True leadership is about creating game changers, says Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi at International Conference on Innovation, Sustainability, and Applied Sciences hosted by Curtin University Dubai
Gulf News Report: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and have the courage to pursue them”, said Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, a member of the Ajman Royal Family and Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman. This powerful sentiment echoed through the halls of the Dubai Police Academy as the International Conference on Innovation, Sustainability, and Applied Sciences (ICISAS 2025) kicked off under the patronage of Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.
Organised by Curtin University Dubai, the high-profile two-day event on February 22 and 23, brought together over 250 researchers, industry experts, academics, and policymakers from 36 countries to address pressing global challenges through innovation and sustainability.
At the heart of the opening day of the conference was Sheikh Abdul Aziz, a passionate advocate of environmentalism. Known as the ‘Green Sheikh’, his life’s work has been a testament to environmental advocacy, youth empowerment, and social impact. In his keynote address, Sheikh Abdul Aziz took the audience on a deeply personal journey, weaving together themes of leadership, stewardship, and sustainability.
Beginning his speech with a poignant story from his childhood, Sheikh Abdul Aziz said how at the age of six, he accompanied his father on a falconry trip, a tradition deeply rooted in Emirati culture. The falcon, a symbol of courage and leadership, left an indelible mark on him.
When he asked his father for a falcon of his own, his father replied, “I don’t want you to be a falconer like me. I want you to be my future.” That simple yet profound statement became the foundation of Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s life mission: to serve others and leave a lasting legacy.
Recalling how his father’s words gave him the wings to soar like a falcon, he said: “It’s not about me. It’s about helping others break through their limits, discover their talents, and serve the planet and its people.” His message was clear: true leadership is about lifting others up and creating game changers who can tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.
Sustainability as a lifestyle
Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s vision of sustainability goes beyond technical solutions; it is a lifestyle rooted in self-mastery and collective responsibility. “Sustainability is not a word. It’s a habit,” he declared. He urged the audience to reflect on their daily choices – how they use energy, water, and food – and to prioritise impact over recognition.
“You can’t fix the planet if you’re not fixed yourself,” he said, urging the audience to bring about positive changes in their own lives. He highlighted three core principles for creating game changers: leading by example, advocacy, and stewardship.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz also shared his experiences with conservation, including his visit to Rwanda, where he sponsored a baby gorilla as part of a global effort to protect endangered species. “Sustainability is about protecting all creation — people, plants, and animals”, he said, underscoring the interconnectedness of all life.
The Green Sheikh also stressed the importance of mobilising communities and inspiring the next generation. “If I spend one hour with a child, I can change the world. Children are the future, and their dreams can transform our planet.”
The conference also featured insights from other prominent speakers, including Dr Hamdan Khalifa Al Shaer, Deputy Chairman of the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment, who emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
“Let us join hands to make this conference a platform for practical solutions,” he said.
Professor Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University Dubai, highlighted the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. “Sustainability is key to our strategy. We are committed to fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration,” he stated. He emphasised that while technology plays a vital role, real progress requires a shift in mindset. “Sustainability isn’t just about technological advancements; it’s about how we change behaviours, inspire action, and integrate sustainable practices into everyday life,” he noted.
Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of the event, he highlighted Curtin University’s global presence and its commitment to bridging academia and industry.
“With campuses spanning the Indian Ocean Rim, the university fosters collaboration with governments, businesses, and communities to drive meaningful impact,” he said.
In a compelling address, Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at Curtin University, outlined the pressing global challenges and the transformative role of research and innovation in addressing them.
She expressed pride in Curtin University Dubai’s growth, which has surged from 50 students in 2018 to over 1,000 today, and praised its ambitious research plans and PhD programmes.
Professor Fitzgerald identified several critical challenges that align with the themes of ICISAS 2025, showcasing Curtin University’s efforts to tackle these issues through cutting-edge research and innovation.
Stressing the importance of fostering the next generation of innovators, she said: “In 2024, more than 15,000 Curtin students enrolled in units involving entrepreneurship, innovation, or sustainability.”
The university is also working with schools to deliver entrepreneurship programmes and supports early-stage ideas through various initiatives aimed at transforming them into fundable propositions.
She invited researchers and organisations to collaborate with Curtin University, whether in Australia, Dubai, or its other global locations. “We are expanding our operations in Dubai, and the next five years will be transformative for Curtin Dubai as we establish a new design school and grow our research capabilities,” she said.
Dr Eisa Abdellatif, Chief Technical Advisor, Zayed International Foundation for the Environment, emphasised the need for collaboration between academia, businesses, governments, and communities to tackle global sustainability challenges.
“Technology alone cannot solve environmental issues,” he said. “Like software, we need humanware – an approach that makes people more conscious of their daily actions and their impact on the planet.”
Charvi Bhatt, former UAE Women’s Cricket Team Captain and Cricket commentator, underscored the environmental impact of sporting events, from energy-intensive stadiums to single-use plastics.
“People don’t realise the sheer volume of waste generated at sports events. Even something as simple as drinking water for players involves plastic consumption and logistics that impact sustainability,” she said.
Innovative solutions are emerging. Stadiums worldwide are integrating kinetic energy-powered flooring, harnessing the movement of spectators to generate electricity. Such initiatives highlight how sustainability is becoming integral to sports infrastructure, she said.
The message was clear: the challenges of sustainability and innovation require collective effort, visionary leadership, and a commitment to action. As the Green Sheikh aptly put it, “The future is in our hands. Let’s make it count.”
