Abu Dhabi-UAE: 28 November, 2011 – Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company, and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, are partnering in a joint initiative that will blend the concepts of sustainability and charity to collectively mark the UAE’s 40th National Day.
As part of the celebrations to commemorate the Spirit of the Union, the country’s historic milestone, Masdar and Masdar Institute are inviting the diverse community of Emiratis and expats to donate non-food items to create a 40x28-meter UAE National Flag. The donated items are required to be in the four colors of the country’s flag, which will be displayed on the grounds of the futuristic Knowledge Center at the Institute’s campus at Masdar City.
Masdar employees and Masdar Institute students, faculty and staff will donate recyclable/reusable items in the colors of the national flag. Drop-in boxes will be kept at across the Masdar City complex for non-food items. All collected items will be used to create the flag and eventually donated to the UAE Red Crescent Society once the celebrations are over.
Aida Al Busaidy, Manager - Planning, Internal & Online Communications, Masdar, said: “The concept of Masdar takes its roots from the policy of sustainability and preservation of natural sources as offered to us by the Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Therefore, it is only fitting to mark the UAE’s 40th anniversary with a joint initiative that reflects these ideals the country’s wise leadership continues to embrace. Wider participation by the community in this initiative will effectively ensure greater awareness on the need to save energy and the environment for future generation. We are confident the community will accept our invitation and demonstrate our collective commitment while contributing to charity as well.”
Shaima Al Jarman, External Communications Manager, Masdar Institute, said: “The UAE National Day is a historic occasion that offers the community an opportunity to unite and be proud of the country that has achieved remarkable progress within four decades. At the same time our joint initiative will also remain true to our mission and values of sustainability. The UAE is one of the few countries that have consistently supported the adoption of sustainable lifestyle and the 40th UAE National Day is the most appropriate moment to highlight this concept that additionally encourages us to think of the less privileged. We look forward to an enthusiastic participation from all members of the community.”
Masdar pushes the boundaries of future energy, while contributing to the transformation of the UAE’s economic landscape – enabling economic diversification and helping the country’s knowledge-intensive industries to grow.
Integrating theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Masdar Institute works towards developing the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change.