Shell, a leading player in the global energy and petrochemicals industry, has announced that it has organized back-to-back exhibitions that showcased environmental projects initiated by students of different UAE schools. The exhibitions in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi were part of the evaluation process of Shell Better Environment Award (BEA) 2007, which is the UAE's premier platform to tackle and raise awareness on environmental issues.

"Shell is delighted to witness the creative minds of our youth at work during the exhibitions. It is a very fulfilling feeling to utilize one's own talent and skills to contribute to the welfare of the environment and I hope that through the Better Environment Award, we have instilled these positives values in our youth," said Omar Al Qurashi, External Affairs manager, Shell.

The exhibition in Sharjah involved the emirate's schools and those from neighboring emirates such as Ajman. The Abu Dhabi exhibition was participated by numerous schools within the capital and from adjacent areas such Al Ain.

The scope of the 2007 program has been expanded to make it a more comprehensive venue for tackling topical issues of the country that need urgent solutions. The BEA 2007 now includes two more themes or categories – Health and Road Safety – in addition to Environment in view of rising concerns on health standards that affect the UAE citizens, particularly the children, and the alarming rate of road accidents in the country.



The BEA invites schools to submit project ideas on the three themes. Participants may pick one of two subjects from each theme: 'Vehicle Safety' or 'Pedestrian Safety' under Road Safety; 'Shores Environment' or 'Toxic Waste' under Environment; and 'Obesity' or 'Smoking' under Health.

Some 820 schools from all over the UAE have submitted entries and around 60 of them were selected to reach the final stage of the award. After the evaluating process, Shell will hold a special event to honor the winners in May 2007.

"Shell is acting on this issue as a concerned member of the society. The company acknowledges that the negative impact of improper treatment of the environment and lack of concern for safety and health will ultimately haunt each member of the society if these issues are left unattended. Shell is looking look forward to seeing more ideas and innovations from the rest of the UAE's student population as the Better Environment Award 2007 draws near to its prize-giving ceremony. We are pleased to see so many people, especially the children, joining our cause by sharing their ideas for the betterment of the community we live in," concluded Al Qurashi.

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 145 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power.