Page 321 - Ministry of Economy - December 2017

Clean Up UAE gears up for weekend start

Emirates Environmental Group set to launch annual countrywide ecological clean-up
Dubai: Thousands of volunteers are gearing up for the largest environmental clean-up across the United
Arab Emirates starting this Saturday, said organisers Emirates Environmental Group (EEG).

The popular campaign will be launched at Dubai Al Ain Road, near Dubai Outlet Mall under the patronage o
Sultan Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, who said environmental protection practices are one of the most
prominent manifestations of developed countries and societies.

He pointed to the UAE’s keenness to instill a culture of preserving the environment and its resources, which
are considered as assets for future generations and collectively form a pillar for achieving sustainable
development.

The minister added that paying attention to the cleanliness of the environment, showing its beauty and
elegance, and protecting it from waste and destruction are vital to improving the environmental system and
enhancing its sustainability.

Keep up to date He also pointed to the great role volunteer work plays in this regard, which is considered a great support to
governmental efforts to protect the environment. He highlighted the importance of ‘Clean Up UAE’ as a
pioneering national initiative that stems from the values of Emirati society and which is in line with UAE
Vision 2021’s goal of maintaining a supportive and sustainable environment.

Habiba Al Marashi, EEG chairperson, said the role of the organisation to protect and preserve the
environment has been clear and effective for the past 26 years.

“The current cycle of the campaign aims to emphasise the importance of working together to make the
country a healthier place, as well as highlighting the responsibility and actions that the individual should tak
towards a better environment” said Al Marashi.

The campaign, initiated by the group 16 years ago, coincides with the UAE National Day celebrations.

‘Clean Up UAE’ is the most popular national programme, aiming to protect the local environment, said Al
Marashi.

When the campaign was first established in 2002, it gained participation from only four Emirates. With a
large number of public, private and academic institutions joining the campaign in 2005, the group was able
to unite all seven Emirates under the umbrella of this initiative.