Emirates Environmental Group concludes 15th Clean-Up UAE campaign with overwhelming response

UAE, December 20, 2016 - The Emirates Environmental Group recently concluded the 15th edition of the Clean-Up UAE on the 15th of December. The total nationwide collection was over 110 tonnes of waste. The 10-day clean up drive was organized across 146 locations in all the seven Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah as well as the city of Al Ain, Dibba Al Hisn, Khorfakkan and the Western Region. A total of 125,536 volunteers from various sectors of the society participated enthusiastically in the UAE’s biggest environmental campaign that aims to build a clean, healthy and safe society for citizens, residents and visitors.

Equipped with biodegradable trash bags, cotton re-usable gloves, t-shirts, and caps, volunteers scattered across various sites in the UAE to collect waste. The Clean-Up UAE initiative has continued to strengthen its presence in preserving the environment due to dedication, diligence, and sincere participation of volunteers and individuals. Now in its 15th year, the campaign not only helps maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the community but also include recycling as its integral part to promote environmental sustainability. 

Al Marashi, said: “The 15th edition of the Clean-Up UAE’ campaign is one of the country’s most successful initiatives on community engagement and reflects our keenness to protect the environment. The campaign complements the vision of our wise leadership to keep the UAE environment safe, healthy and flourishing for the present and the future generations. Our activities ensure that we live in a healthy environment and breathe clean air.

EEG encourages community participation to promote responsible behavior. In line with the strategic role of the campaign in fostering a sustainable environment, EEG is rolling out the campaign in 2017 under the slogan ‘Together for a Better Environment’ with a different time frame and means of implementation.     

Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA) and McDonalds were co-sponsors in the Emirate of Dubai.

The Emirates Environmental Group received strong support for the Clean-Up UAE from various government entities, including Abu Dhabi Municipality; Sharjah Municipality; Ras Al Khaimah - Public Works and Services Department; the Emirates Heritage Club; Fujairah Natural Resources Cooperation; Al Ain City Municipality with all its 5 branches; Municipality and Planning Department - Ajman; Dibba Al Hisn Municipality; Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority; Umm Al Quwain - Department of the Public Works and Services; Umm Al Quwain - Department of Economic Development; and Umm Al Quwain Youth Council.

Traffic Police, Ambulance, and Civil Defence of all seven emirates UAE, extended support to the campaign by doing a commendable job of ensuring complete safety of the volunteers. Entities such as Takatof, the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and Tadweer offered voluntary service while prominent organizations, including Emirates Global Aluminium, Ajman Free Zone Authority, Dubai Duty Free, and Farnek opened extra sites for cleaning. There were quite a few schools that opened sites as well across the different Emirates. 

Masafi and Almarai were the official providers of drinking water and juices, respectively for the Clean-Up UAE. Fedex sponsored caps while Fujairah Plastic Factory supplied biodegradable plastic bags during the 10-day drive. Abela & Co. provided snacks in Dubai and Sharjah and Al Jazeera International Catering in Abu Dhabi. Bee’ah - the Sharjah Environment Company lend support for waste collection in Dubai and Sharjah while Byrne Equipment Rental rendered portable toilets in Dubai.