Dubai, UAE – 14 November 2026 – The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) has celebrated three decades of community-driven environmental action with the successful completion of the 30th Cycle of its Aluminium Can Collection Drive under the slogan “Turn Your Can into Climate Action.”
Launched in 1997, the campaign has grown from a pioneering recycling initiative into one of the UAE’s longest-running community environmental programmes. This landmark edition brought together government entities, corporations, educational institutions, hospitality businesses, logistics and facility management companies, families and individuals across the country in a strong show of collective responsibility.
Key Results of the 30th Cycle
• 16,755 kilograms of aluminium cans collected
• 301 entities from diverse sectors actively participated
• Cumulative collection since 1997 now stands at 510,624 kilograms
These sustained efforts over 30 years have delivered measurable environmental benefits, including the reduction of approximately 7,664.46 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions, energy savings of 116,210.59 million British Thermal Units (BTU), and the conservation of 12,395.20 cubic metres of landfill space.
Among the top contributors in this cycle were wasl, Emirates Flight Catering and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. EEG has specially recognised these organisations for their strong commitment and ability to mobilise large-scale participation.
Families and the Year of Family 2026
The 30th Cycle carried added significance during the UAE’s Year of Family 2026. EEG highlighted the vital role of families in building environmental awareness and passing sustainable values to the next generation. The campaign encouraged children, parents and communities to collect cans together, reinforcing that environmental responsibility begins at home.
Leadership Perspective
Dr Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, said:
“Thirty cycles are not simply a measure of time. They represent thirty cycles of commitment, determination and shared responsibility. When we launched this campaign in 1997, we believed that meaningful environmental change could begin with a single responsible action. Today, that belief has become a powerful national movement…
Every Aluminium Can that has been collected tells a story of conscious choice. Every school that participates helps nurture future environmental leaders. Every organisation that contributes demonstrates that corporate responsibility must translate into practical action. And every family that takes part reinforces the values that will shape a more sustainable society.”
She added that the Can Collection Drive aligns with the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031, the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, and several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, climate action and sustainable communities. Aluminium’s ability to be recycled repeatedly makes its recovery an important contribution to resource conservation and the circular economy.
Partners and Support
EEG expressed deep appreciation to its government partners — Dubai Municipality, Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, Dubai Sustainable Tourism, Department of Tourism and Culture of Ajman Municipality, and Fujairah Environment Authority — for their continued cooperation.
Corporate logistics partners who supported the drive included American International School Abu Dhabi (AISA), Abela & Co, Berkeley Services, Tristar Group, Dutco Construction, McDonald’s UAE, RAK Ceramics, Labotel Workers’ Village, ISS Relocations, Globelink West Star Shipping, Sharjah National Lube Oil Co. and Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments.
Media partners Al Murad Group, biz Today, Climate Control Middle East, Gulf News and Pan Asian Media, along with Arabia CSR Network as CSR Partner, helped amplify the campaign message. Lucky Recycling provided professional recycling services for the collected aluminium.
Looking Ahead
As EEG marks its 35th anniversary, the organisation stressed that the 30th Cycle is not an end point but a continuation of responsibility. Growing consumption, resource pressures and climate challenges make sustained action more important than ever.
“Thirty cycles have demonstrated the extraordinary results that can emerge from simple actions sustained over time,” the Group noted. “The next chapter will depend on our collective determination to carry those actions forward.”
Turn Your Can into Climate Action. Thirty Cycles of Commitment. A Future of Responsibility.
Source: Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) press release, 14 November 2026
