Under the generous patronage and in the presence of His Highness Engineer Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, Member of the Executive Council of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and Honorary Member of the Emirates Environmental Group, the Group celebrated the 29th cycle of the Emirates Recycling Award, coinciding with the celebration of World Environment Day 2026, which is being held this year under the global slogan “ Inspired by nature… for the climate… and for our future .”

The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of representatives from government agencies, private sector leaders, academic institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, media outlets, families, and civil society organizations, in a scene that reflects the collective commitment of the UAE to continue supporting environmental responsibility and consolidating the path of sustainable development .

His Highness Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi played a pivotal role in the awards ceremony, graciously joining Dr. Habiba Al Marashi in presenting the awards and certificates of appreciation to the winners and participants from various categories. This gesture reflects his unwavering support for environmental and community initiatives and his continuous efforts to encourage all segments of society to adopt sustainable practices. His Highness's presence and generous patronage of this event also underscored the importance of inter-sectoral partnerships in supporting the nation's environmental agenda and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and collective action for a more sustainable future .

In her opening remarks, Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Founding Member and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, stressed the importance of urgent action to address climate challenges in light of current global changes, saying, “ We are living in a time when postponing environmental responsibility is no longer an option. The signals our planet is sending are clear, and the need to act is more urgent than ever. The Emirates Recycling Award serves as a reminder that sustainability is not an option, but a shared responsibility that rests on all of us. Through collective action, we can make a real difference and build a more resilient and sustainable future .”

She also pointed to the importance of declaring 2026 the Year of the Family in the UAE, stressing that sustainability begins at home, and said : “ Just as we are keen to take care of our families and protect their future, we have the same responsibility towards our environment. The decisions we make today will shape the future for generations to come. True sustainability is built on shared values, a sense of responsibility, and collective action .”

Despite current global and regional challenges, the success of this year's award reflects the commitment and resilience of the various participating entities across all sectors. The Emirates Environmental Group also reaffirmed that sustainability efforts must continue uninterrupted, even in times of challenge, as they are a fundamental pillar for achieving long-term environmental and economic stability .

The Emirates Recycling Award continues to be a leading initiative of the Emirates Environmental Group, celebrating outstanding efforts in diverting waste from landfills, conserving natural resources, and promoting circular economy practices. Through its eight recycling campaigns, the Group continues to achieve a tangible and measurable environmental impact across the UAE .

By 2025, the recycling programs of the Emirates Environmental Group have achieved outstanding environmental results, including reducing 6,007 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, saving 46,387 billion British thermal units of energy, preserving 11,215 cubic meters of landfill space, saving 28,569 trees from being cut down, and saving 16,752 gallons of fuel .

Participants in the group's programs also succeeded in planting 2,266 trees, a move that strengthens climate action efforts and ecosystem restoration.

These achievements included the following:

• Aluminum cans : 38,596 kilograms
• Paper : 1,314,741 kg
• Printer ink : 3,081 kg
• Plastic : 128,458 kilograms
• Bottles : 211,926 kilograms
• Mobile phones : 4,159 kilograms
• Electronic waste : 22,529 kilograms
• Scrap metal : 20,838 kilograms

These results confirm the tangible impact of teamwork and the strength of cooperation between individuals, institutions, and various entities across the UAE .

Winners in each category :

• Collecting aluminum cans :

• Academic Category : Higher Colleges of Technology - Fujairah - Al-Fasil Campus
• Individuals/Families : Ibrahim Pasha
• Companies/Organizations : Emirates Flight Catering

• Paper collection :

• Academic Category : Delhi Private School, Sharjah
• Individuals/Families : Ali Darwish Mubarak Salem Al Zaabi
• Companies/Organizations : Design Infinity LLC.

• Collecting printer ink cartridges :

• Individuals/Families : Saeed Humaid Al Shamsi
• Companies/Organizations : Novotel and Ibis World Trade Center Hotel, Ibis One Central Dubai Hotel

• Plastic collection :

• Academic category : Our high school, Dubai
• Individuals/Families : Ali Darwish Mubarak Salem Al Zaabi
• Companies/Institutions : Wasl Real Estate LLC.

• Glass collection :

• Academic category : Sheikha Hessa Bint Saqr Private School

• Individuals/Families : Ali Darwish Mubarak Salem Al Zaabi

• Companies/Institutions : Dubai Duty Free

• Mobile phone collection :

• Academic category : Our high school, Dubai
• Individuals/Families : Shamma Hamid Al Shamsi
• Companies/Institutions : Dubai Public Prosecution

• Collection of electronic waste :

• Individuals/Families : Mirana Gabin Matthew
• Companies/Organizations : Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments

• Collecting scrap metal :

• Academic Category : Delhi Private School, Dubai
• Individuals/Families : Ali Darwish Mubarak Salem Al Zaabi
• Companies/Institutions : Citibank

Dr. Habiba Al Marashi expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to all the sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of this event, especially in light of the increasing challenges facing the world and the region .

"In times of uncertainty, the decision to continue supporting sustainability initiatives reflects true leadership and responsibility. We are deeply grateful to our partners for standing with us and reinforcing the importance of continuing this work without interruption ," she said.

Silver Shepherds :

• McDonald's UAE

Event host :

• C Institute

Eye-catching shepherds :

• Ariston
• Brother Global
• Daber
• ATL Cosmos

The Emirates Environmental Group also extends its sincere thanks to the hospitality partners who generously contributed gift vouchers to the award winners, in support and encouragement of their continued efforts in the field of sustainability .

In closing, Dr. Habiba Al Marashi called on all segments of society to continue integrating sustainability into daily practices, saying : “ Let us draw inspiration from nature, accelerate climate action, and work together in a collective spirit to secure a sustainable future. Every effort counts, and together we have the power to create a real and lasting impact .” The 29th cycle of the Emirates Recycling Award embodies the Emirates Environmental Group’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and its ongoing role in mobilizing community efforts towards a circular and sustainable future .

The Emirates Environmental Working Group (EEG) is a professional working group based in the United Arab Emirates, established in 1991. It is dedicated to environmental protection through education, action programs, and community engagement. The group is actively encouraged and supported by relevant local and federal government bodies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only one of its kind in the UAE accredited by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) . It is also a full member with voting rights of the United Nations Global Compact, the Global Urban Development Council (GUD) , the Global Investors Alliance for Sustainable Development (GISD), the One Planet Network under the Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme, the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) .

For more information, email us at eeg@emirates.net.ae

Or visit our bilingual website: www.eeg-uae.org ; follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @eegemirates

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