Latest news with #CleanRivers


Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE to Ban Single-use Plastics by 2026
The UAE will ban single-use plastics by 2026 said Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. In a statement marking World Environment Day (June 5), Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment—both nationally and globally. Speaking in line with this year's theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' Dr. Al Dahak announced that starting January 1, 2026, the UAE will implement a nationwide ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. This sweeping reform builds on earlier steps, including the 2024 ban on plastic bags, as part of a phased approach toward eliminating unnecessary plastic from daily life. Dr. Al Dahak said: 'The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling. Furthermore, we are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level. 'Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation's vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives. 'Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come.' Dr. Al Dahak noted that the UAE's actions are aligned with international efforts and are bolstered by programs like Clean Rivers, an initiative by Erth Zayed Philanthropies. This project tackles plastic pollution in waterways by empowering local communities and supporting innovation to achieve plastic-free rivers. In parallel, the UAE's Circular Economy Policy plays a critical role by promoting sustainable resource use across sectors such as: Green infrastructure Transportation Manufacturing Food systems The policy is designed to reduce plastic waste, promote sustainable packaging, and expand recycling. Also read: UAE Exempts 222 Citizens From $39mn in Debts


Mid East Info
4 days ago
- General
- Mid East Info
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment Statement on World Environment Day June 5, 2025
On this World Environment Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting our precious environment. Inspired by the vision of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the link between a healthy environment and a thriving society, the UAE remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. We envision a future with thriving ecosystems and protected life both on land and in the sea – a legacy we build together as a community. This year, World Environment Day calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution, a challenge that demands our immediate attention and unified efforts. In response to this pressing issue, the UAE is implementing a comprehensive system to ensure proper and effective management of plastic products. Starting 1 January 2026, the UAE will implement a comprehensive ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems. As part of our global efforts to reduce plastic waste, the Clean Rivers, one of Erth Zayed Philanthropies' initiatives, tackles plastic pollution in river systems by empowering communities and driving innovative solutions to create plastic-free waterways. Our Circular Economy Policy is a key driver of this transformation, optimising resource use in critical sectors such as green infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and responsible food production and consumption. The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling. Furthermore, we are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level. Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation's vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives. Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come. Let us renew our focus on the ecosystems that sustain us, remembering that this year's theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, is a call to action for every member of our community. Together, we can build a brighter, greener future for all.


Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Commits to Comprehensive Ban on Single-Use Plastics by 2026
Greenlogue/AP The United Arab Emirates will enforce a nationwide prohibition on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products starting 1 January 2026, as announced by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. This measure builds upon earlier initiatives, including the 2024 ban on plastic bags, and reflects the country's commitment to environmental sustainability. The upcoming ban will encompass a range of single-use plastic items, such as cups, lids, cutlery, food containers, and plates. These items are known contributors to environmental pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems. The decision aligns with the UAE's broader environmental objectives, including its Circular Economy Policy, which aims to minimise waste and promote resource efficiency across various sectors. ADVERTISEMENT Dr Al Dahak emphasised the importance of collective action, urging citizens and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. She highlighted initiatives like the Clean Rivers programme by Erth Zayed Philanthropies, which addresses plastic pollution in waterways through community engagement and innovative solutions. The phased approach to the ban began in 2024 with restrictions on plastic bags, followed by a 2025 ban on items such as plastic stirrers and Styrofoam containers. The final phase in 2026 will complete the transition towards eliminating single-use plastics. Enforcement measures include fines for non-compliance, starting at AED 200 and escalating for repeated violations. Certain exemptions will apply, such as for products intended for export or specific uses like packaging for fresh produce.


Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE pioneering efforts to reduce plastic pollution at national, global levels: Amna Al Dahak
5 June 2025 12:44 DUBAI (WAM) Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, said that the UAE is continuing its pioneering efforts to reduce plastic pollution at the national and global a statement marking World Environment Day, which falls annually on June 5, Dr. Al Dahak reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to protecting its precious environment, inspired by the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the link between a healthy environment and a thriving society.'The UAE remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. We envision a future with thriving ecosystems and protected life both on land and in the sea – a legacy we build together as a community," she year, World Environment Day calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution, a challenge that demands our immediate attention and unified efforts. In response to this pressing issue, the UAE is implementing a comprehensive system to ensure proper and effective management of plastic January 1, 2026, Dr. Al Dahak clarified, the UAE will implement a comprehensive ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our emphasised that as part of the UAE's global efforts to reduce plastic waste, Clean Rivers, one of Erth Zayed Philanthropies' initiatives, tackles plastic pollution in river systems by empowering communities and driving innovative solutions to create plastic-free Minister of Climate Change and Environment explained that the UAE's Circular Economy Policy is a key driver of this transformation, optimising resource use in critical sectors such as green infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and responsible food production and consumption.'The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling. Furthermore, we are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level,' she further said.'Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation's vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives,' Dr. Al Dahak stressed.'Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come.'Dr. Al Dahak concluded by calling for renewed focus on the ecosystems that sustain life, noting that this year's theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, is a call to action for every member of the community. 'Together, we can build a brighter, greener future for all.'


Khaleej Times
17-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE, Philippines join hands to restore Manila's dirtiest river
The UAE and the Philippines have come together to revitalise the Pasig River, a vital waterway in Manila. Once a vibrant artery of the Southeast Asian country's economic and ecological landscape, the river has faced severe degradation in recent years due to urbanisation, industrialisation and mismanaged waste. The partnership, held under the auspices of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, will focus on preventative and corrective solutions to rehabilitate the waterway, while creating socio-economic opportunities for local communities. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos of the Philippines and Saeed Rashid Al Zaabi, Advisor to the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Board Chair of Clean Rivers, witnessed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing on the sidelines of the 2025 World Governments Summit. The MoU directly supports the goals of the Philippines National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction and Management of Marine Litter, which aims to reduce marine litter by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve zero waste to Philippine waters by 2040. Clean Rivers — a global non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming river systems into catalysts for sustainable development and a portfolio entity under Erth Zayed Philanthropies — is committing up to US$20 million to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for communities that depend on the river, support circular economy-led solutions to prevent waste leakage, and restore the Pasig River. Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Managing Director at Clean Rivers, said: 'Our collaboration with the Philippines marks a crucial step to safeguard our most vital resource – water. By rehabilitating the Pasig River, the symbolic heart of Manila, Clean Rivers is reinforcing our shared commitment to a sustainable future rooted in circularity, community and collaboration.' Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said, 'As a living part of our nation's history and future, the rehabilitation of the Pasig River is a vital development priority in line with our broader goals to support environmental integrity, economic resilience and inclusive growth. This MoU with the UAE represents a milestone in our collective efforts to restore this significant waterway, protect nature and enhance the lives of communities who depend on it.' Deborah Backus, CEO of Clean Rivers, added, 'Rivers are nature's vital arteries, sustaining communities and ecosystems alike. Through this partnership, Clean Rivers will collaborate with the government, private sector, international organisations and local actors to revitalise the Pasig River, while creating new pathways for environmental, social and economic resilience.' Since its launch in 2023, Clean Rivers has focused its efforts on funding and facilitating collaborative programmes to transform river systems into engines of sustainable development. By catalysing innovative partnerships, the Abu Dhabi-based organisation supports systems-focused interventions to restore polluted waterways while creating opportunities to empower local communities.