The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) concluded the 20th cycle of its national Environmental Drawing Competition (EDC), marking a significant milestone with the participation of 723,953 students from 642 schools across the UAE, including institutions catering to students of determination. This exceptional level of engagement highlights the growing interest among youth in addressing pressing environmental issues through creative expression.
A key component of EEG’s educational outreach, the Environmental Drawing Competition has, for two decades, empowered students to think critically about sustainability. Through the medium of art, it fosters awareness, encourages innovative thinking, and nurtures a strong sense of environmental responsibility.
This year’s competition featured three thought-provoking themes, tailored to specific age groups:
“The Power of Trees: Guardians of the Earth” – for ages 6–8 – exploring the vital role of trees in climate regulation, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
“Sunshine and Rainbows: Celebrating Renewable Energy” – for ages 9–11 – focusing on clean energy sources and their importance in building a sustainable future.
“E-Waste: A Modern-Day Crisis” – for ages 12–14 – highlighting the environmental dangers of electronic waste and the need for responsible disposal and recycling.
Moreover, a total of 243 remarkable projects from 1,750 students were submitted by 355 schools from across the UAE for the 2nd Cycle of Art from Waste (AfW), reflecting the ingenuity, skill and commitment of young artists who reimagined waste as a medium for artistic expression. This annual competition encourages students to rethink waste, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed into stunning works of art. It nurtures creativity and reinforces the importance of sustainability in shaping a greener future.
The 2025 competition featured 3 engaging themes, each tailoured to a specific age group:
‘Sea Turtle’ – for students aged 9 to 11 years
‘Flamingo’ – for students aged 12 to 14 years
‘Oryx Leucoryx’ – for students aged 15 to 17 years
These themes were carefully designed to highlight the significance of our local biodiversity and the urgent need to protect the endangered species. By incorporating upcycling and waste repurposing into their artwork, students were encouraged to think critically about environmental conservation and the role of sustainability in creative expression.
To honour the competition’s winners, EEG hosted a special awards ceremony on 22nd May at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, the long-standing host supporter of this competition. The event featured a captivating exhibition of the winning entries and was attended by students, educators, families, sponsors & supporters, dignitaries, and members of the press.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, praised the creativity and commitment shown by the student community in the UAE:
“This competition continues to demonstrate the remarkable potential of our youth. Through their artistic talents, they have communicated powerful messages of hope, responsibility and action. We are proud to offer a platform that encourages such meaningful engagement with the environment.”
Reflecting on the impact of the Art from Waste competition, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi further emphasised its ability to challenge perceptions about waste while fostering environmental awareness and creative skills among young minds. “Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries. By harnessing its influence, we aim to instill a lifelong commitment to environmental preservation in the younger generation,” she stated.
She extended appreciation to Accenture, the official supporting partner, for their role in supporting the 20th Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition. “Our collaboration with Accenture has further strengthened the reach and impact of this competition, and we appreciate their dedication to environmental advocacy and youth empowerment.”
Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts in art and education for both competitions:
Dr. Najat Makki, Visual Artist, Member of Dubai Cultural Council
The Artist Ms. Pari Sagar
The Artist Ms. Fatima Al Hammadi
The awarding ceremony was divided into two parts; the first one was for the winning students in the EDC for their outstanding submissions in the 20th Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition under each theme:
“The Power of Trees: Guardians of the Earth” (Ages 6–8)
Students of Determination Category
School
Participant
Result
Al-Awael Private School
Juod Mohammed Omar Mahjoob
Winner
Al Ain Center for Autism
Dhiyab Mahmoud Al Shamsi
1st Runner Up
Al-Awael Private School
Fatima Mohammed Dhahrawi
2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
School
Participant
Result
Abdulrahman Al Nasser School – Cycle 1
Mohammed Mohammed Al-Zaabi
Winner
Bint Al-Shatea School
Shamma Marwan Al-Ghafli
1st Runner Up
Zayed Educational Complex, Dibba Al Fujairah
Mazen Rashid Mohammed
2nd Runner Up
“Sunshine and Rainbows: Celebrating Renewable Energy” (Ages 9–11)
Students of Determination Category
School
Participant
Result
Zayed Foundation for People of Determination, Zayed City Center
Maha Zeyad Al Saadi
Winner
Al Noor Training Centre with People of Determination
Amelia
1st Runner Up
Um Ammar School Cycle 1
Aisha Muhammed Ali Al Shehi
2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
School
Participant
Result
Delhi Private School, Sharjah
Heer Sharma
Winner
Al-Hirah Child Center
Mariam Al Raessi
1st Runner Up
Ambassador School, Dubai
N. Navya
2nd Runner Up
“E-Waste: A Modern-Day Crisis” (Ages 12–14)
Students of Determination Category
School
Participant
Result
Ghayathi Center for Care and Rehabilitation
Essa Mohammed Al Mansori
Winner
Al Noor training Centre with People of Determination
Hima Zahie
1st Runner Up
Al Noor training Centre with People of Determination
Sai
2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
School
Participant
Result
Pearl Wisdom School Bhavans Dubai
Devang Sajesh
Winner tie
AL Ain Juniors School Indian System
Aaleyah Batool
Winner tie
New Indian Model School, Dubai
Muhammed Razi
1st Runner Up
Delhi Private School, Sharjah
Anjali Priyaa
2nd Runner Up
The 2nd part of the awarding ceremony was the winning schools in the 2nd cycle of Art from Waste Competition; they were recognised for their outstanding submissions under each theme:
Project name
Category
Position
Schools
Sea Turtle (aged 9 to 11 years )
Regular
Winner
Al Andeles School – Cycle 1
1st Runner Up
Moza Bint Buti school
2nd Runner Up
Bhavans Pearl Wisdom School, Sharjah
Students of Determination
Winner
Al-Khalidiya School, second and third cycle, for boys-Eastern
1st Runner Up
Al Sila’a Center Abu Dhabi
2nd Runner Up
A NOOR TRAINING CENTRE WITH PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION
Flamingo (students aged 12 to 14 years)
Regular
Winner
Diyar Private Academy – Dibba
1st Runner Up
Al Ain Juniors School, AL Ain
2nd Runner Up
India International School, Sharjah
Students of Determination
Winner
India International School, Sharjah
1st Runner Up
New Academy School
2nd Runner Up
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services – Khorfakkan Branch
Oryx Leucoryx (students aged 15 to 17 years)
Regular
Winner
Dubai International School
1st Runner Up
New Indian Model School, Dubai
2nd Runner Up
Diyar Private Academy – Dibba
Students of Determination
Winner
Fatima Al Zahra Secondary School for Girls
1st Runner Up
Bahethat Albadeya School
EEG extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants for their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to environmental protection.
