‘A National Movement’: Over 90,000 Volunteers Unite for UAE Desert Clean-Up

More than 90,000 volunteers across the UAE have taken part in this year’s Clean UAE initiative, transforming a long-running environmental campaign into what organisers describe as a national movement. The annual desert clean-up, organised by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), takes place every December across all seven emirates and concludes in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

For over 24 years, volunteers have given their time and energy to clean the UAE’s deserts, removing waste from natural areas often used for camping and picnics. EEG co-founder and chairperson Dr Habiba Al Mar’ashi recalled that when the initiative first began in 2002, around 4,500 people participated. This year’s turnout, exceeding 90,000 volunteers, reflects growing environmental awareness and community engagement across the country. “This is not just a cleanup. This is a national movement,” she said.

Participants came from all walks of life, united by a shared commitment to protecting the UAE’s natural landscape. In Ras Al Khaimah, pilots J.P. Lemaire and Rob Akron from ActionFlight chose to swap flying over the desert for cleaning it. Having seen from the air how waste accumulates in popular camping areas, they felt compelled to take action on the ground. For them, preserving the beauty of the dunes they fly over daily was both personal and professional.

Families also turned the clean-up into a meaningful day out. Twelve-year-old Chris Rajan joined his parents and sister to help care for the environment. His parents said they wanted to encourage their children’s passion for sustainability, while Chris described the effort as a responsibility to the country they live in. His sister, Christina, highlighted the value of people from different backgrounds coming together, saying small actions can lead to lasting impact.

Volunteers also included hospitality workers, students, teachers, and professionals who used their day off to support environmental causes. Muaawe Shakirah, a waitress in Ras Al Khaimah, said she enjoys volunteering whenever possible, whether for sustainability or social initiatives, and welcomed the chance to interact with people while contributing to a meaningful cause.

According to Dr Al Mar’ashi, the Clean UAE campaign has recorded a total participation of 1.7 million volunteers since its launch in 2002. Active every December, the initiative spans all seven emirates and continues to grow each year.

The core message of the campaign, she said, is that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. While the UAE’s deserts remain rich with wildlife such as camels and gazelles, preserving their natural beauty requires collective action. “This is not just the government’s responsibility,” she said. “It is each and every one of us.”