After igniting the torch of Clean and Green environment, in all the 6 emirates of the UAE, the 20th edition of Clean up UAE organised by Emirates Environmental Group, concluded the last leg in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah on 16-Dec-2021. The Cleanup UAE was conducted under the Patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment and in close collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department. The event witnessed the involvement of more than 450 participants and the collection of more than 1.5 tonne of waste. The total waste collected from all the 7 Emirates was 30 tonnes collected by more than 8150 participants who covered an area of 35 KM .

The opening ceremony began with speeches by the Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi followed by a welcoming note from the Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Public Services H.E. Eng. Ahmad Al Hammadi.

Mrs. Al Marashi in her opening speech highlighted the milestone that the Clean Up UAE campaign has achieved. Being launched in 2002, this year the Campaign concluded its 20th cycle! She said The journey is going on since 20 years; has contained the same message that environmental protection is everyones responsibility. The Clean Up Campaign was able to celebrate the legacy of the founding leader, by honoring his vision and passion for a clean and green UAE. We affirm that we in the Emirates Environment Group, are very grateful for the visionary leadership of our country, which provided a unique, safe and healthy environment for all

Appreciating the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department she further said Partnership for achieving positive impact is regarded highly in the EEG work culture. We are thankful to the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department for extending their much needed support to make this event a grand success

H.E. Eng. Al Hammadi, on his turn reiterated the importance of the effective partnerships during his speech. He further stated It gives me great pleasure to welcome you today to the Clean up UAE campaign in this beautiful area of Al Mazra and we are happy to collaborate with the Emirates Environmental Group in their national campaign, which aims to consolidate the concept of sustainability and maintain cleanliness in our society.

The Department of Public Services in Ras Al Khaimah, under the directives of the Chairman of the department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is always keen to preserve the environment by organising and participating in awareness campaigns that aim to spread positive awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and the necessity of stopping littering.

It is also worth noting the importance of peoples awareness of the concept of sustainability and how to preserve it by rationalising the consumption of natural resources and keeping the land clean and free from any pollutants that could harm the environment and natural resources that have been gifted by God for the continuity of life and for sustainability so that our Emirate remains beautiful and green towards a sustainable Ras Al Khaimah.

As an accredited body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), EEG is proud to record positive achievements of the Clean Up UAE 2021 campaign which endorses several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) including Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; 13: Climate Action; Goal 15: Life on Land and Goal 17: Partnerships for Goals. Mrs. Habiba expressed her gratitude towards the sponsors and supporters of the campaign. The main sponsors of the Campaign being OASIS and ZURICH, McDonalds UAE the co-sponsor and the support sponsors; Abu Dhabi Terminals, CANPACK, Dubai Investments, OUNASS and RAKBANK.

The supporting entities were also appreciated for their commitment; they included Lacnor, Aster Volunteers, Royal Bakers, Dabur, du, Emarat, Barakat, BYRNE, Al Ain water and Fujairah Plastic Factories. The official communication Partner of the campaign; ASDAA BCW, the Media houses that supported the campaign and helped it reach to all sectors of the society, Gulf News, Radio 4 and Climate Control Magazine, were also greatly appreciated.

The actual clean-up began with the distribution of reusable cotton gloves and biodegradable garbage bags for collection of trash. Their tireless efforts were rewarded with refreshments and light snacks provided by supporting entities such as Oasis water, Lacnor Juice and Royal Bakers.

Ms. Reena Vivek, CEO of Zurich Middle East (The Main Sponsor of the Campaign) quoted : At Zurich, we believe that sustainability needs to be a part of every companys DNA and core business strategy. Not only do we need to have conversations around it, but as a community, we need to translate these dialogues into actions. Our partnership with EEG will take our commitment to the regions sustainable goals one step further and help us make a direct contribution to the vision of a more sustainable UAE.

Mr. Ali Bin Hamoodah, CEO, National Food Products Company (The Main Sponsor of the Campaign) said : Our brands Oasis and Lacnor are on a long-term mission to inspire the next generation of youth towards creating a sustainable and healthier tomorrow. We couldnt imagine a better way to kick-off the first official activity of the Oasis Kids Council for the Environment than by partnering with the Emirates Environmental Group on their well-known, sustainability driven annual initiative Clean Up UAE. This initiative is crucial, not only for driving awareness on the importance of a clean environment, but also for taking an action, and teaching youth by example. Taking care of our environment, means taking care of our future and NFPC, with its leading brands Lacnor and Oasis, is proud to stand for the right cause of clean environment and to be on the leading front of positive change for the future.