Provides Funding for Key UAE Environmental Projects
Supported by US$1 Million Donation from ExxonMobil
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 1, 2011 - The Science, Technology, and Environment Programme at the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, in partnership with ExxonMobil and Abu Dhabi Gas Industries (GASCO), announced today the winners of the second round of its major grant competition promoting energy efficiency in the UAE.
The grants are awarded to support UAE-related research, to create local energy efficiency related initiatives, facilitate workshops and conferences that enhance public awareness and to enable Emirati nationals to participate in leading professional conferences on the topic.
The Emirates Foundation's Managing Director, HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, congratulated the winners and thanked ExxonMobil and GASCO for their continued partnership and for their financial support to the Foundation.
He commented that the engagement of researchers and Emirati students in creative and applied solutions to address sustainable energy needs across the country was critical to the nation's advancement in this field. He pointed out that the Foundation continued to support young Emiratis, enabling them to contribute positively to the UAE through active projects like the Energy Efficiency grant initiative.
Following a rigorous competitive selection process, funding grants have accordingly been awarded to the following:
Dr Abeer Al Janahi, of the British University in Dubai, to fund a public awareness project: "Energy Public Awareness through an interactive user-friendly web based tool"
Dr Mohamed Gadalla, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the American University of Sharjah, to fund the research project: "Sustainable Energy Solutions for more Efficient and Environmentally Benign Desalinization Plants"
Dr Sarah El Masry, Department of Architectural Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University, to fund the research project: "A Software Prototype for Evaluating Sustainable Building Performance in the UAE, based on Estidama Pearl Rating System"
Dr Bassam AbuHijleh, Sustainable Design of Built Environment Programme, Faculty of Engineering & IT at the British University in Dubai, to fund the research project: "Assessing the energy savings potential of refurbishing existing buildings in the UAE"
Dr Riad Saraiji, Department of Architectural Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "Daylight Penetration for Optimal Building Energy Conservation in 'Side-Lit' Office Buildings in UAE"
Dr Mohamed Younes, Department of Mechanical Engineering, , United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "Renewable diesel fuels for efficient and clean combustion"
Dr Ibrahim Kamel, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "SHEMCS: Smart Home Energy Management and Conservation System"
Dr Moshood Fadeyi, Sustainable Design of Built Environment, British University in Dubai, to fund a research project" Pilot study on Energy Consumption, Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality Conditions in UAE Elementary Schools"
Dr Abbas Fardoun, Department of Electrical Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "Wide range Bidirectional converter for Fuel Cell/Photovoltaic Applications"
Dr Edgar Small, Civil Engineering and Construction Management, American University in Dubai, to fund a research project entitled "Exploration of Green Construction Systems"
Dr Alex Friess, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, to fund a local initiative project entitled "RIT Dubai Residential Energy Assessment Centre"
Dr Samir I Abu-Eishah, Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund the research project "Experimental Investigation on the Conversion of Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour into Hydrocarbons"
Morten Mauritzen, President of ExxonMobil Affiliates in Abu Dhabi, said the partnership reflected the company's strong commitment to energy efficiency. "Energy efficiency is one of the largest and lowest cost ways to extend energy supplies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," he stressed.
"ExxonMobil is committed to energy efficiency in our global operations, technology research and with our partnerships, including initiatives with community organizations. We are honored to be working with the Emirates Foundation in this crucial area."
ExxonMobil's US$ 1 million (AED 3.68 million) donation to this project is part of a US$ 5 million (AED 18.4 million) commitment from ExxonMobil to the Emirates Foundation.
Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of GASCO commented: "GASCO, in its role as a socially responsible corporation, is wholly committed to sustainable development across all areas of our business.
"We sponsor, support and participate in a large number of social initiatives and projects in the area of energy conservation, environment enhancement, public awareness building, and education. Our support for the energy efficiency project is an example of our efforts to help preserve our environment."
Dr Lamya Faisal, Acting Head of the Emirates Foundation's Science, Technology and Environment Programme, added: "It is important to continue supporting the implementation of energy efficiency techniques and practices that help in sustaining the country's economic growth.
"These grants will facilitate the development of innovative methods for efficient energy consumption, whilst strengthening existing energy reduction efforts and raising public commitment towards sustainable energy."
The Foundation has successfully completed two rounds of its Energy Efficiency Competition, supporting hundreds of Emiratis in promoting energy-efficient practices throughout the country. The Foundation has received many proposals submitted for the third round competition for energy efficiency and is currently in the process of evaluating them.
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About the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy:
The Emirates Foundation is one of the UAE's foremost philanthropic organizations. It offers financial and technical support to projects that enrich the lives of people in the Emirates, particularly in the areas of youth development, knowledge creation, and society and culture.
The Foundation facilitates links between commercial businesses and the public sector to devise new projects and strengthen existing nonprofit initiatives throughout the country. Its funding comes from programme-rated contributions and a capital reserve supported by the Abu Dhabi government and private companies.
Launched on April 12, 2005 by H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, its Board of Directors is chaired by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
About ExxonMobil:
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com5.
ExxonMobil engages in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education, promote women as catalysts for development, and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries.
In 2010, ExxonMobil together with it's employees and retirees contributed $237 million to community investments around the world. Additional information on ExxonMobil's community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community6.
In the United Arab Emirates, ExxonMobil subsidiaries support education programs at the K-12 and university levels and community organizations such as the UAE Red Crescent Society, Injaz, The Special Care Center and the Future Centre for Children with Special Needs.
For more information, please contact:
Abdullah Bani Ali
Senior Media Relations Officer
Tel: +971 2 404 2814
Mob: 050-7319559
Email: abaniali@emiratesfoundation.ae
© Press Release 2011
