A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Dubai School of Government (DSG) and Shell EP International. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Executive President of the Dubai School of Government, Mr. Mark Carne, Shell’s Executive Vice President for Middle East & North Africa.  and other representatives from the Dubai Government and Shell.

The MoU aims to establish a long-term cooperation between Dubai School of Government and Shell around various energy initiatives, with a focus on energy usage in the UAE and the wider MENA region. This “Energy Initiative” will include organising academic conferences, commissioning studies and other joint initiatives. This type of cooperation between an international energy company and an academic institution can pave the way for further multilateral regional cooperation in the area of sustainable energy.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah expressed his support  forthe partnership between DSG and Shell, commenting that: “ the Dubai School of Government is an ideal platform for thought leadership and research and we are proud to collaborate with Shell in addressing what is a pressing industry objective. We are positive that our combined efforts will contribute to driving sustainable energy development and generate a significant economic and environmental impact even if at a micro-economic level. The collaboration additionally allows both Shell and DSG the platform to focus on initiatives that the UAE government has placed as one of its imperative priorities for the long run.”

Following the signing ceremony, Mr.Mark Carne emphasised the importance of the agreement between DSG and Shell, especially in regard to sustainable energy development. “We are excited about our partnership with Dubai School of Government. Through our joint energy initiative, we can stimulate the dialogue about the future of MENA energy, grow the consensus about its challenges and opportunities, and promote constructive thought leadership in terms of sustainable economic development and diversification.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Mark Carne, EVP MENA, Ahmed Mouti, GM MENA Gas Strategy and Advocacy, Belinda Perriman, Bus. Dev. Integration Manager and Mai Baydoun Communication Advisor from Shell and HE Tariq Hilal Lootah, DSG s Executive President, Dr. Bassem Younes, Director of Academic Affairs, Mr. Mohammed AlKhatib, Director of Support Services, Aisha Alshamsi, Senior Fundraising officer, Hussein Alshamaa, Academic Affairs officer, Dr. Jenny Knowles Morrison, Assistant professor and Heba Shaaban, Acting publications manager.