H.E. Lucie Berger
European Union Ambassador to the UAE
Delegation of the European Union to the UAE

H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi
CEO
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK)

EU Perspective
Implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the Packaging & Packaging Waste Framework
Angeles Jimenez Redondo, Policy Officer, DG Environment, European Commission — online

UAE Perspective
Advancing the Circular Economy in the UAE: From Policy to Implementation for Sustainable Growth
Eng. Aisha Mohamed Alabdooli, Director of Green Development and Environment Affairs Department, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE

This panel will explore how policy frameworks, governance approaches, and recycling systems can accelerate the transition away from single-use plastics and support more effective circular economy implementation across the UAE and the EU. Participants will gain valuable insights into how regulatory action, institutional coordination, and system-level planning can create the enabling conditions for long-term impact.

Speakers:

Monir Salem Bou Ghanem
Advisor – Environment Policy and Regulations, Integrated Environment Policy and Planning
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

Mark Siddorn
Strategic Planning and Business Performance Director
Tadweer Group

Saleh Al-Obayyed
Recycling & Business Development Manager – KSA
ALPLA Group

Moderator:
Fatima AlBanna
Senior Manager Projects – BEEAH Recycling & Treatment

Open discussion with participants followed by brief concluding remarks.