Ministry of Climate Change and Environment launches 28th National Environment Day under the theme ‘Our Heritage … Our Future'
HE Amna Al Dahak: Our ancestors' eco-friendly practices instilled in us a deep awareness and shaped a living heritage that we proudly carry forward.
The UAE celebrates its ancestors' sustainable practices, recognising them as the foundation for promoting eco-friendly behaviours and driving sustainable development across all sectors.
Our efforts to promote sustainability and preserve the environment are inspired by the legacy of the UAE community in protecting nature, conserving its natural resources, and developing solutions to all challenges.
Subheadings: The practices passed down by Emirati ancestors have long inspired the country's environmental laws, regulations, and initiatives. They remain the foundation of ongoing efforts to preserve the environment and utilise its resources. The Ministry is set to host community events and activities in collaboration with other authorities leading up to World Environment Day on June 4.
The events are aimed at promoting sustainable behaviours and engaging the community in an integrated ecosystem to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.
The events focus on promoting sustainable practices such as home farming, sustainable mobility, sustainable waste management, responsible consumption of products and services, and efficient use of electricity, water, and food.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February, 2025: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the theme of the 28th National Environment Day as 'Our Heritage … Our Future'. This highlights the UAE's core values and strong commitment to environmental preservation and nature conservation. The sustainable practices of the ancient UAE community are the guiding force for raising awareness about environmental preservation. Encouraging their adoption will help build a sustainable future for generations to come.
The National Environment Day falls on February 4 each year. This year's theme aligns with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Community' underscoring the role of the community as the driving force in the nation's progress, especially in developing the environment and preserving the natural resources.
Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: 'This year's National Environment Day emphasises the UAE community's deep-rooted culture of environmental protection, preservation of natural resources, and sustainable development. The nation's environment is rich in biodiversity, with a thriving agricultural, livestock and fisheries sector. It is also home to numerous species, all of which shape Emirati culture and heritage.'
Her Excellency added: 'Our ancestors' eco-friendly practices instilled in us a deep awareness about the environment and shaped a living heritage that we proudly pass down through generations. This legacy inspires our pursuit of a sustainable future for all Emiratis.' She noted that National Environment Day celebrates these sustainable practices, recognising them as the foundation for cultivating eco-friendly behaviours in future generations, developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges, and driving sustainable development across all sectors.
Her Excellency added: 'The National Environment Day offers a valuable opportunity for all members of the community to actively engage in the UAE's climate and environmental work. The community is the cornerstone of the country's long-term development plans, and every individual must be fully aware and equipped to contribute to enhancing the UAE's position as a global leader in sustainability and the future.'
HE said: 'We invite all segments of society to participate in events and workshops that highlight our heritage of environmental conservation. Let us build on this legacy and cultivate eco-friendly behaviours, to make the UAE a global model for sustainability. Our actions today will shape the future. The environmental achievements will become a national legacy that future generations will proudly carry forward.'
Drawing Inspiration from the Practices of Our Ancestors:
The UAE community has never been disconnected from nature; rather, it has always embraced and coexisted with the environment, fostering a balance that ensures the sustainability and growth of natural resources for the future. These principles were among the core foundations on which the UAE was built, derived from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who said: 'He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future'. This approach continues to guide the UAE community in all areas of life.
Throughout history, the UAE community has engaged with nature in countless ways, using it as a source of life, food, and water. Emiratis invented various crafts and industries based on their environment, expanding beyond basic survival to transform nature into a source for perfumes, recreation, and healing. Many of these practices still exist, as the community continues to innovate new ways to develop and improve them.
Notable practices that are deeply rooted in the UAE's heritage include sustainable agriculture and hunting methods, and the reliance on palm trees as a source of food and raw materials for many traditional industries such as 'sa'feyat' (palm frond crafts). The community used livestock for milk and leather. Nature also played a role in hunting and recreation, with practices such as falconry and camel racing.
In response to extreme temperatures, the UAE community invented sustainable methods such as 'barajeel' (wind towers) to cool their homes naturally.
The traditional Emirati culinary practices highlight how the community made the best of the environment, creating a tradition that is still celebrated today. These practices are deeply ingrained in the cultural events that shape the Emirati identity.
Due to water scarcity, the community employed simple, sustainable techniques for finding water, digging wells, and purifying water from wells and valleys to obtain clean water.
Nature continues to provide the community with many solutions for maintaining good health. Many inherited practices involve using nature for healing and treating illnesses, proving their effectiveness in promoting community health and well-being. These age-old remedies originate from the UAE's deserts and mountains, where numerous sources of fresh and sulphuric hot springs flow year-round between rocks, valleys, and high mountain peaks.
Transforming Heritage into an Advanced Ecosystem:
The UAE is committed to building on its rich heritage, evolving into a governmental work ecosystem that positions the environment as a vital source of life for every Emirati and a gateway to greater opportunities that shape the future.
The practices passed down by Emirati ancestors have long inspired the country's environmental laws, regulations, and initiatives. They remain the foundation of the nation's ongoing efforts to preserve the environment and utilise its resources.
Based on this principle, National Environment Day, under the theme 'Our Heritage … Our Future' celebrates the environmental practices of the UAE community, emphasising nature as both a source of life and a model for sustainability. The initiative promotes a holistic understanding of sustainability, encouraging all members to embrace it and follow in the footsteps of their ancestors to drive sustainability across all sectors.
To bring this vision to life, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will host community events and activities in collaboration with relevant authorities up to World Environment Day on June 4. These initiatives aim to showcase and promote the best sustainable practices of the UAE community, encouraging their adoption in a modern context to address today's environmental challenges.
Collaborative efforts:
In celebration of National Environment Day, the Ministry, along with various federal and government entities, the private sector, and civil society organisations, is organising a series of events aimed at promoting sustainable behaviours and engaging the community in an integrated ecosystem to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. These events highlight the nation's strong environmental identity, focusing on preserving natural resources, enhancing their sustainable use, and building on the UAE's long-standing legacy of environmental stewardship. The goal is to use this legacy as a foundation for new, innovative efforts in the years to come, in line with the country's plans and strategies for environmental sustainability.
The key focus areas of this initiative will include home farming, sustainable mobility, sustainable waste management, responsible consumption of products and services, and efficient use of electricity, water, and food.
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