du Reports 8.6 KtCO₂ Cut in 2024 Sustainability Push

Telecommunications and digital services provider du, a subsidiary of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has unveiled its Sustainability Report 2024, showcasing its commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical operations and inclusive digital transformation.

The report highlights how digital innovation, enabled by AI, fibre and 5G technologies, plays a central role in achieving the UAE’s sustainable development goals.

A comprehensive commitment to community and workforce

The report outlines du’s sustainability framework across three pillars, beginning with its investment in people and community development.

du achieved global recognition in Microsoft Viva Glint’s annual Culture & Employee Engagement survey, placing in the top 25% global tech sector performers and within the top 10% across all industries. Additionally, du was named ‘Organisation of the Year’ for Youth Empowerment at the 2024 GCC GOV HR & Youth Awards.

A key highlight is workforce diversity, with 54% of Emirati employees being women.

More than 2,000 employees and their families actively participated in CSR and wellbeing initiatives. du’s FutureX programme further exemplifies the commitment, offering Emirati graduates specialised leadership and digital skills training to equip the next generation of innovators.

As part of its broader social initiatives, du championed cyber safety education campaigns, supported national causes and facilitated inclusion through its sponsorship of the AccessAbilities Expo.

It contributed US$272,000 to Al Jalila Foundation and raised US$1.3m for the UAE Mothers’ Endowment Fund.

Adel AlRais, Head of Corporate Communication and protocol at du, stated: “Aligning with the UAE government’s objectives, our holistic approach to sustainability reflects our determination to lead by example in corporate responsibility, innovation and digital transformation.” 

Driving environmental impact through smart operations

In alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy, du reduced carbon emissions by 8.6 KtCO₂ through multiple innovations, including deploying 169 solar-powered telecom sites and optimising an AI-powered cooling system.

By leveraging AI for RAN optimisation, du has significantly improved energy efficiency across its network infrastructure. Paper waste has been minimised through a 100% digital invoicing strategy, while food waste reduction efforts led to the composting of over 20 tonnes.

du achieved an ISO certification for sustainable procurement and was awarded the ESG Label by the Dubai Chamber, scoring 91.48%. Its broader circular economy initiatives led to 31% of waste diverted from landfill, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Delivering digital access through inclusive services

du’s innovation-driven model continues to enhance accessibility and customer engagement. The introduction of ‘du Pay’ expanded financial inclusion via accessible digital payment services.

Reducing MNMI retail visits by 94% significantly improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, driven by the adoption of self-service kiosks and eSIM technology. These measures demonstrate du’s ambition to transition to a fully digital, customer-first operating model.

In a notable milestone, du launched the UAE’s first AI-powered agritech platform in partnership with Gracia Group. The initiative promotes agricultural sustainability, highlighting du’s expanding impact across verticals.

Collaborations with leading global technology partners such as Microsoft, AWS, NVIDIA and Huawei have positioned du as pioneers in AI and digital transformation. The partnerships support its mission to deliver sustainable value for both society and business.

du has aligned its sustainability disclosures with UN SDGs and Dubai Financial Market ESG reporting guidelines, reflecting a transparent and structured approach to impact measurement.

With its 2024 Sustainability Report, du has reinforced its role as a digital enabler of the UAE’s green agenda. Through community development, AI-enabled operations and inclusive services, du is helping redefine how telecom providers can drive sustainability in the digital age.

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