The Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi is the bedrock of our downstream operations. It accounts for approximately 70% of the total landmass of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and is home to 90% of the UAE’s natural resources. Not only are we working together to lead sustainable economic growth, but we are also making a difference in the communities we operate in. By being in constant dialogue with our stakeholders in Al Dhafra, we are making a positive social and environmental impact on the region’s communities.
Through our initiatives and in line with SDG 11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities, we are touching people’s lives at every level, creating partnerships that boost the growth of the local economy, and having conversations that enable communities to flourish.
We have partnered with local community organizations, businesses, schools, as well as cultural and sports clubs to build roads, hospitals, mosques and schools. Our collaboration with the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra region and several government organizations has provided us with an avenue to deliver projects that are essential for the community’s economic and social development. We are investing in infrastructure projects such as the Ruwais Traditional Souk and the Ruwais Beach Development. We have also actively supported the Liwa Date Festival, Al Dhafra Festival, the 2019 Dhow Race, the 2019 Tel Muraab Festival, Al Dhafra Sports Club activities, and the Hamdan bin Zayed tournament.
As part of our contribution to social infrastructure, we are determined to provide quality education for students in the Al Dhafra region. To date, four ADNOC schools serve close to 7,000 students across campuses in Sas Al Nakhl (Abu Dhabi), Madinat Zayed, Ruwais, and Ghayathi.
We have also been instrumental in bringing the ‘Emirati Coder’ program to Al Dhafra through a strategic partnership with Sandooq Al Watan, an Emirati social initiative. One thousand students have graduated from the program since 2018 and are equipped with the coding skills required in a technology-based economy.