A Collective Effort for Sustainability
“Say YES to Recycling, NO to Carbon Emissions!” – This bold declaration echoed throughout the UAE on 22nd February 2025, as Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) hosted its 29th cycle of the annual ‘Can Collection Day’, an event that truly embodied the spirit of the Year of Community. The event proved that when individuals and organisations unite for a common cause, incredible things happen. This initiative was a shining example of how collective action can drive lasting environmental change, aligning seamlessly with UN SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reinforcing the power of collaboration to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.
On this transformative day, thousands of participants from all walks of life came together in an inspiring show of solidarity, answering the call to protect the planet, reduce carbon footprint and contribute to building a sustainable future for generations to come. From schools and families to businesses and government agencies, the UAE rallied as one to make a powerful statement that sustainability is not just a responsibility – it’s a shared passion.
Key highlights from Can Collection Day 2025 include:
- 11,945 kg of aluminium cans collected on the day
- 452,708 kg of aluminium cans collected since the programme’s inception
These extraordinary figures are the result of the participation of 272 entities from all seven Emirates, they demonstrate the immense success of this year’s event and also represent a profound commitment to environmental change. The action taken by all participants has directly contributed to preventing 179 metric tons of CO2 emissions, playing a crucial role in our fight against climate change and the national strategy of being carbon neutral by 2050.
In the words of Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, the Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group:
“This year’s Can Collection Day stands as a powerful testament to the strength of unity and shared responsibility. I take immense pride in our nation’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and social impact through the Year of Community—an initiative that is not just symbolic but a catalyst for real, meaningful action. This movement reflects the UAE’s deep-rooted values of solidarity, inclusivity, and civic engagement, inspiring individuals, businesses, and institutions to work hand in hand for the greater good. By actively translating this vision into impactful initiatives, we are not only strengthening the fabric of our society but also paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.”
The success of this event reaffirms the UAE’s steadfast dedication to sustainability, a principle deeply embedded in the nation’s ethos. As we embrace the Year of Community, we are reminded that transformative change is only possible when individuals and organisations come together with a shared purpose. This was exemplified by entities like Emirates Flight Catering, Dubai World Trade Centre, wasl, Al Naboodah Construction Group LLC, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Higher Colleges of Technology – Fujairah Faseel Campus, VAN OORD RMC FZE, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority amongst several others who came full force and showed their commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility, their active participation serves as an inspiring model for others to follow.
Sustainability is not a solitary pursuit—it is a collective responsibility. By championing UN SDG #17 (Partnerships for the Goals), we recognise the immense power of collaboration in accelerating progress. We now call upon businesses, institutions, and individuals to step forward and join us in our initiatives, because the future we envision—one that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient—can only be realised when every sector of society plays its part.
EEG extends its deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the “Can Collection Day 2025”. Your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship has made a tangible impact. Special thanks to our government partners; the Dubai Municipality; Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, Dubai Sustainable Tourism, Ajman Tourism and Fujairah Environment Authority as well as our corporate partners like American International School Abu Dhabi (AISA), Abela & Co, McDonald’s UAE, RAK Ceramics, Berkeley Services, Labotel Worker’s Village, ISS Relocations, Globelink West Star Shipping L.L.C, Sharjah National Lube Oil Co. L.L.C., AG Engineering and Tristar Group; our appreciation is also extended to Al Murad Group for their role as Media Partner and Arabia CSR Network as the CSR Partner whose support was crucial to the event’s success.
We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Lucky Recycling, whose expert recycling services ensured that every can collected is properly recycled, further advancing our mission for a circular economy. As we reflect on the monumental success of this year’s event, we are more inspired than ever to continue pushing forward, embracing our collective responsibility to protect the environment, and empower others to join us in this essential cause. The collective effort for the wellbeing of our planet is far from over, and now more than ever, we need to come together, side by side, to ensure that every action, no matter how small, leads us closer to a sustainable future.
Let us continue our efforts unabated for this powerful movement – one where we say YES to recycling and NO to carbon emissions, making sustainability the norm, not the exception.
Last Updated on 4 hours by News Desk 1
