Three Emirati women help shape sustainability future for Dubai Airports

This is including energy-saving projects, environmental coalitions, diverting waste from landfill, and installing large-scale solar energy systems.

These efforts have significantly reduced carbon emissions and energy costs, earning Dubai Airports recognition from the Airport Council International (ACI) Carbon Accreditation Programme.

The operator said: “At the heart of this transformation are three exceptional Emirati women, who are playing crucial roles in supporting Dubai Airports’ sustainability goals forward. Their efforts prove that change doesn't just happen from the top down; it takes passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of progress across the entire organisation.”

Sara Al Abdulla, Senior Manager of Commercial Sustainability, is not merely discussing sustainability; she is actively building it, one partnership at a time. Dubai Airports waste management diverts a remarkable 60% of all Dubai International (DXB) waste away from landfill, a testament to the organisation’s commitment to decarbonisation, and Al Abdulla ability to rally the entire airport community around a shared purpose. "Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a journey we embark on together. By building a community that shares knowledge and works collaboratively, we are creating a future that benefits everyone," said Al Abdulla.

Maryam Alawadhi, a passionate Energy and Sustainability Engineer at Dubai Airports, is on a mission to prove that sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. One of her key projects was a lighting and building retrofit, which managed to offset 47,000 tonnes of carbon - equivalent to planting more than a million trees annually. "Every project I contribute to, no matter how small or big, is a step towards a more sustainable world. The energy savings we achieve are more than just numbers; they represent a tangible difference in our community’s future," said Alawadhi.

As the Director of Category Management, Najla Alghammai has been at the forefront of integrating environmentally sustainable practices into procurement processes at Dubai Airports, proving that it can be a core business strategy. Her leadership in developing the Dubai Airports’ Green Procurement Policy has resulted in a 49% increase in eco-friendly purchases compared to 2022. Additionally, her support for implementing a Dubai Airports paperless policy has drastically reduced printing, from thousands of pages in 2018 to zeroin 2024. "Sustainability in procurement is not just about choosing the right products; it is about setting a precedent for responsible, ethical decision-making that ripples throughout the entire industry," said Alghammai.