ABU DHABI, UAE, 24 July 2023: Abu Dhabi Department of Energy(DoE) announced that it has collaborated with the Family Development Foundation (FDF) to organise a series of awareness workshops as part of the Year of Sustainability. Making the announcement through a Press release, DoE said the workshops aimed to strengthen the role of government entities in promoting awareness and encouraging behavioural change, which are key aspects of Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030. 

According to the release, the workshops aimed to elevate awareness among community members and urged them to adopt a conscious and responsible lifestyle in electricity and water consumption. The release further said that the workshops also aimed to enhance the knowledge of community members about the latest modern technologies and innovative systems in this field. 

The awareness workshops, DoE said, saw significant engagement from diverse sections of the community, including students, teachers, homemakers, and employees from various government and private organisations. These workshops featured educational and informative activities conducted by a team of department personnel, emphasising daily practices that actively contribute to minimising electricity and water usage, DoE further said.

According to the release, the workshops were held at the Family Development Foundation centres, namely Al Ain, Al Wathba, Zayed City, and Al Mirfa centres. Furthermore, the release said, the workshops were implemented in schools affiliated with the FDF in Abu Dhabi and were attended by a group of female students from the foundation’s schools, as well as various segments of the community in the Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions. 

H.E. Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi

Commenting on the awareness workshops, H.E. Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General, FDF, Abu Dhabi, said: “FDF is committed to launching workshops and awareness campaigns aimed at instilling a culture of responsible consumption in the educational sector, government and semi-governmental entities, and all segments of society. This is in line with the framework of our integrated strategy that aims to create a mindful and sustainable society. The foundation is keen on promoting the culture of rationalisation, increasing individuals’ awareness of consumption reduction, and enriching their knowledge of energy consumption and the preservation of resources that support the journey of sustainable development.” 

Aligned with the Abu Dhabi DSM Strategy 2030, which seeks to promote sustainability, H.E. Al Rumaithi said FDF embraces an approach that highlights the importance of conscious and responsible living as a fundamental element for well-being and sustainable social progress. She added that FDF is proud to announce the successful implementation of these workshops in partnership with our strategic ally, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. “We are eager to deepen our collaboration and broaden its reach to create a positive impact on society, aligning with government objectives while fostering community awareness to enhance the well-being and quality of life for families,” she said. 

Ahmed Juma Al Falasi

Ahmed Juma Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director, Energy Efficiency, DoE, said, “The awareness workshops contribute to the achievement of Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy, which aims to reduce electricity consumption in the Emirate by 22% and water consumption by 32% by 2030.” He also added that the programmes have played a vital role in promoting a culture of responsible consumption, which will ultimately lead to achieving the desired positive change in electricity and water consumption patterns and enhance environmentally friendly practices.

The notable accomplishment, Al Falasi said, is a direct result of the fruitful collaboration between the Department of Energy and the Family Development Foundation. He added it exemplifies the collective efforts of Abu Dhabi’s governmental organisations to provide the community with outstanding guidance on sustainability and the efficient utilisation of the Emirate’s resources. “This concerted action aims to secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.