KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, is rapidly cementing its reputation as a global sports hub, but with a crucial difference: an unwavering focus on sustainability. Moving beyond the prestige of hosting world-class events, both government-backed entities and private ventures are adopting ambitious environmental targets, mirroring the national commitment outlined in the UAE Net Zero 2050 roadmap.
Formula One’s Fast Track to Carbon Neutrality
One of the most visible transformations in the immediate horizon is about to be witnessed at the Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The event organisers, Ethara, are driving significant change through the 1TW Innovation Hub (E1H). Led by expert minds, E1H focuses on meticulous carbon footprint calculation across event operations and implementing reduction strategies.
Their ambitious targets include:
* Cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030.
* Running events on 100% renewable energy by 2035.
Practical steps are already making an impact:
* Energy: The 2025 Grand Prix will triple temporary solar power and increase battery storage sixfold, with all temporary generators running on 100% biofuel. This builds on the solar car park launched in 2024 which already covers 30% of energy needs.
•Water: Furthermore, the event has eliminated single-use plastic bottles and cups, replacing them with sustainable alternatives. Free public water stations and canned water from a company utilising innovative air-to-water technology, are ways of promoting a critical refill culture.
•Waste Reduction: All Food and Beverage vendors are switching to canned beverages, paper cups, and "Again Please" reusable cups.
Environmental Stewardship at Play
Sustainability is also taking hold across other key sporting disciplines, often driven by international federations and local private sector partners:
* Golf: The DP World Tour play-offs, which include the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and its season finale in Dubai – recognised with a first-place Gold Award in the Major Sport Event of the Year category at the Sports Industry Awards, have incorporated eco-practices whether it is the courses or the clubhouses.
* Cricket: The Desert Vipers, co-owned by the Glazer family of Manchester United, have also championed an anti-single-use plastic campaign and other initiatives within the ILT20 tournament, demonstrating private ownership’s role in driving change. The Vipers are still the only one among six franchises to go big on the cause. They had a "sustainability match" especially to champion the cause, while also appointing a dedicated professional hand to spearhead the department internally.
* Sailing: The global series of what is called the Formula 1 of sailing held its Grand Finale in Abu Dhabi, and also has a strong sustainability mandate. The event collaborated with local ventures such as Aquaai, a robotic company into ocean conservation.
Nation’s Green Vision
These venue and event-specific initiatives are underpinned by broader government strategy. The UAE’s commitment is formalised through documents like the National Sports Strategy 2031 and the new Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 (Climate Law), which mandates that sports organisations, especially those hosting large events, must quantify and report their carbon footprints and set science-based targets.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is also actively involved, including strategic partnerships like the one with Al Ain Water to support various sporting events while promoting sustainable healthy lifestyles.
Furthermore, events like the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi 2025 are collaborating with the ADSC and partners like SustainPro Solutions to aim for carbon-neutrality, using entirely sustainable venue materials, solar power, and a "Water Wall’ to eliminate single-use plastics, setting a regional model for sustainable sports events.
The focus is not just on hosting but on using the sport’s powerful platform to inspire sustainable behaviours and build a lasting, positive legacy.