large number of officials from supporting organisations, including the UAE Ministry of Education, Youth Federal Environment Agency, Zayed International Prize for Environment, Environmental Research and Wildlife and Development Agency, General Secretariat of The UAE Municipalities and Emirates Heritage Club.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets (Middle East) said, "We would like to congratulate all the winners and express our appreciation on the efforts put in by all the students. The role played by the schools' administration in creating interest among students in environmental issues and encouraging them to take part in events like these has been praise worthy,"

"We had an overwhelming response for this edition of Better Environment Awards in the UAE. We received applications from over 278 schools across the UAE, we chose 130 schools to whom we felt grants should be awarded; 25 projects within the Field Study Category, 30 projects within the Awareness Campaign Category and 35 within Atmospheric Pollution Category," added Al Mahmoudi.

Dr. Ahmad Saad Al Sherif, Assistant Undersecretary Students Care and Activities Department said, "Environmental protection has been a prime concern among various sections of the modern society. Creating environmental awareness among youngsters serves as a good vehicle for passing on knowledge to the community, and the Better Environment Awards supported by Shell has provided a tremendous boost to school students, motivating them to contribute towards this cause."

The panel of judges for the award consisted of Dr. Yousuf Sharab, Social Worker Inspector, Ministry of Education; Dr. Meshkan Mohamed Al Awar, Secretary General, Zayed International Prize for the Environment; Abdul Monim Darwish, Head of the Commission of Environmental Research, Emirates Heritage Club of Abu Dhabi; Mahmood Mousa Taha Salam, Public Health and Environment Coordinator, General Secretariat of Municipalities and Caroline Wehbeh, External Affairs Coordinator, Shell.