The UAE has introduced Naseej, a new national initiative aimed at reducing textile waste. Launched by the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group, Naseej seeks to shift the country's textile sector away from a 'use and discard' model and towards one focused on reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency.
Key Objectives of Naseej
Naseej is built on five pillars: collection and recycling, awareness and outreach, behavioural research, policies and regulations, and circular business innovation. The platform will bring together government entities, businesses, researchers, and community organisations to coordinate action across the textile value chain.
The initiative targets approximately 220,000 tonnes of annual textile waste through collection, recycling, and research. This significant amount of waste presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for sustainable innovation. By addressing this issue, Naseej aims to contribute to the UAE's broader sustainability goals and support the country's transition to a more circular economy.
Public Engagement and Implementation
Members of the public will get their first chance to engage with the initiative through 'The Fabric of Possibility,' an interactive activation taking place at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi from June 5th to 7th. The event will explore the impact of textile waste and showcase more sustainable alternatives, with additional editions planned across the UAE.
The launch of Naseej reflects a collaborative approach to addressing environmental challenges in the UAE. By bringing together various stakeholders, the initiative aims to leverage collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful change in the textile sector. As the UAE continues to grow and develop, initiatives like Naseej play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste.
What's Next for Naseej
As Naseej rolls out its programmes, it will be important to monitor its progress and impact. With its focus on collection and recycling, awareness and outreach, and circular business innovation, Naseej has the potential to make a significant difference in the UAE's textile sector. Readers can expect to see further developments from Naseej in the coming months, including the implementation of new recycling systems, research findings, and innovative circular solutions for the industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Naseej initiative in the UAE?
Naseej is a national platform launched by the UAE’s National Projects Office, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation and Tadweer Group to shift the textile sector from a ‘use‑and‑discard’ model to one focused on reuse, recycling and resource efficiency.
How much textile waste does the Naseej initiative aim to tackle each year?
The programme targets roughly 220,000 tonnes of textile waste annually through collection, recycling and research activities.
Who are the key partners behind the Naseej platform?
Naseej is a collaborative effort between the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation and the Tadweer Group, bringing together government, business, research and community organisations.
When and where can the public first engage with Naseej?
The public can interact with the initiative at ‘The Fabric of Possibility’ activation in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, from 5 to 7 June, with further events planned across the UAE.
What are the five pillars that underpin the Naseej initiative?
Naseej is built on five pillars: collection and recycling, awareness and outreach, behavioural research, policies and regulations, and circular business innovation.
