Bee’ah, the Middle East’s leading sustainability pioneer, invited distinguished experts in the UAE across the fields of climate change, sustainability and smart technology to share learnings and insights gathered from the COVID-19outbreak at the company’s Ramadan Virtual Event.

Based on Bee’ah’s twin-pillared strategy of digitalisation and sustainability, the honoured guest speakers at the event included HE Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and HE Dr. Aisha BintButti Bin Bishr, Director General of Smart Dubai, who delivered their expert opinions on the current circumstances and shared inspirational messages for the future.

During the event, HE Dr. Al Zeyoudi said: “During these tough times, it is more important than ever that we come together as one community. Bee’ah has been playing an important role in the National Disinfection Drive-by deploying its employees and resources to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in our cities. I personally thank all the company’s frontline workers who have dedicated their time to these efforts.”

HE Dr. Bin Bishr also shared her perception on the effect of COVID-19 on the adoption of smart technologies: “Here in the UAE, we have been very well prepared for any unprecedented crisis. Our wise leadership has taken proactive steps to ensure that we are digitally ready to continue operations under any circumstances. Right now, there is immense scope for us to reflect, learn and act for good. The COVID-19 crisis has shown us how resilient we are as a nation, and also how important our essential workers are, with the wellbeing and happiness of our communities dependent on them.”

Bee’ah has played a significant role in the UAE’s response efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, including taking part in the country’s National Disinfection Programme since end-March. It has also launched a specialised disinfection and sanitisation services, including Disinfection Pods that can be placed at the entrances of buildings, facilities, hospitals, parks and more.

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ah, said: “Bee’ah is proud to be supporting the UAE’s efforts in combatting the spread of COVID-19 and mitigating its impact. It is crucial for us, as a forward-looking company, to identify areas where we can safeguard communities in the UAE. As a sustainability pioneer, we have always looked towards improving the quality of life for people, and insightful dialogues such as Bee’ah’s Ramadan Virtual Event will help us to navigate COVID-19-related challenges and beyond.”

The Bee’ah Ramadan Virtual Event also featured a high-profile panel discussion, ‘Post-COVID-19: Life and Opportunities in the New Normal’, where Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, Advisor to the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Jihad Tayara, CEO of EVOTEQ, and Nada Taryam, Bee’ah’s Director of Civil and Architectural Projects, shared their opinions about our future after the pandemic. The panelists explored the potential for environmental change after seeing the huge improvements as a result of mandated restrictions on human movement, and how these changes could be sustained even after COVID-19, as well as the importance of digitalisation and even architectural design to ensure that offices will be safeguarded from infectious diseases.

The event was also an opportunity for Bee’ah’s Group CEO to announce a series of charitable initiatives to support its frontline workers and others impacted by COVID-19. Bee’ah launched the internal “One Team. One Family.” fundraising initiative to encourage its own employees to make contributions to Bee’ah’s frontline workers, in addition to the company pledging financial reward for the frontline workers’ dedication and sacrifice. Bee’ah has also pledged a financial contribution to the Big Heart Foundation, which will be used to support refugees and other vulnerable families impacted by COVID-19 around the world.

“Right now, Bee’ah has an opportunity to act for good, and give back to our country through participation in the National Disinfection Programme, and show our gratitude to our frontline workers, without whom the continuity of essential services would not be possible,” added Al Huraimel.

The event was part of a series of virtual Ramadan gatherings organized by Bee’ahas an opportunity to share updates on its operations, raise the morale of its workforce and boost employee engagement.