H.E. Dr. Amna Al Dahak: Earth Day to raise public plastic awareness and reinforce the UAE’s transition towards a circular economy

Press release

Published April 22nd, 2024 - 07:27 GMT

HE Dr Amna Al Dahak

Dubai, UAE, 21 March 2024: Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized Earth Day's importance as a key platform for raising awareness about reducing plastic use across society and economic sectors, reinforcing the UAE's transition to a circular economy.

H.E. Al Dahak said: “This year's Earth Day theme, 'Planet vs. Plastic,' raises awareness about the growing problem of plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and the environment, posing a direct threat to human life and ecosystems. Over the past two decades, global plastic waste production has doubled. The UAE has been proactive in addressing this issue, enacting laws to restrict single-use plastic products and implementing policies to significantly reduce plastic pollution.”

Her Excellency highlighted the UAE's Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, aimed at promoting sustainable management and optimal use of natural resources. By adopting innovative consumption and production methods, the UAE aims to protect the well-being of both present and future generations. Her Excellency emphasized that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment collaborates with various federal and government entities via the UAE's Circular Economy Council to amplify the private sector's involvement in advancing the circular economy. The Council also aims to strengthen the 'Scale 360' initiative, in which the UAE is the first signatory globally. Additionally, Her Excellency outlined the reduction of plastic imports, production, and usage as key objectives for the Council and the Ministry in the coming years.

H.E. Al Dahak concluded, "Raising public awareness about responsible plastic use is fundamental to mitigating plastic pollution. It's part of our holistic approach to enhancing environmental consciousness and promoting eco-friendly practices throughout society. This effort is crucial in supporting the Ministry and related entities to achieve climate and environmental sustainability goals and to pave the way for a resilient future for the UAE."

Background Information

UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

Environmental action has witnessed significant developments at the institutional level over four decades, starting with the Supreme Committee for Environment in 1975, to the Federal Environment Agency in 1993, and then the Ministry of Environment and Water in 2006. These developments reflected, on one hand, the progress of interest in environmental issues, locally and internationally, and on the other hand, the expansion in the perception of the value of environmental element in the overall development in the UAE.