DUBAI: “Say YES to Recycling, NO to Carbon Emissions” – This resounding message echoed across the UAE as Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) conducted its the 29th cycle of its renowned special edition of the Can Collection Drive, a flagship initiative launched in 1997 that marked the very beginning of EEG’s journey to mobilise communities for environmental protection. 2025, Over nearly three decades, this landmark campaign has evolved into a powerful national movement—galvanising individuals, institutions, and industries towards a collective environmental action. a landmark initiative that continues to galvanise communities and organisations towards collective environmental action. Standing as a meaningful testament to the UAE’s enduring commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and the pursuit of a circular economy, the Can Collection Drive continues to exemplify how grassroots participation can translate into tangible climate action.
The drive stands as a meaningful testament to the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and the pursuit of a circular economy. Building on the success of earlier Can Collection events, the November drive reaffirmed that when individuals, institutions, and corporations work together for the environment, extraordinary outcomes are achieved.
The initiative aligns with UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, emphasising the power of shared responsibility in achieving national and global sustainability targets. On this impactful day, participants from across the Emirates joined forces to promote the culture of recycling, resource efficiencyconservation, and climate consciousness. Schoolsacademic institutions, families, corporations, government bodies, and the hospitality community alike rallied behind EEG’s call for action, proving once again that sustainability in the UAE transcends sectors and generations—it is a shared duty and a proud reflection of the nation’s collective spirit.
The initiative aligns with several UN SDGs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17 — Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) — underscoring the power of shared responsibility in advancing both national and global sustainability targets.The initiative aligns with UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, emphasising the power of shared responsibility in achieving national and global sustainability targets.
From schoolchildren and families to corporate entities and government departments, the UAE once again demonstrated that sustainability is not merely a choice—it is a shared duty and an expression of national pride.
Key Highlights of the November 2025 Drive
12,946XXXX kg of aluminium cans collected on the day
Over 476,316XXXXXX kg collected since the inception of the programme
Participation from more than 170XXXXX entities representing from all the seven Emirates
These achievements symbolise the UAE’s growing awareness of environmental conservation and its ongoing journey towards a net-zero future. The collective efforts of all participants helped prevent approximately 7,150XXXX metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, directly contributing to the UAE’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
In her remarks, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, said, “The resounding success of the Can Collection Drive 2025 stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community unites with purpose. It exemplifies the UAE’s enduring spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility, where individuals, educational institutions, and public & private corporations entities come together to champion the cause of sustainability. Every can collected represents far more than a metal— it embodies awareness, collective responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to protecting our planet and shaping a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.
This initiative also beautifully aligns with the Year of Community, a national movement that celebrates unity, civic engagement, and the collective power of people to create positive change. Through this campaign, EEG reinforces the belief that environmental protection is not a solitary pursuit but a shared national duty — one that thrives on cooperation, compassion, and community spirit.”
EEG extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, government entities , and corporate partners whose contributions were pivotal to the success of this campaign. The continued support of government partners; — Dubai Municipality, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Sustainable Tourism, Ajman Tourism, and Fujairah Environment Authority — remains essential in advancing national initiatives for environmental protection and sustainable development.
EEG also expresses gratitude to its long-standing corporate partners, including American International School Abu Dhabi (AISA), Abela & Co, McDonald’s UAE, RAK Ceramics, Berkeley Services, Dutco, 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 and Two Season Hotel and Apartments; among others, for their unwavering commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. ; our EEG also extends its 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 like to express our sincere appreciation also to Lucky Recycling for its professional recycling services, which ensures that every can collected is repurposed recycled responsibly and efficiently in the UAE.
As the UAE advances its sustainability agenda, EEG remains steadfast in its mission to engage, educate, and empower communities to take ownership of their environmental impact. The Can Collection Drive is more than a recycling campaign—it is a movement that inspires positive change, strengthens partnerships, and shapes a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Let us continue to say YES to recycling and NO to Carbon Emissions, as we collectively work towards protecting our planet and preserving its resources for generations to come.
