#Sustainability #Abu Dhabi #UAE #Miral

Miral's Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy

Miral, a leading creator of immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi, has recently introduced its ambitious Sustainability Strategy. This initiative marks a significant step toward establishing Miral as a regional leader in sustainable leisure, entertainment, and tourism (LET) by the year 2030. The strategy is built upon Miral's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Vision for Sustainability

With a focus on providing a brighter future for coming generations, Miral's long-term strategy commits to making its destinations exemplars of sustainable practices within the industry. Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi commented, "By embedding sustainability into our core operations, we are pursuing responsible growth that benefits our stakeholders and our community. Additionally, this strategy aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals to tackle climate change while promoting sustainable tourism."

Miral’s sustainability initiatives emerge from a thorough assessment of its current practices and future aspirations, pinpointing key focus areas that include ambitious targets and timelines. These goals will influence existing and future attractions across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

Key Objectives

The strategy outlines three primary objectives:
1. To develop the most sustainable LET experiences in the region.
2. To operate LET experiences in an environmentally responsible manner.
3. To position Miral's destinations as frontrunners in sustainability across the region.

Four Pillars of Sustainability

To support these objectives, Miral's strategy is grounded in four main pillars:

• - Experiences for a Better World: The strategy aims to enhance cultural awareness through attractions like Qasr al Watan, while initiatives such as the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center are designed to protect marine life. Educational elements will be embedded in entertainment experiences to elevate understanding of social and environmental issues.
• - Decarbonization and Resource Management: Miral has pledged to cut its carbon output significantly by 2030, a commitment aligned with the UAE’s broader Net Zero Strategy. This will involve implementing energy efficiency measures, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and applying sustainable design across all new constructions. Water conservation and waste management programs aiming for zero landfill waste will also be crucial components of this strategy.
• - People: Employee well-being represents an essential focus of the strategy, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and professionalism. It strives to ensure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and adequate resources for all staff, particularly for construction workers.
• - Sustainable Development: Beyond internal operations, Miral’s sustainability initiatives will extend to its assets, promoting sustainable procurement and tourism practices while advocating for greener mobility options.

Existing Initiatives

Miral has already commenced several sustainability initiatives to demonstrate its commitment. One impressive project is the installation of the UAE's largest solar rooftop on Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, which now meets approximately 64% of the park's electricity needs during peak times. New solar panels have also been added at SeaWorld® Yas Island and Yas Bay through a partnership with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF.

Further initiatives include a partnership with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, focusing on marine conservation and research through the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center. Notably, Hilton Abu Dhabi on Yas Island has developed an innovative method to produce drinkable water from humidity, while The WB™ Abu Dhabi will soon feature an on-site hydroponic farm for fresh produce. Efforts are also being made to reduce single-use plastics in operations across SeaWorld® Yas Island, with a strategy aimed at complete elimination in the near future.

Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration

Miral's Sustainability Strategy is characterized by a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and transparency, setting a path toward a more sustainable future for the tourism sector. It is a bold step that aligns perfectly with the UAE’s vision of achieving Net Zero by 2050, and it aims to lead the leisure and tourism industry in responsible practices that benefit both the environment and society.