Sharjah: Alleem Knowledge Centre – a leading think tank in the UAE has launched a new institution ‘Alleem Research & Development Centre (ARDC)’ with core activities of R&D in water and renewable energy. This new centre will focus on sustainable development goals and act as a vehicle to drive the sustainability vision of His Excellency Dr. Rahsid Alleem. ARDC will focus specifically on goal number 6 and 7 on water and energy. 
Dr. Rashid Alleem signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with many leading businesses and research institutions of global reputation. These agreements were aimed at accelerating to achieve the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs). The MoUs identified synergies and collaborative initiatives to further the private sector contributions in achieving sustainable development goals and its targets. These agreements were signed during the first annual Water and Energy Congress Week (WE Week) held from 14th to 18th February 2016 at Radisson Blu hotel in Sharjah. The 1st WE congress discussed two major global goals on sustainable development; sustainable management of water and sanitation for all and ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable modern energy.
Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Dr. Rashid Alleem said, “The UAE’s innovation drive has provided accelerated powers and huge opportunity for the private sector to join hands to achieve the global goals specifically in the critical areas of water and energy. With the wealth of knowledge, the private sector can demonstrate their energy and environment efficient technologies have great potential to contribute the reduction green house gases and foster sustainability.
His Excellency Dr. Rashid Alleem has also released a book on “I am committed” which describes about his vision and approach in implementing the 17 global goals for sustainable development. In this book he narrated his experiences/associations with most of the goals and how individuals and institutions can contribute to achieve the sustainable development.
Number of experts from Singapore, India, UK and UAE spoke during the congress on a variety of subjects such as sustainable management of water and energy, demand side response, climate forecast for better water management, renewable energy floating solar, green building and energy efficiency.
Apart from the main event on 16th February 2016, three focused workshops on energy efficiency in water pumping, power plants and two panel discussions on the key theme were held as part of the 5-day congress. Institutions, businesses have showcased their solutions in the areas of water and energy management in an exhibition held on 16th February 2016 which was attended by Government institutions, Private enterprises & academic institutions.
About Alleem Business Congress (ABC): Alleem Business Congress is a innovative platform for sharing ideas & best practices in the field of sustainable development and inclusive growth, leadership and management, marketing and branding, project management. In the past 7 years, ABC conducted a total of 28 theme based congresses. These events were widely attended by Business leaders, world leading Consultants, Governments, UN bodies, Ambassadors, diplomats, academic institutions and various media houses. Overall more than 500 speakers presented /spoke on various topics in all these congresses. These events were attended by over 10,000 participants representing businesses and academia through voluntary registration.
Future ABC Congresses;
8th to 12th May 2016 – The 8th Annual Project Management Congress Week
21st to 25th August 2016 – The 8th Annual Leadership & Management Congress Week
23rd to 27th October 2016 – The 8th Annual Marketing and Branding Congress Week
11th to 15th December 2016 – The 8th Annual Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth Congress Week
