News Desk
DUBAI: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) proudly concluded the 21st Cycle of the Environmental Drawing Competition (EDC) and the 3rd Cycle of Art from Waste (AfW) Competition with a distinguished awarding ceremony held at The Ismaili Centre Dubai. The event brought together students, educators, dignitaries, corporate representatives, jury members and families to celebrate the remarkable creativity and environmental awareness demonstrated by young participants from across the nation.
This year’s editions witnessed exceptional participation from schools representing all seven Emirates, including institutions supporting students of determination. A total of 611 government and private schools registered for the Environmental Drawing Competition, while 361 schools participated in the Art from Waste initiative, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability education and environmental engagement among the youth of the UAE.
For more than two decades, EEG’s Environmental Drawing Competition has served as a pioneering educational platform that empowers students to explore environmental challenges through artistic expression. The initiative encourages young minds to think critically, creatively and compassionately about the future of the planet while strengthening their understanding of sustainability issues.
The 2026 Environmental Drawing Competition featured three compelling themes tailored to different age groups:
Ages 6 – 8: Saving the Icy Homes of My Polar Friends
Ages 9 – 11: Rivers & Lakes: Lifelines of Our Planet
Ages 12 – 14: Fast Forward –Imagine Earth in the Year 2075
Through these thought-provoking themes, students explored urgent environmental concerns including climate change, freshwater conservation and the future of life on Earth. The submissions reflected not only artistic excellence, but also a deep sense of environmental responsibility, innovation and hope for a sustainable future.
Alongside EDC, EEG also celebrated the success of the 3rd Cycle of Art from Waste an initiative designed to encourage students to rethink waste and embrace the principles of recycling, upcycling and circular economy practices through practical creativity.
This year’s competition challenged students to develop innovative and purposeful creations under the following themes:
Group Age 9 – 11: A Three-Seater Garden Bench
Group Age 12 – 14: Solar Street Lamp: Lighting Pathways
Group Age 15 – 17: Harnessing the Wind: Building a Windmill
The competition showcased the incredible ability of students to transform discarded materials into functional and artistic creations, reinforcing the message that waste can become a valuable resource when approached with creativity and environmental consciousness.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, stated, “Today’s gathering is far more than a celebration of artistic talent and creativity; it is a reflection of a generation that is deeply aware of its surroundings and responsibility towards protecting our planet. Through every drawing, every innovative creation and every thoughtful idea presented, our students have demonstrated the power of art as a voice for environmental stewardship and sustainable living.”
Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi further remarked, “Since the inception of Emirates Environmental Group, we have taken immense pride in nurturing environmentally conscious young minds and grooming future generations to become compassionate leaders, responsible citizens and true ambassadors of sustainability”; she added, “through meaningful educational platforms such as these, we aim to inspire creativity, critical thinking and a lifelong commitment towards protecting our planet and preserving its precious resources for generations to come.”
She also expressed her sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Sharjah Private Education Authority for their continued support in encouraging widespread participation across schools in the UAE; she further extended heartfelt gratitude to The Ismaili Centre Dubai for graciously hosting the awarding ceremony, as well as to Almarai, Dabur, Delmonte, HP and L’Oréal for their generous contribution towards recognising and celebrating the achievements of the young participants.
Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts:
Bahia Shehab, Senior Specialist in Student Skills Development, Counseling and Future Skills Management, Ministry of Education
Dr. Najat Makki, Visual Artist, Member of Dubai Cultural Council
Pari Sagar, Artist
The awarding ceremony was divided into two parts; the first one was for the winning students in in the 21st Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition under each theme:
“Saving the Icy Homes of My Polar Friends” (Ages 6–8)
Students of Determination Category
School
Participant
Result
Abu Dhabi Autism Center – Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination
Dana Abdullah Al Shamsi
Winner
Al Sila Center for Care and Rehabilitation – affiliated with the Zayed Authority for People of Determination
Majid Saeed Al-Mansouri
1st Runner Up
Al Noor Training Centre for People of Disabilities
Hamza Abid
2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
School
Participant
Result
Delhi Private School Sharjah
Aarush Nithin Rajan
Winner
Al Zuhour School
Sedra Mohamed Elsaid
1st Runner Up
Al Madam Children Center
Shamsa Awad Mohammed
2nd Runner Up
“Rivers & Lakes: Lifelines of Our Planet” (Ages 9–11)
Students of Determination Category
School
Participant
Result
Al Noor Training Centre for People of Disabilities
Ardi Victoria
Winner
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services – Eastern Region Branch – Kalba
Alya Hussein Al Mazrouei
1st Runner Up
Al Noor Training Centre for People of Disabilities
Amelia Zalfa
2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
School
Participant
Result
Bint Al Shati’ School
Shamma Marwan Muhammad Al-Ghafli
Winner
Sultan Bin Zayed School
Saleh Aayed Al-Harithi
1st Runner Up
Al Hikma Private School – Al-Nuaimiya
Yara Tamer Zakaria
2nd Runner Up
“Fast Forward –Imagine Earth in the Year 2075” (Ages 12–14)
Students of Determination Category
School
Participant
Result
Zayed Authority for People of Determination – Al Ain Care and Rehabilitation Center
Yousuf Mohammed Saeed
Winner
GEMS New Millennium School Dubai
Zaara Mohamed Saif
1st Runner Up
Alain Autism Center
Mubarak Saeed Mohammed Qannas Al Ameri
2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
School
Participant
Result
Al Zuhour School
Hoor Badir Mohamed
Winner
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari
Hamad Saeed Khalifa Yousuf Al Zaabi
1st Runner Up
Al Dhafra Private Schools
Zainab Husain Mohamed Sadiq Alkhoori
2nd Runner Up
The 2nd part of the awarding ceremony was the winning schools in the 3rd cycle of Art from Waste Competition; they were recognised for their outstanding submissions under each theme:
Project name
Category
Position
Schools
A Three-Seater Garden Bench (aged 9 to 11 years)
Regular
Winner
New Indian Model School, Dubai
1st Runner Up
India International School Sharjah
2nd Runner Up (Tie)
Al-Sahwa School for Basic and Secondary Education – Girls
2nd Runner Up (Tie)
Al Rayan Cycle 1
Students of Determination
Winner
Dibba Al Fujairah School, Third Grade, Girls
1st Runner Up
Rumeitha Al-Ansari, Cycle One
2nd Runner Up
Alkhalidiah School cycle 3 boys
Solar Street Lamp: Lighting Pathways (aged 12 to 14 years)
Regular
Winner
Sharjah Public School
1st Runner Up (Tie)
Ambassador School Sharjah
1st Runner Up (Tie)
Asia Bent Muzahem School C2
2nd Runner Up
Arcadia Global School
Students of Determination
Winner
Asia Bent Muzahem School C2
Harnessing the Wind: Building a Windmill (aged 15 to 17 years)
Regular
Winner
Dunes International School
1st Runner Up
Umm al-Mu’minin School
2nd Runner Up
Emirates National Schools – Al Ain Campus
Special Recognition
Applied Technology Schools-UAQ Boys
Students of Determination
Winner
Ambassador School Sharjah
1st Runner Up
Al Noor Training Centre for People of Disabilities
EEG extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants for their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to environmental protection.
