A recent report has reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to lowering carbon emissions from the healthcare sector by 20 percent by 2030. This will be achieved through the implementation of various energy-saving strategies, recycling initiatives, and waste reduction programs.
In its latest publication, The Planet Will See You Now, Arthur D. Little (ADL) has provided essential insights into the increasing environmental challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare sector in the Middle East. ADL emphasized the critical necessity for healthcare organizations to adopt sustainable practices to tackle rising emissions, energy usage, and waste production.
The report makes a compelling case for aligning healthcare sustainability efforts with national objectives, such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision and Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Green Initiative. Arthur D. Little’s research showcases innovative approaches, including eco-friendly hospital designs, waste minimization programs, and supply chain optimization, as key measures to decarbonize healthcare systems throughout the GCC.
Read more: Arab Health contributed $269.7 million to Dubai’s economy during 2024 edition
UAE leading the transition to sustainability
By embracing innovation and sustainability, the healthcare sectors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are in a prime position to spearhead the region’s shift toward a more sustainable future. On a global scale, healthcare systems account for 4.4 percent of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ranking them as the fifth-largest emitter worldwide. In the Middle East, emissions from healthcare facilities are reportedly higher than the global average.
Although the region benefits from modern healthcare infrastructure that utilizes advanced environmental building practices, the hot climate requires increased energy consumption for cooling, and managing medical waste continues to pose a significant challenge.
Urgency in decarbonization efforts
Additionally, Dr. Ali Alessandro Ayach, partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East, indicated that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are laying the groundwork for a sustainable healthcare revolution by adopting innovative and contemporary practices. He also noted that time is of the essence, stressing that to achieve their ambitious national sustainability goals, the healthcare sector in the region must expedite its decarbonization efforts and expand the limits of what is achievable.
Interconnected well-being
Farhan Mirza, principal at Arthur D. Little Middle East, stated that the well-being of the planet and the well-being of people are deeply interconnected. He further highlighted that by prioritizing sustainability, healthcare systems in the Middle East can drive positive outcomes for patients, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region.
