Reimagining Waste Sustainability Report 2024
Ahmed Ali AI Shamsi
Chairman, Tadweer Group
Our sustainability journey has just begun, and I take great pride in the dedication and achievements of our teams. Their unwavering commitment has established a strong foundation for meaningful progress, and I am confident that, through collective effort, we will continue to drive impactful change and shape a more sustainable future.
About this Report
- This 2024 Sustainability Report is Tadweer Group’s first official disclosure, demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible growth.
- Covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 2024, it highlights our performance across environmental, social, governance, and economic areas—aligned with both national priorities and global best practices.
- The report also reflects the outcomes of our 2024 double materiality assessment, ensuring we focus on the topics that matter most to our stakeholders and to our business.
Reporting Framework
Tadweer Group’s first Sustainability Report for 2024 has been prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the world’s most widely recognised sustainability reporting framework. The report is also aligned with:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)- United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
- Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) ESG Disclosure Guidelines
- Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
Our Sustainability Report meets the varied needs of stakeholders, while focusing on shareholder financial materiality. We have used the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard for measuring our GHG emissions, and the information is disclosed as per the relevant GRI Standard. The report represents Tadweer Group’s first steps towards alignment with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for undertaking a Double Materiality.
We have sought a limited assurance engagement as defined by International Standards on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) - 3000.
Material Topics
Reporting Boundary
About Us
Tadweer Group, part of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based holding company, is leading the way in promoting sustainable waste practices and establishing new benchmarks for the circular economy. Our strategic vision is aimed at revolutionising waste management by unlocking the value of waste. As the sole custodian of waste management in Abu Dhabi, Tadweer Group is committed to deploying advanced technologies and fostering strategic partnerships in support of the UAE’s sustainability objectives, working towards its goal of diverting 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste away from landfill by 2030. In addition to our commitment to Abu Dhabi, Tadweer Group has ambitious international goals, striving to make significant contributions to sustainable waste management beyond the UAE. We were established in 2008 as Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre and became a part of ADQ in 2022. In 2024, we rebranded to Tadweer Group with a new identity, vision, mission, and refreshed strategy.
Our Vision, Mission and Value Drivers
Vision
Our vision at Tadweer Group is to help create a sustainable future where waste is a transformative resource. As a global industry leader, we pioneer advanced technologies, leverage diverse perspectives, and cultivate valuable partnerships. Our agility and resourcefulness turn today’s insights into tomorrow’s value, contributing to a sustainable future for people, communities, societies, nations, and the environment.
Mission
Tadweer Group’s mission is to revolutionise waste management, unlocking value from waste and setting new standards in circular solutions. We empower societies to view waste as a catalyst for positive environmental and economic impact, constantly innovating to minimise waste and maximise its value.
Value Drivers
Safety, Innovation, Integrity, Accountability, Partnership
Major Partnerships
We work with the public and private sectors to advance our sustainable goals locally and globally.
We made some significant partnerships as shown below:
The Global Waste to Zero Initiative: In partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Tadweer Group co-founded the Global Waste to Zero initiative—an international effort to accelerate the decarbonisation of the global waste sector. In December 2024, at COP29, Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan was formally announced as Chair of the Board of Trustee of the initiative, marking a new chapter of leadership and international momentum. The initiative brings together public and private sector leaders to unlock innovation, investment, and action across six core workstreams:
- Scaling and localising data framework
- Financing decarbonisation
- Legislative models and global standards
- Advanced circularity solutions
- Sectoral decarbonisation roadmaps
- Behavioural economics and grassroots engagement
Ownership in Enviroserve: Alongside DUBAL Holding, we signed an agreement to acquire 100% of e-waste specialist Enviroserve, with equal ownership among the two entities.
Partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Japan Based Consortium: In partnership with EWEC, Tadweer Group signed a concession agreement with a Japan-based consortium comprising Marubeni Corporation, Kanadevia Inova, and the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN). This agreement marks the development of Abu Dhabi’s first-ever Waste to Energy plant—an important step towards diversifying the emirate’s energy mix and reducing reliance on landfilling. The project will support the UAE’s wider decarbonisation goals by converting municipal solid waste into clean energy for the national grid.
Major Awards and Recognitions
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Sustainability Highlights of 2024
0%
Board Committees chaired by women
0%
Governance body members trained on anti-corruption policies and procedures
Zero
Instance of anti-competitive behavior cases
0%
Compliance to Business Continuity Management System
Zero
Incidents of data breach
Our Approach to Sustainability
Sustainability plays an important role in how we shape responsible, future-focused business decisions. While economic performance remains our priority, we recognise that long-term value creation also depends on our ability to operate efficiently, support the national economy, and minimise our environmental impact. In 2024, 99.73% of our procurement spend went to local suppliers—empowering SMEs, contributing to national prosperity, and aligning with the UAE Green Agenda 2030.
Ahmed Al Kayyoomi
Executive Director - Strategy and Business Performance Department
United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
Tadweer Group Corporate Sustainability
Strategy Framework
Our vision is to be a purpose driven company, accelerate the world’s transition to zero waste to landfills through circular economy solutions for social well-being and environmental protection.
Double Materiality Assessment (DMA)
In 2024, we undertook a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA), as set out in the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This approach considers both:
- The financial risks and opportunities a company faces – Financial Materiality
- The company’s impact on society and the environment – Impact Materiality
Due to the interoperability between the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and GRI Standards, DMA (CSRD/ESRS) is used instead of Impact Materiality (GRI). By referring to the Interoperability Index, the commonalities between the ESRS and GRI sustainability reporting standards is established and applied.
Prioritising Material Topics as per IROs
Upholding Ethical Governance
Tadweer Group is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, regulatory compliance and stakeholders’ expectations.
Sub-Pillars
Ensuring Robust Governance
Safeguarding Data
Sustainable Development Goals
UNGC Principles
Anti-Corruption:
Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery
Ensuring Robust Governance
We uphold the highest standards of governance and professional conduct aligned with the direction of ADQ. This forms the foundation of long-term value creation for our stakeholders and the wider community. Our commitment to governance excellence is underpinned by our corporate vision, mission, and values. To reinforce our actions on robust governance, we have focused our efforts and disclosures on five material topics:
Corporate Governance
Ethics and Compliance
Anti-Corruption
Anti-Competitive Behaviour
Business Continuity and Risk Management
Corporate Governance
Articles of Tadweer Group (including procedures and controls)
Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) Charter
Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) Charter
Growth Committee (GC) Charter
Management Committee Charter
Executive Risk Management Committee Charter
Business Case Review Committee Charter
Tender Board Committee Charter
Youth Committee Charter
Collections Penalties Committee Charter
Steering Committee Charter
Grievance Policy
Delegation of Authority Policy
Corporate Policies and Procedures
Ethics and Compliance, Anti-Corruption and Anti-Competitive Behaviour
We have a ‘Code of Business Conduct Policy’ and ‘Code of Business Conduct Acknowledgement Procedure’ which are compliant with ISO 37301:2021 - Compliance Management System and ISO 37001:2016 - Anti-bribery Management System.
In line with ISO 37301:2021 - Compliance Management System, we have developed a ‘Compliance Framework Manual’, which provides a structured risk-based compliance governance system.
All new and existing employees of Tadweer Group are required to complete an awareness course on the Code of Conduct. To ensure the procedures are well implemented for managing the risks related to corruption and bribery, we ensure that all Tadweer Group employees are committed to the detection and prevention of fraud, bribery, abuse, misappropriations, and other irregularities.
Zero instances of anti-competitive behaviour reported in 2024
Business Continuity and Risk Management
Business Continuity
100% compliance to Business Continuity Management System
Risk Management
Robust governance and proactive risk oversight are central to our strategic vision and operational excellence. In line with our commitment to resilience, sustainability, and informed decision-making, the Risk Management (RM) function operating under the umbrella of the Crisis Management Department has spearheaded the development and institutionalisation of a holistic Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework. As part of this initiative, we formally introduced the ERM Policy.
Internal Audit
We have established a comprehensive ‘Internal Audit Manual’, which provides a standardised framework for internal audit operations and activities, in addition to supporting internal auditors in executing their work by adhering to the International Professional Practice Framework issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA) guidelines and recommendations.
In 2024, the Internal Audit Department conducted a comprehensive risk assessment across 56 critical business processes within Tadweer Group. As part of this initiative, over 3,000 internal controls were systematically evaluated in relation to 1,126 key organisational risks. This rigorous analysis resulted in the identification of more than 600 opportunities for control enhancements.
Observation Issued: 446 Audit Satisfaction: 81%
ARC Closed Actions: 20+ Appreciation and Certification: 16+
Over 3,000 internal controls were systematically evaluated in relation to 1,126 key organisational risks
Safeguarding Data
Data Security and Privacy
Our ISMS is aligned with the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001- Information Security Management Systems - Requirements. Through our ‘Information Security Policy Statement’ and ‘Manual for Information Security Management System (ISMS) ISO 27001:2013 and Information Technology Service Management System (ITSMS) ISO 20000-1:2018’, we ensure our practices are aligned with regulatory requirements such as the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) requirements. We have developed comprehensive information and data security related policies such as:
Zero instances of data breaches reported in 2024
Driving Economic Growth and Prosperity
Tadweer Group is focused on driving long-term economic growth through sustainable investments and partnerships for innovation.
Sub-Pillars
Driving Economic Growth
Fostering Innovation
Sustainable Development Goals
Driving Economic Growth
We are committed to driving economic growth through innovation, sustainable investments and business practices. Our focus on economic growth and prosperity ensures long-term value creation and financial resilience that contributes to the broader economy. We endeavour transparency with our stakeholders as we advance into our sustainability journey. This theme covers two material topics:
Economic Performance
Sustainable Investments
Economic Performance
Our key objectives include:
100% tax calculations and disclosures in annual financial statements are verified and audited
Sustainable Investments
Our Green Finance Framework is presented through the four core components of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), GBP 2021 (with June 2022 Appendix I), and Loan Market Association (LMA), GBP 2023 as well as their recommendation for external review considering:
Use of Proceeds
Process for Project Evaluation and Selection
Management of Proceeds
Reporting
5 Green categories considered under Green Finance Framework
In 2024, we secured a green loan for our subsidiary Al Bihouth through the Equity Bridge Loan (EBL). We partnered with DUBAL Holding to invest in ‘Enviroserve - an integrated e-waste specialist processing hub in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus region’.
Fostering Innovation
Innovation
Tadweer Group’s key initiatives in 2024 included:
Conceptualising an Incubation Program for Waste-to-Zero technologies
Fostering strategic partnerships
Promoting organisational innovation by empowering employees to contribute to sustainability-derived solution
2 innovative startups identified for incubation program
Digitalisations
In 2024, some of the major project undertaken by Technology and Digital Department included:
AI Waste Forecast - extracts data for waste using AI to forecast the waste for Abu Dhabi over the next 5 years.
AI Emissions Forecast - extracts emissions data using AI to forecast the emissions for Tadweer Group over the next 5 years.
Gen AI HR Chatbot - The Gen AI HR Chatbot is an interactive tool that provides employees with instant answers to HRrelated queries based on company policies.
Advancing Circular Economy
Tadweer Group is committed to maximising resource recovery, driving value retention and value creation through circular economy.
Sub-Pillars
Driving Circularity
Enabling Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Development Goals
UNGC Principles
Environment:
Driving Circularity
We champion best practices across waste management and circularity, while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. To steadfast our actions on driving circularity, we have focused our efforts and disclosures on two material topics:
Circular Economy
Circular Economy
Circular Economy
We are committed to circularity, transforming unused resources into valuable assets and fostering new opportunities for recycling and regeneration. By maximising resource efficiency, We manage the entire value chain of waste flow in Abu Dhabi covering key waste categories of Non - Hazardous Waste [Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and Industrial Waste (C&I), Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D), Agricultural Waste (Green Waste), Animal Waste, and Sludge Waste] and Hazardous Waste :
C&D Waste
2529 thousand tonnes of C&D
waste treated and recycled in 2024
Green Waste
25.50
thousand tonnes of green waste recovered
Recycling Plastics and Aluminium Cans
25
RVMS deployed by Tadweer Group in 2024
92,525
Total of 86,888 plastic bottles and 5,637 aluminum cans recyclables collected in 2024
7,247
Total app downloads in 2024
Some major benefits from RVMs include:
Encourage recycling
Reduce waste
Facilitate data driven insights for recycling
Foster sustainability
Reverse Vending Machines (RVM)
Waste
Management of Waste Generated
99% of the overall hazardous waste collected was diverted away from landfill through incineration, recycling, and various treatment methods. 32% of the overall non-hazardous waste collected was diverted away from landfill through processes such as recycling, composting, and for further treatment. The overall waste diversion rate through various sustainable practices was 34% for all the waste categories managed by Tadweer Group.
Waste Diversion through Sustainable Practices in 2024
99% Hazardous waste diverted away from landfill
Waste Management Operational Facilities
Landfills
09
Incinerators
(including Fallen Stock Waste)
04
Compost Plants
03
C&D Crushers
02
Transfer Station
01
Tyre Recycle Plant
01
E-waste Plant
01
Recycling Material Collection Centre (RMCC)
In 2024, 47 RMCC deployed across the Emirate — 24 in
Abu Dhabi, 2 in Al Dhafra, and 21 in Al Ain
Enabling Sustainable Supply Chain
Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Management
76% increase in number of local suppliers
Supplier Satisfaction Survey
86% supplier satisfaction with a
Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 64
Protecting Nature and Environment
Tadweer Group is committed to maximising resource recovery, driving value retention and value creation through circular economy.
Sub-Pillars
- Mitigating Climate Change Impact
- Preserving Nature
Sustainable Development Goals
UNGC Principles
Environment:
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
Principle 8: Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
Principle 9: Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Mitigating Climate Change Impact
We are committed to minimising our environmental footprint by optimising resource consumption and integrating sustainable practices across our operations. We are striving for long-term environmental resilience by calculating our carbon emissions and monitoring our energy management practices across our operations. The material topics under this sub-pillar include:
Energy
Emissions
Energy
Energy Management is one of the core elements of our environmental sustainability. We have developed a comprehensive ‘Energy Policy Statement’ that showcases our commitment to an efficient and economical management of our energy resources.
6% reduction in total energy consumption in 2024
Relocation of Tadweer HQ to an energy efficient building in 2024
In 2024, Tadweer Group relocated its HQ to a modern and energy efficient facility. The new HQ building has all the latest energy-efficient equipment and necessary infrastructure that is essential to have an enhanced building energy performance.
Due to our relocation to an energy efficient building, we were able to make a remarkable 82% reduction in energy consumption between 2023 and 2024 3.15 million kWh to 0.57 million kWh in 2024. This aligns with our strategic direction of responsible practices to accelerate decarbonisation efforts while optimising long-term cost efficiency to help meet our sustainability goals.
Earth Day
Emissions
88.67%
scope 1 emissions out of total
emissions in 2024 in Tadweer Group
10
categories of Scope 3 carbon emissions calculated
for the first time in 2024
Preserving Nature
We periodically manage and monitor our impacts on the natural environment, ambient air quality, noise levels, and overall carbon emissions to ensure we are aligned and compliant with the local legislations, and global best practices as a waste management company. Our responsible environmental actions help us monitor and prevent any potential landscape degradation, and air, water and noise pollution from our operations.
Biodiversity
We are positioning ourselves as key stakeholders to contribute to the conservation of nature and land within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. As we manage the entire waste, we aim to protect biodiversity to conserve natural flora and fauna.
For all our new projects, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study is conducted that analyses the impacts to nature and actions around biodiversity. All Tadweer Group projects and facilities have an EAD approved Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP), that also covers impacts related to biodiversity.
If any International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed flora and fauna species are identified in the project location, which is of concern, it will be mentioned in the EAD permit and OEMP to monitor. As of 2024, no ICUN red-list species were identified.
Nurturing Social Responsibility
Tadweer Group is committed to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and purpose-driven culture that ensure the well-being of our people, empower communities, creating a positive impact.
Sub-Pillars
Sustainable Development Goals
UNGC Principles
Human Rights:
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
Principle 2: Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses
Labour:
Principle 4: The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
Principle 5: The effective abolition of child labour
Principle 6: The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
Ensuring Employee Well-being
The Human Capital (HC) Department is committed to integrating sustainability into our core practices with a focus on fostering a positive and sustainable workplace culture. We have focused our efforts and disclosures on four material topics:
Talent Acquisition and Retention
Nationalisation
Employee Engagement
Occupational Health and Safety
Talent Acquisition and Retention
The HC Department plays a key role in cultivating a high-performance culture, enhancing employee satisfaction, and ensuring compliance with the UAE labour laws and regulations, all while building a sustainable and agile workforce for the future. We accomplish our mandate with our three core functions i.e. Talent Acquisition and Performance, HC Operations, and General Services.
We have a comprehensive ‘Tadweer Employee Handbook’ which summarises the HC Policies applicable to all direct hire employees. Some of the key benefits that we provide to our employees include:
On-boarding benefits
Employee relations
Work schedule and overtime
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Leave benefit
End of Employment
Compensation (allowances and benefits)
Tadweer Group’s workforce in 2024 was the result of synergies and operational efficiencies aligned with our strategic goals.
44% increase in overall female count in
Tadweer Group in 2024
21%
increase in Tadweer Group’s overall
workforce in 2024
In 2024, we strengthened our overall workforce by 21%, while the number of male and female employee count increased by 14% and 44% respectively as compared to 2023. In 2024, our full-time workforce comprised 71% male and 29% female employees. Additionally, we engaged 181 temporary employees during the year, of whom 82% were male and 18% were female.
56% reduction in employee turnover in
Tadweer Group in 2024
Nationalisation
7% increase in UAE nationals
in Tadweer Group in 2024
100% Senior Management hired
from local community in 2024
Employee Engagement
In 2024, we focussed on multiple employee engagement initiatives such as:
Employee Well-being and Health: We launched the ‘Lyra Employee Assistance Program’, a dedicated program for employee mental and counselling support services. We celebrate key themes such as Women and Men’s Health, International Women’s Day, on site check-ups, and Yoga sessions to name a few.
Employee Engagement: We launched an employee engagement survey collecting insights from employees to better refine our engagement programmes. We fame our employees in the newsletters as part of employee spotlight initiative. We conduct Townhalls on a periodic basis and we acknowledge the efforts of our employees through various internal awards such as the Tadweer Excellence Awards.
Learning and Development
174% increase in person-hour training for
employees in 2024
Performance Management and Review
We have a comprehensive ‘Performance Management Framework’, which is based on the balanced scorecard approach and is designed to align individual and departmental performance with our strategic goals.
Employee Relations and Grievances
In 2024, we conducted an employee engagement survey and achieved overall 70% employees satisfaction. We have a ‘Grievance Policy’ and a ‘Speak Up and Investigation Procedure’, through which we encourage employees to speak up and raise complaints, concerns, or grievances as applicable.
We have a Grievance Committee in place that helps manage and address any reported incidents as raised from various channels including Whistleblowing.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
We uphold the highest health, safety, and well-being standards. We are certified with the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Framework ADOSH SF 4.0, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015 - ‘Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS)’, have a comprehensive ‘Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Policy Statement’ and ‘HSE Framework and Manual’.
LTIFR - 0.14, LTISR - 2.54 and TRCF - 0.47 recorded in 2024
Empowering Communities
Corporate Social Responsibility/Community Engagement
Our Community Awareness function, housed within the Communications and Marketing Department, leads targeted outreach initiatives that foster a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Key focus areas include raising awareness of Tadweer Group’s role, encouraging behavioural change through the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—and educating the public on proper waste segregation to support higher recycling rates and reduce landfill dependency.
We also expanded our outreach to schools, universities, and kindergartens—helping to build environmental awareness among younger generations.
We also continued to represent Tadweer Group at local and global events, advocating for community engagement and sustainable waste management.
Total Community Events in 2024
Abu Dhabi
Al Dhafra
Al Ain
We conducted 312 community events in 2024
Highlights of "Your Sustainable Weekends by Tadweer" - Khalidiyah Mall
Customer Relationship
86% Satisfaction for the Waste Collection and
Transportation Services in 2024, as per external survey
83.19% Customer Satisfaction on TAMM application