720 participants collected 2,327 kilograms of waste
The 24th cycle of the Clean UAE campaign, organised by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) under the esteemed patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, made its 6th impactful stop in Ras Al Khaimah on 15th December. The campaign was conducted in strategic partnership with Public Services Department – Ras Al Khaimah, the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah and the Ras Al Khaimah Police. The RAK edition injected renewed passion and energy into this long-standing nationwide initiative, highlighting the Emirate’s steadfast commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
The campaign organised across two sites in RAK, witnessed a gathering of more than 720 participants from every segment of society—families, students, government entities, private sector companies and community groups. Adorning specially designed cotton T-shirts, having the logos of all the supporting entities printed on them with caps, cotton gloves and biodegradable bags.
The volunteers worked collectively across the designated clean-up zones, transforming the landscape through their coordinated action and shared sense of duty. Covering a total area 7.5 km, their efforts resulted in the removal of 2,327 kg of waste. In addition, 205 kilograms of recyclable materials were segregated and sent to accredited local recycling facilities, demonstrating the campaign’s steadfast commitment to responsible waste management and sustainable recycling practices.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, applauded Ras Al Khaimah’s unwavering support and its active role in advancing environmental protection across the UAE. She highlighted that since its launch in 2002, Clean UAE has evolved into a powerful national movement, fostering environmental awareness, driving behavioural change and empowering communities to take meaningful and impactful actions. She noted that each Emirate’s participation has brought unique value and character to the campaign, reflecting a unified national determination to safeguard ecosystems, protect local wildlife, reduce waste and champion sustainable behavioural practices.
Dr. Al Mar’ashi emphasised that the campaign’s steady growth over its 24 cycles serves as a testament to the UAE’s increasing dedication to environmental preservation and civic responsibility. Beyond the physical act of waste removal, she stressed that Clean UAE reinforces the social fabric of the country by promoting teamwork, volunteerism and community pride. It offers an inclusive platform where individuals of all ages and backgrounds unite in pursuit of a common environmental mission, strengthening the bond between people and the natural environment.
She reaffirmed EEG’s long-term commitment to driving environmental progress through education, advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
His Excellency Eng. Khalid Fadhl Al Ali, Director General of the Public Services Department in the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, stated: “We are proud to support the “Clean UAE” campaign, which reaffirms our commitment to a cleaner, greener and healthier environment for all members of the community. Our participation in this national initiative aims to enhance public awareness on the importance of protecting nature, preserving environmental resources and encouraging sustainable practices in our daily lives. Our collective efforts with various entities and institutions reflect the UAE’s leading vision in sustainability and environmental preservation, and aim to build a more sustainable and brighter future for generations to come.”
Dr. Al Mar’ashi extended her heartfelt thanks to the Main Sponsors — McDonald’s UAE & Salik — whose steadfast support year on year has played an instrumental role in ensuring the successful delivery of this national community action programme. She further recognised the meaningful contributions of the Support Sponsors — CANPACK Middle East, Dubai Investments and Farnek. Appreciation was also extended to the Technical Partner, ADNOC.
Further acknowledgment was given to the CSR Partner, the Arabia CSR Network, and the outstanding roster of Supporting Entities, including: Abela & Co., Ahalia Medical Group, Almarai, Aster Group, Byrne Equipment Rental, Del Monte, Fujairah Plastic Factories, ISS Relocations, Intercat Hospitality, Oasis Water Company, American University of Ras Al Khaimah and University of Stirling RAK Campus for their valuable support. Their contributions enriched the participants’ experience, enhanced campaign efficiency and ensured that volunteers had the resources and support needed to make a measurable impact.
Lastly, EEG expressed its sincere gratitude to the distinguished Media Partners — Al Murad Group, Channel 4, Gold 94.7 FM, Radio 4, biz Today, CPI Industry, Gulf News and Pan Asian Media — whose extensive coverage and unwavering engagement helped amplify the campaign’s message, broaden public awareness and inspire greater nationwide participation.
Editors’ Note:
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the 1st environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD) and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), EEG is a full Member (voting) of World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
For more information, contact us: email: eeg@emirates.net.ae; Tel: 04-3448622; Fax: 04-3448677 and please visit our bi-lingual website: http://www.eeg-uae.org; Follow us on LinkedIn, FB; X & Instagram: @eegemirates.
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