Emirates Environmental Group(EEG), the leading NGO dedicated to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement, has accomplished one of its flagship events, the 19th annual Clean Up UAE drive, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Organised in association with Dubai Municipality and Seih Al Salam Protected Area Management, the event drew the participation ofHis Excellency Sultan Alwan, Acting Undersecretary of Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.A total of 5,254 participants joined the cleanup at Al Qudra, Dubai Industrial City and Ruwais, Khalifa Port, Industrial City in Abu Dhabi, covering an area of more than 23kilometresand gathering nearly 13tonnesof waste across the two Emirates.

EEG opened the event with a flag-hoisting ceremony and speeches on sustainability were given byMOCCAE and EEG.Shoemart, the main sponsor; McDonalds UAE and Dabur, the co-sponsors; Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Dubai Investments, the support sponsors also supported the event.

His Excellency Sultan Alwansaid: Protecting the environment and sustaining its natural resources and biodiversity are strategic priorities for MOCCAE. In this context, we work to ensure a safe and sustainable future for everyone through driving effective environmental action that integrates legislation with on-the-ground programmes and initiatives. In line with the directives of the wise UAE leadership, we are keen to involve the community in environmental protection efforts, therefore we are proud to support Clean Up UAE, and applaud the work of EEG.

Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, the Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, said: At Emirates Environmental Group, our aim is to support the UAE government with its superior ambitions and objectives of sustainability. Apart from this, we also work towards creating awareness for the public and private sector towards the existing sustainability issues in the region. We would like to thank everyone for their determinations and contribution towards the 19th annual edition of this initiative. It is significant that we as a society deliberately come together to work towards a better tomorrow for everyone.

EEG distributed various clean-up gear, biodegradable trash bags and accessories to the participants to ensure everyones safety. The NGO also adhered to all safety measures issued by the UAE health authorities, such as temperature checks, and provided PPE kits, includingsanitisers provided by Dabur, masks and gloves, to all the participants.