Seeing sustainability in action is the first step towards embedding it into business
In line with its mission to enable responsible business practices and support the UAE’s net zero ambitions, DMCC hosted an immersive sustainability experience for members of its Sustainability Hub. Organised in partnership with impact-driven enterprise C3, the engagement offered participants a rare, first-hand look at two of Dubai’s most advanced sustainability projects – The Sustainable City and Farz, the region’s leading material recovery facility by Imdaad.
The initiative formed part of DMCC’s broader commitment to accelerating sustainable transformation across its community. By activating its network of over 25,000 companies, DMCC is uniquely positioned to create systemic impact – advancing ESG performance at scale and shaping more resilient global trade practices.
Bringing Sustainability to Life
The day began with a guided tour of The Sustainable City – a globally recognised model for net zero urban living. Participants explored the district’s integrated approach to social, environmental and economic sustainability. Key features included solar-powered homes, a car-free central spine, and closed-loop systems for water and waste. The site also highlighted innovations in accessible design and inclusive urban planning, illustrating how sustainability can be embedded into every aspect of community life.
During the visit, participants saw how practical challenges such as seasonal efficiency fluctuations in solar infrastructure were addressed, as well as the role of peer-to-peer energy trading via DEWA’s renewable energy grid.
At the SEE Institute, members received a detailed overview of the city's masterplan and its alignment with UAE national strategies on climate and development. Through open dialogue with experts, they gained actionable insights into replicable practices that could be applied within their own operations – from energy efficiency and low-carbon materials to green supply chain solutions.
The visit also showcased entrepreneurial innovation, including pilot projects by startups such as Alesca Life, whose vertical farming and electric mobility solutions are currently being tested on-site.
Scaling Impact Through Circularity
The second half of the experience took members to Farz, a state-of-the-art material recovery facility aligned with Dubai’s Vision 2021 objective of diverting 75% of waste from landfills. It is one of the UAE’s most efficient recycling plants and has a daily processing capacity of over 1,200 tonnes. Farz employs a system to process both household and industrial waste streams – recovering high-value materials such as aluminium, PET, ferrous metals and wood.
Participants had the opportunity to observe the plant’s operations up close and understand how high-tech waste management infrastructure underpins circular economy goals. However, they also saw first-hand the operational challenges, in turn driving desires to work on new solutions to tackle issues such as waste contamination and limited source segregation.
The facility’s protocols for handling hazardous and e-waste provided insight into the rigour needed for safe processing – underscoring the critical role of public awareness and regulatory incentives in enabling more effective resource recovery systems. The visit also served as a reminder of the commercial and societal value embedded in sustainable operations – from cost savings and compliance to behavioural change and brand equity.
Member Perspectives
Reflecting on the experience, Evgeny Garanin, DMCC’s Associate Director of Sustainability, commented: "Helping our members gain deeper insights into real-world sustainability solutions is a core element of the Sustainability Hub’s value. Alongside providing ESG strategy development and reporting support, DMCC’s approach to sustainability is practical, strategic and collaborative, an approach that enables us to deliver measurable outcomes and long-term value."
The event was also a valuable platform for peer exchange, with structured discussions during lunch and other sessions encouraging members to share their sustainability goals, challenges and learnings. Importantly, the dialogue between members and the staff of both locations provided an opportunity to understand the challenges faced in real-world sustainability use cases.
Looking Ahead
Now in its second year, the DMCC Sustainability Hub offers a full spectrum of ESG-related support, from expert-led training to access to ESG performance tools and sustainability-focused financing. This hands-on experience marks the beginning of a series of initiatives designed to strengthen sustainability capability within DMCC’s member base and foster an engaged, climate-resilient business community.
As global markets shift toward ESG-aligned operations, DMCC is proud to be leading by example - not only through its own initiatives, but by mobilising its members to collectively drive meaningful change.