Gulf urged to go green

GULF countries should prioritise investing in green energy to sustain their economic and infrastructure growth, said a top official yesterday.

Arabian Gulf University (AGU) president Dr Khalid Abdul Rahman Al Ohali said GCC states should also look into opportunities to invest in green economy and improve their water desalination operations by going eco-friendly.

He was speaking during the opening of the Sixth Zayed Seminar for the Environment at the AGU in Salmaniya.

The two-day event, organised by the university and supported by the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, is being held under the theme Green Economy: Success Stories from the Gulf.

"The Gulf is a region that is most dependent on water desalination, which shows the need to turn them into green establishments in order to improve its competence and ensure the lessening of emissions," said Dr Al Ohali.

"Green economy is one of the strategic goals of the university. The AGU's environment management programme looks to support such strategic directions, and has 45 graduates already."

The event also highlights the latest developments in green economy and challenges in the Gulf.

It features the participation of 16 experts from seven countries - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Lebanon and Netherlands.

Meanwhile, UAE Ambassador Mohammed Sultan Saif Al Suwaidi said the seminar is tackling one of the most important development issues in the region and the world.

The seminar includes five sessions discussing issues such as water and agriculture, energy-water-food-climate nexus, green building, energy and transport and green economy: concepts and practices.

It is held in co-operation with the Arab Forum for Environment and Development, United Nation's Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development among others.

Source : Gulf Daily News