Page 48 - SALIK PR REPORT DECEMBER 2024

collected 5,863 kg of waste including recyclables that were further segregated
from the general waste and sent to local recycling factories, thus contributing to
significant environmental benefits.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of
the Emirates Environmental Group, highlighted the importance of the “Clean
UAE” campaign, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and
Environment and in supported by Dubai Municipality. She described it as the
largest community-driven environmental protection initiative in the UAE and a
key contributor to the “Year of Sustainability.”
Over the past 23 years, the campaign has played a pivotal role in raising
awareness of environmental issues and inspiring behavioural change across all
sectors, ingaging private, government, academic, hospitality, families, and
individuals of all ages, genders, nationalities, religions and social backgrounds.
Ms. Al Mar’ashi emphasised the campaign’s longstanding slogan, “Together for a
Better Environment,” which has united people since 1991 in an unbiased and
inclusive effort to protect the environment.
She explained that the campaign works to address the dangers of pollution and
its impact on environment and public health and also seeks to foster community
engagement through active participation in volunteer activities.
She further explained that EEG ensures its programmes are designed to align
with global objectives, embodying the principle of “Think globally, act locally.”
The Clean UAE campaign is a prime example of this approach, directly
supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and
Communities, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13:
Climate Action, Goal 15: Life on Land, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Engineer Saeed Abdul Rahim Safar, Director of the Waste Operations
Department at Dubai Municipality, stated: “Our participation in this
campaign aligns with the significant environmental milestones the UAE is
celebrating this year, beginning with the announcement by His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, ‘may God protect
him,’ designating 2024 as the Year of Sustainability under the theme ‘Today for
Tomorrow.’Dubai Municipality, represented by the Waste Operations
Department, has provided comprehensive logistical support for this initiative,
reflecting its commitment to fostering community participation in preserving the
city’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. This effort underscores the principle of
partnership across private, governmental and civil sectors to achieve shared
goals. Dubai Municipality remains a pioneer in promoting volunteerism to serve
the nation, society, and the local environment, further enhancing the UAE’s
global standing in competitiveness indicators and advancing the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals 2030”.
He added, “This year, the Clean UAE campaign extends beyond traditional
activities like cleaning public spaces and beaches. It emphasises the individual’s
role in reducing waste through reuse, while also raising social and
environmental responsibility among community members. The campaign aims
to elevate environmental awareness across all segments of society, highlighting

https://mid-east.info/8396-volunteers-unite-for-clean-uae-campaign-a-remarkable-sustainability-
effort/