News DeskDubai, UAE – Continuing its impactful journey, the Emirates Environmental Group’s (EEG) flagship initiative, the Clean UAE Campaign, successfully hosted its second event of the 23rd cycle in Dubai on Saturday, December 7th. The campaign, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, saw an enthusiastic turnout of 8,396 volunteers in the Bur Ruwayyah area, where participants covered over 10 kilometers to collect a staggering 5,863 kilograms of waste.
Volunteers, equipped with eco-friendly supplies such as cotton gloves and biodegradable garbage bags, worked to separate recyclables from general waste, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals. This waste was sent to local recycling facilities, further amplifying the campaign’s environmental impact.
A Unified Vision for Sustainability
In her opening remarks, Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, lauded the campaign’s legacy as the UAE’s largest community-driven environmental initiative. She highlighted its alignment with the Year of Sustainability, as proclaimed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan under the theme, “Today for Tomorrow.”
Al Mar’ashi emphasized the campaign’s slogan, “Together for a Better Environment,” which has inspired collective action since 1991. She noted the campaign’s focus on raising awareness about pollution, fostering behavioral change, and mobilizing volunteers across all sectors, including private, governmental, academic, and individual participants.
Collaborative Efforts
Dubai Municipality, represented by the Waste Operations Department, played a pivotal role by providing logistical support and promoting community engagement. Engineer Saeed Abdul Rahim Safar, Director of the department, praised the campaign’s contributions to the UAE’s global environmental leadership, emphasizing its role in enhancing awareness and responsibility towards waste reduction and sustainable practices.
Ibrahim Haddad, CEO of Salik Company PJSC, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to sustainable development through collaboration with EEG, while McDonald’s UAE, a main sponsor since 2002, was acknowledged for its steadfast support.
Impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The campaign supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). Ms. Al Mar’ashi underscored EEG’s mission to align local efforts with global objectives through initiatives like Clean UAE.
Looking Ahead
As the Clean UAE Campaign moves forward, it continues to champion the UAE’s commitment to a circular economy and climate neutrality. With partnerships spanning private entities, government bodies, and civil society, the initiative exemplifies the power of collective action in ensuring a sustainable future.
