In a groundbreaking initiative, Etisalat or e&, a leading technology firm, has introduced an innovative, eco-friendly Green SIM Card for its customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant move comes ahead of the much-anticipated 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, where e& will serve as the Principal Technology Partner.
Understanding the pressing need for environmental conservation, e& has aligned its efforts with the global mission to achieve a 2030 net-zero target. The introduction of these Green SIM Cards is a part of e&’s broader strategy to implement climate action projects within its UAE operations. This initiative is particularly poignant as the UAE is hosting COP28 and has declared 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’, emphasizing the country’s commitment to nurturing a low-carbon society.
These innovative SIM cards, manufactured from recycled consumer electronics, set a new standard in environmental sustainability. Compared to traditional SIM cards, they boast a significantly lower carbon footprint. To cater to the influx of visitors and attendees expected for the COP28 event, e& has procured over half a million of these Green SIM Cards, marking a substantial leap towards eco-friendly technology solutions.
Obaid Bokisha, Group Chief Operating Officer of e&, expressed his views on this development. “As a leader in the technology space, our objective is not only to contribute to global climate efforts through eco-friendly solutions but also to inspire and collaborate with businesses worldwide in investing in green technologies,” he stated.
e&’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t end here. The company has taken impressive strides in reducing its carbon footprint. A notable achievement in this journey is their work towards achieving net zero in scopes 1 and 2 within the group’s operations in the UAE by 2030. A key part of this strategy involves deploying energy-efficient wireless equipment at mobile network sites, leading to a remarkable 52 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional equipment. This translates into an annual reduction of 7.6 tonnes of carbon emissions per site.
Further solidifying its commitment to global sustainability efforts, e& has joined the World Economic Forum’s EDISON Alliance. This pledge signifies their dedication to improving the lives of 30 million individuals by 2025 through enhanced network access, financial services, and technology education.
The introduction of Green SIM Cards by e& is more than just a technological innovation; it’s a pivotal step in the UAE’s journey towards sustainability and a testament to the potential of technology in fostering a greener future.
