Dubai, UAE: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 35 years of environmental stewardship and advocacy. The anniversary event, held at the Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park, brought together a diverse assembly of government officials, ambassadors, business leaders, and academic representatives to reflect on three decades of progress and to outline a roadmap for a more sustainable future.
Established in 1991, at a time when sustainability was not yet a primary global concern, the EEG has grown from a fledgling grassroots movement into a cornerstone of the UAE’s environmental landscape. Over the years, the organization has translated high-level environmental awareness into tangible action through extensive recycling drives, community clean-up initiatives, tree-planting campaigns, and rigorous education programs.
Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the EEG, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the organization’s long-standing philosophy: that environmental protection is a collective, rather than individual, responsibility.
“Thirty-five years ago, we began with a simple but powerful conviction: protecting our environment is not the responsibility of one institution, one sector or one generation,” Dr. Al Mar’ashi stated. “Awareness must become participation. Participation must become action. And action, sustained over time, needs to translate to impact.”
She noted that the sustainability landscape has undergone a radical transformation since the organization’s inception. Concepts such as the circular economy, net-zero emissions, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) have moved from the periphery of niche discussions to the heart of national and corporate strategy. Throughout this shift, the EEG has acted as a bridge, connecting government policy with private sector participation and public engagement.
The celebration was graced by H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salim bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the EEG’s long-standing honorary member and supporter. Commending the organization’s longevity, he highlighted that the EEG’s true success lies in its ability to foster cooperation across sectors. “Thirty-five years of the Emirates Environmental Group represent far more than the longevity of an organisation,” he noted. “They represent 35 years of bringing people together, educating communities, and transforming environmental responsibility into action.”
The event also featured recognition from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). H.E. Alia Al Harmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector, presented a commemorative plaque to Dr. Al Mar’ashi, acknowledging the EEG’s persistent contribution to the nation’s environmental agenda.
A central theme of the evening was the value of enduring partnerships. The organization honored several long-term allies—including ABB, DEWA, Dubai Municipality, McDonald’s UAE, and various media outlets—whose consistent support has enabled the EEG to scale its campaigns over the decades. Dr. Al Mar’ashi expressed deep gratitude to these entities, noting that they had chosen to support environmental causes long before sustainability became a mainstream corporate priority.
As the organization looks toward the future, the 35th anniversary is being framed not as a conclusion, but as the threshold of a more ambitious chapter. In an era defined by accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss, the EEG has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its impact. The group’s upcoming strategic focus includes strengthening youth participation, advancing circular economy practices, and fostering more robust collaboration between academia, business, and government.
For the EEG, the next phase of its mission is clear: to ensure that the “seeds” planted three decades ago continue to provide a greener, more resilient foundation for the generations to come. By prioritizing measurable, action-oriented outcomes, the organization aims to continue its trajectory as a leading force for environmental change in the UAE and beyond.
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