EEG calls for the continuation of National Day celebrations with ‘Clean up UAE’ drive

As a fitting continuation to the 40th National Day celebrations, the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) encouraged the public to participate in the 10th ‘Clean up UAE’ drive on 12 December nationwide.

“The celebration continues and the community spirit and patriotic fervor must always remain in our hearts by showing our care for the environment,” EEG Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi said.

“The UAE has developed by leaps and bounds in the past four decades – thanks to the collective effort of the people that have formed our society — both Emiratis and expatriates. The challenge now is towards sustainability and the task such as environmental protection is everyone’s obligation,” added Al Marashi.

Al Marashi noted that the vibrant festivities and cultural activities that marked the 40th National Day celebrations can also be replicated, though in a subtle but effective way, by being good stewards of the environment.

“One way of keeping the wisdom of the ‘Spirit of the Union' alive and expressing one’s love and loyalty to the country is through this ‘Clean up UAE’ campaign which we have been doing for the past decade,” Al Marashi pointed out.

First held on December 2002 in four emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman), the ‘Clean up UAE’ drive has become a national initiative that went beyond the borders of race, religion, gender and economic status. Today, it is considered as a unifying campaign for all residents of the UAE who work for environmental protection and conservation.

Last year, EEG cleaned a massive 100 tonnes of waste collected by around 20,000 volunteers. This year, the EEG aims to mobilise 25,000 volunteers to set another record that will intensify this initiative.

The campaign has always been well supported by various government departments, private companies, schools, colleges and universities, organisations and individuals who love the environment and the country.