Championing Safety and Sustainability at Serco Middle East with Abdullahi Suleiman

At Serco Middle East, the commitment to health, safety and sustainability is paramount. One key figure in upholding these standards is Abdullahi Suleiman, Serco Middle East’s ESG Coordinator who joined in October 2023. His role is pivotal in embedding sustainability and ethical practices into the company's operations, aligning with Serco's core philosophy of 'Zero Harm'—a commitment to delivering services without compromising the well-being of individuals or the environment.

Abdullahi’s journey began in Nigeria, where he witnessed the negative impacts of poor working conditions and environmental standards on public health. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment (HSQE). He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Engineering from the Canadian University of Dubai, focusing on Environmental Health Management.

His career includes significant roles such as Health, Safety and Environment officer at an oil refinery and with Emirates' Group Safety Department. Abdullahi’s expertise has garnered media attention, with features in Khaleej Times, Zawya, and Tech Magazine for his project of developing an intelligent waste sorting bin that quickly and accurately categorises household waste, eliminating the need for human intervention.

His other notable contributions include a collaboration with Dubai Municipality to assess the feasibility of adapting his smart bin project. He also presented his paper, "The Role of Innovation in Waste Management for Enterprise: Article Review of the Worldwide Literature," at the 4th International Conference on Business and Technology (ICBT), which was later published by SpringerLink.  In addition to his professional achievements, Abdullahi has also been recognised in the art world. He received a certificate from the National Bank of Fujairah for his sustainable art and was awarded a Golden Visa for his contributions to art in the UAE.

Abdullahi is currently an ESG Coordinator at Serco, where he develops and manages strategies aligning with sustainability and ethical practices. His role encompasses implementing sustainability initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulations, promoting diversity, and upholding high ethical standards. A notable project under his leadership is the development of an Environmental Tracker system, aimed at enhancing Serco's environmental reporting and marking a milestone for operations in the Middle East.

He promotes a culture of safety and responsibility through training programmes, clear policies, and open communication. Abdullahi's efforts extend to reducing environmental impacts, advocating social responsibility, and ensuring the well-being of employees and collaborators.

Through his role at Serco, Abdullahi impacts a better future by driving sustainable practices, promoting social responsibility, and supporting community engagement initiatives. His efforts contribute to reducing environmental footprints, advocating for energy efficiency, and maintaining high ethical standards, making a meaningful difference in both the company and the wider community.

He said:

"My first year at Serco has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m proud to have contributed to enhancing our environmental reporting through the development of an environmental tracking system, all within a supportive and inclusive culture. For those entering the HSQE field, I advise building a solid foundation in regulatory knowledge, pursuing continuous learning, and developing attention to detail and strong communication skills."