CSR That Makes Waves: Galadari Brothers Employees Join Hands for Beach Clean-Up

Khaleej Times

24-04-2025

Plastics are everywhere. From remote mountaintops to the depths of the ocean, plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. According to the United Nations, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, and over a third of it is designed for single use. Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans. And without intervention, by 2050, there could be more plastic in the sea than fish by weight.
Turning awareness into action, Galadari Brothers employees took part in a beach clean-up drive on April 12, removing 287 kg of plastic waste from the shoreline. The clean-up was part of the company's ongoing environmental efforts, focussed on reducing plastic pollution and promoting a more responsible approach to waste. This hands-on initiative served as a powerful reminder that small, collective actions can contribute to meaningful environmental change.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, said: 'At Galadari Brothers, we believe that sustainability must be reflected in our actions, not just in our policies. Initiatives like the recent beach clean-up demonstrate the kind of responsible leadership and participation we aim to foster across the organisation. We're proud to see our teams actively contributing in ways that reflect both our values and our commitment to the communities we serve.'
Among the volunteers was high school student Gesandi Wijesundara, who joined the clean-up alongside her mother, Menaka Perera, a member of the Galadari Brothers corporate team. For Gesandi, the experience was unexpectedly eye-opening.
'I have studied plastic waste in school, but this made it feel very real. Seeing it everywhere, from buried in the sand to floating near the shore, it hit differently,' she said. 'It made me think about how much we use without realising. It was an experience I will carry with me throughout my life.'
A local problem with global urgency
The UAE, like much of the world, faces increasing challenges from marine pollution. According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, plastic accounts for 94% of waste found on UAE beaches. Recognising the urgency, the country has taken strong steps: banning single-use plastic bags, promoting the use of reusable products and launching the 'UAE Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy' to conserve marine resources.
Initiatives such as 'Dubai Can' encourage people to refill bottles at free water stations, while nationwide policies are pushing businesses to reduce packaging and rethink materials. These efforts are part of the UAE's larger vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Galadari Brothers' ESG commitments
The beach clean-up is one of several initiatives that reflect Galadari Brothers' ongoing and expanding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda. With a focus on community, climate and compassion, the company has steadily cultivated a culture of positive impact across its business units. Recent efforts include a Dh10 million contribution to the UAE's Fathers' Endowment Fund to support long-term community welfare projects and the planting of 10,000 mangroves along the country's coastlines to aid reforestation and carbon sequestration. Galadari Brothers has also led clothing donation drives and distributed Iftar meals during Ramadan to communities in need.
Looking ahead
Galadari Brothers is committed to expanding its ESG footprint with initiatives such as employee-led volunteerism, investing in green infrastructure and transparent reporting. Plans for the coming months include wadi clean-up drives in collaboration with local authorities, making sustainable self-care kits for low-income communities and toy-making workshops aimed at bringing joy to underprivileged children.
Through both ongoing and upcoming projects, the organisation is working to meet global sustainability standards and help shape local benchmarks for responsible corporate leadership. From removing plastic waste on the ground to supporting national-level endowments, Galadari Brothers continues to demonstrate that CSR is most effective when purpose is backed by participation.