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Miral's Ambitious Sustainability Strategy: A New Era for Leisure and Tourism

Miral, a prominent player in developing immersive experiences and destinations in Abu Dhabi, has recently launched an extensive Sustainability Strategy. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving their goal of becoming a benchmark for sustainable leisure, entertainment, and tourism (LET) in the region by the year 2030. Miral's commitment, which builds upon an established legacy of responsible entertainment, emphasizes a holistic approach to environmental protection, employee well-being, and sustainable business growth.

The Foundation of the Strategy

The Sustainability Strategy by Miral is based on a thorough assessment of the company's existing operations and its visionary goals for the future. This broad plan aims to address key areas that will see substantial advancements in sustainable practices across current and future attractions on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

According to Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, “This strategy is a milestone in our journey to embed sustainability at the heart of our operations, guiding responsible growth and innovation while delivering enduring value to our stakeholders and broader community.” The vision aligns itself with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, aiming to tackle climate change effectively while promoting sustainable tourism in the emirate.

Key Objectives of Miral’s Sustainability Strategy

Miral's sustainability endeavors are clustered around three primary objectives that aim to revolutionize the LET landscape:
1. Develop the most sustainable LET experiences in the region
2. Operate LET experiences in the most sustainable manner
3. Position destinations as the leading sustainable options available

Miral’s strategy is further anchored in four main pillars:
1. Experiences for a Better World:
Here, Miral seeks to enhance cultural awareness through attractions such as Qasr al Watan. Their initiatives include championing nature protection via collaborations with entities like Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center. Each experiences aims to integrate educational elements to raise awareness about pressing social and environmental issues.
2. Decarbonization and Resource Management:
With a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by 2030, Miral's approach encompasses multiple initiatives, including improving energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy, and embedding sustainability into the design of new projects. These measures aim to ensure robust waste management strategies, striving towards zero waste to landfill.
3. People:
Central to the strategy is the focus on employee welfare, advocating diversity, inclusion, and ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Miral also prioritizes the rights and safety of construction workers engaged in development projects across its attractions.
4. Sustainable Development:
Expanding sustainable practices beyond operational limits, the strategy also emphasizes responsible supply chains and greener mobility solutions to promote tourism cohesively with sustainability.

Existing Initiatives Reflecting Commitment

Miral's dedication to sustainability is already evident through its current initiatives. For instance, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island boasts the largest solar rooftop in the UAE, providing up to 64% of the theme park's energy needs. Additionally, plans are underway for more solar panels at other attractions under a partnership with Emerge, a collaboration between Masdar and EDF.

Moreover, Miral has partnered with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) to establish a marine science knowledge hub focused on conservation efforts. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island has also introduced innovative water generation technology, turning air humidity into drinkable water. Furthermore, ongoing initiatives underline a shift towards reducing single-use plastics in favor of recycled alternatives across all operations.

Looking Ahead

The new Sustainability Strategy exemplifies Miral's commitment to promoting a sustainable future for the tourism industry while maintaining alignment with UAE's climate goals. By prioritizing sustainability, Miral is paving the way for innovation and collaboration, demonstrating that tourism and environmental stewardship can indeed coexist.

In conclusion, this ambitious strategy not only marks a turning point for Miral but also sets high expectations for the future of responsible leisure and tourism not just within Abu Dhabi, but across the region. It serves as a reminder of the imperative to adapt and innovate in the face of climate challenges, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity the UAE has to offer.

For further information, visit Miral's official site.