UAE and Saudi Arabia Have Set Ambitious Goals for Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

Alain Penel, the VP of Middle East, Turkey and CIS at Fortinet says his company’s sustainability goals for the region are in line with its global commitment to achieving carbon neutrality

What are the most pressing environmental challenges facing the MEA region in the context of technology and digitalisation?
The region is confronted with urgent environmental challenges which are mainly linked to energy consumption and carbon emissions. The high pace of digitalisation and technological progress is driving energy demand, resulting in increased carbon footprints. The region also faces problems of electronic waste and the necessity for efficient resource management. As businesses move towards smart solutions, the demand for energy-efficient technologies and sustainability practices increases. Implementing these will help to mitigate environmental impacts while also driving digital transformation.

How is the MEA region embracing green tech solutions compared to other global regions?
The region has started to pick up the pace with embracing green tech solutions in general through large scale renewable energy projects and innovations in energy efficiency. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have set ambitious goals for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, driving the adoption of green tech across various sectors. In comparison to other regions, the Middle East is quickly embracing technologies powered by solar and wind. Incorporating initiatives such as MGI (Middle East Green Initiative) and SGI (Saudi Green Initiative), which focus on a reduction in carbon emissions and biodiversity conservation, position the region to be a key stakeholder in global sustainability efforts.

Are there any unique regional challenges or opportunities?
The challenges in this region are unique – extreme weather conditions and limited natural water resources – which impacts energy demand and environmental sustainability efforts. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation. For instance, the region’s abundant solar potential offers a significant opportunity to lead in renewable energy solutions. In addition, the heavy investment by many countries in smart city technologies provides immense opportunity to integrate green tech and sustainability into urban planning, offering new growth prospects for the region’s green tech sector while addressing environmental concerns. Of course, it will be important that any new technologies are adequately secured from a cybersecurity perspective.

What role do you see government initiatives playing in driving the adoption of green tech solutions in the MEA region? Can you provide specific examples of successful policies or programs?
Government programs are crucial to the implementation of green tech in the MEA region. These include the UAE’s net-zero 2050 target and notably the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. These initiatives are key to promoting renewable energy, carbon reduction and biodiversity preservation in the region. These policies stimulate the private sector to embrace green practices and invest in green technologies. For instance, through initiatives like Masdar City, the UAE has set a global benchmark for sustainable development by making fast-forward commitments toward renewable energy.

How are technology providers like you contributing to the development and adoption of green tech solutions in the MEA region?
Fortinet aims to reduce its environmental footprint and support green tech solutions in the entire MEA region. Our own products, specifically the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls, reduce energy consumption by 62% to control the more significant decrease in operating expenses and carbon emission.

In addition to innovation through product development, Fortinet has successfully reduced electronic waste through the implementation of sustainable packaging solutions. We’ve tested new packaging for refurbished shipments by substituting PE foam with Korrvu/SealedAir. This move is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 18,630 KgCO2e. Such moves are a testament to the efforts of Fortinet in furthering sustainability within the technology sector, without harming the environment.

What are the biggest opportunities for growth and innovation in the green tech sector within the MEA region?
The greatest opportunities for growth and innovation in the green tech sector lie in the renewable energy and smart city sectors. A strong focus on solar and wind power in the region provides tremendous opportunities to lead clean energy generation. Rapid urbanisation in the region also provides an opportunity to integrate green technologies into city infrastructure, including energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transportation systems. Innovation in waste management, water conservation and carbon capture are also rising. This is to position the MEA region at the centre of global green tech innovation.

What are your company’s sustainability goals for the MEA region, and how are you working towards achieving them?
Fortinet’s sustainability goals for the region are in line with its global commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. The company aims to become carbon neutral across its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in our owned facilities worldwide by 2030. In the MEA region, Fortinet is advancing sustainability through energy-efficient solutions, which significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. In addition, Fortinet is focused on waste reduction and increasing renewable energy sources used in all of its operations. The company engages with local partners and employees in raising awareness of green initiatives and integrating sustainability in all aspects of their business operations.