The European Union and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) have initiated a partnership to advance circular economy practices and reduce single-use plastics in the region. The collaboration was formalized during a Business Breakfast meeting that brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators from both the UAE and the EU.
Quick Facts
- Focus on reducing single-use plastics.
- SPARK is the first UAE entity to join the EEN.
- Aims to strengthen EU-UAE policy and business links.
Bridging EU and UAE Innovation Ecosystems
The event served as a platform for public and private sector representatives to discuss policy frameworks, recycling systems, and scalable business solutions that can drive the transition away from single-use plastics. The discussions emphasized translating sustainability goals into concrete actions through better policy coordination and market-ready circular solutions.
H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, highlighted the shared objectives, stating, “The transition away from single-use plastics is no longer only an environmental imperative; it is also a policy, innovation and market opportunity, as shown by the EU experience. What emerged clearly from today’s discussions is that the UAE and the European Union share a strong interest in moving from ambition to implementation.”
The partnership also marks a significant milestone with SPARK becoming the first entity from the UAE to join the European Enterprise Network (EEN), directly connecting its ecosystem with European innovation and business collaborators.
A Gateway for European Green Tech
SPARK’s leadership positioned the park as a key entry point for European companies looking to expand into the region’s growing green economy. The collaboration aims to attract EU startups and established firms to leverage SPARK’s ecosystem for innovation and growth.
H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, said: “We are proud to host this key dialogue at a moment when circular economy solutions are becoming increasingly central to the future of sustainable industry and responsible growth. We share synergies with the EU, and our ecosystem is driven by highly advanced strategies that many companies from Europe will identify with. Through this interaction, we look forward to welcoming more EU startups to SPARK for boosting innovation and targeted expansion.”
The event featured two main sessions, one focusing on policy and governance and the other on industry-led innovation. Speakers included representatives from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Tadweer Group, Alpla, BEEAH, and Novonesis, who explored areas for deeper EU-UAE cooperation in circular systems design, recycling infrastructure, and sustainable materials.
About SPARK
The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) is a free zone that aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem for research and development. It supports innovation by connecting academic institutions, businesses, and government bodies to drive technological advancements and economic growth in Sharjah and the wider UAE.
Source: Zawya
