Emirates Environmental Group Celebrates 35 Years of Environmental Leadership, Partnership and Impact in the UAE
Landmark anniversary honours long-standing partners who have supported EEG’s journey and reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to shaping the next generation of environmental action
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) marked a defining milestone in its journey as it celebrated its 35th Anniversary, bringing together government representatives, Ambassadors, Consul Generals, business leaders, sustainability professionals, Corporate and academic members, media houses, partners and long-standing supporters at the Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park.
The occasion celebrated more than three decades of environmental leadership, community action and partnerships, while setting the direction for EEG’s next chapter of deeper collaboration, innovation and measurable environmental impact.
Established in 1991, at a time when sustainability had yet to become a mainstream global priority, EEG has grown into one of the UAE’s most established environmental bodies, creating platforms that connect government, business, academia and the diverse communities around a common environmental purpose.
Over the decades, EEG has consistently worked to translate environmental awareness into tangible actions through recycling programmes, waste management initiatives, tree planting, community clean-up campaigns, environmental education, capacity building, corporate engagement and platforms for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Addressing the distinguished gathering, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, reflected on the organisation’s journey and the collective effort that has sustained its mission for more than three decades.
“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. It is the responsibility of all of us.”
Dr. Habiba reflected on how dramatically the sustainability landscape has evolved since EEG was established. Concepts such as climate action, the circular economy, ESG, net zero and biodiversity conservation have moved from specialist discussions to the centre of government strategies, corporate boardrooms and public consciousness. Throughout this transformation, EEG has remained consistent and focused on connecting ambition with participation and participation with meaningful action.
“Awareness must become participation. Participation must become action. And action, sustained over time, needs to translate to impact. This philosophy has guided EEG throughout its journey and will continue to define the chapter ahead.”
She also highlighted the privilege of EEG growing alongside the remarkable development of the United Arab Emirates, a nation that has increasingly placed environmental stewardship, climate action, innovation and responsible development at the heart of its ambitions. EEG has contributed to this journey by creating practical opportunities for businesses, institutions, communities and individuals to participate in advancing environmental responsibility.
The anniversary celebration was distinguished by the presence of H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salim bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Honorary Member of EEG and the organisation’s longest-standing supporter, whose patronage, encouragement and commitment to environmental protection have accompanied many of EEG’s programmes and initiatives throughout the years.
Reflecting on EEG’s 35-year journey and the importance of sustained collaboration, H.H. Sheikh Salim said:
“Thirty-five years of the Emirates Environmental Group represent far more than the longevity of an organisation. They represent 35 years of bringing people together, educating communities and transforming environmental responsibility into action. I am proud to have witnessed and supported this journey over many years. EEG has demonstrated that lasting environmental progress is achieved when government, business, academia and society work together with a shared sense of responsibility and purpose.”
H.H. Sheikh Salim also highlighted the importance of looking beyond the anniversary itself and towards the environmental responsibilities of the coming decades.
“As we celebrate what has been achieved, we must also look ahead. The environmental challenges facing our world require stronger partnerships, greater innovation and meaningful actions. I congratulate Dr. Habiba, the EEG team, its members, partners and volunteers on this important milestone, and I look forward to continuing our journey together towards an even more sustainable future for our beloved United Arab Emirates.”
The celebration also featured congratulatory remarks given by H.E. Alia Al Harmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the Ministry recognised EEG’s 35 years of contribution to environmental awareness, community engagement and sustainability in the UAE. On behalf of Her Excellency the Minister, H.E. Alia also presented a commemorative plaque to Dr Habiba Al Mar’ashi, marking the organisation’s 35th Anniversary and acknowledging its longstanding contribution to advancing environmental action in the country.
A particularly meaningful part of the celebration was the recognition of organisations that have stood alongside EEG throughout its journey and contributed to advancing its environmental mission.
Select individuals and long-standing organisations were honoured for the important role they have played in EEG’s 35-year journey, recognising their continued belief, encouragement, partnership and contribution to the organisation’s growth and environmental mission.
Among the organisations recognised were ABB, Abela & Co, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Al Dhafra TV, Al Murad Group, Apparel Group, AtkinsRéalis, DEWA, Dubai Municipality, Dubai TV, DUCAB, Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah TV, Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Lucky Recycling, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), McDonald’s UAE, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) and Wasl. Their longstanding support has helped strengthen EEG’s campaigns, extend its reach across communities and amplify its environmental message over the years.
Their recognition reflected one of the principles that has defined EEG throughout its 35-year history: lasting environmental progress is built through partnerships that endure beyond individual campaigns, projects and events.
“There is something profoundly meaningful about relationships that endure. To our long-standing partners, thank you for believing in us before sustainability became fashionable, for growing with us and, most importantly, for continuing to stand beside us today,” Dr. Habiba said.
The celebration also acknowledged the essential contribution of EEG’s wider network of government partners, corporate members, educational institutions, volunteers, young people and members of the diplomatic and international community, whose collective involvement has enabled EEG to broaden its reach and impact over the years.
While the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on 35 years of achievements, EEG emphasised that the anniversary represents not an end point, but the beginning of a more ambitious chapter.
Against the backdrop of accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, pressure on natural resources and rapidly evolving sustainability expectations, EEG reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between government, business, academia and society.
The organisation will continue to advance environmental education and community engagement and mobilisation, strengthen youth participation, promote circular economy practices and responsible resource management, support biodiversity conservation and deepen corporate engagement in sustainability.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Habiba emphasised that the responsibility accompanying 35 years of experience is equally as important as the achievements being celebrated.
“Thirty-five years ago, we planted seeds. Today, we stand together beneath the branches of what those seeds have become. Our responsibility now is to ensure that what we leave behind is stronger, greener and more resilient for those who will come after us.”
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment from EEG and its community of members, partners and supporters to continue advancing environmental responsibility and collective action across the UAE and beyond.
As EEG enters its next chapter, it remains guided under the guidance of the wise leadership of the country by the principle that the future of sustainability will not be shaped by promises alone, but by partnerships, participation and measurable action.
