The UAE has launched Naseej, a National Initiative for Textile Circularity, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking a significant step toward transforming the country's textile sector into a circular economic system.
Formed through a strategic partnership between the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group, Naseej functions as a unified national platform coordinating policy, industry action, research, and public engagement across the textile value chain. The initiative directly addresses a growing domestic challenge, with annual textile waste in the UAE estimated at approximately 220,000 tonnes.
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects, described the initiative as a reflection of sustainability as a shared national responsibility, one that transforms challenges into lasting opportunities through responsible resource use and community participation.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said Naseej moves the country from fragmented voluntary efforts to an organized national system, contributing to the goals of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031.
The initiative is structured around five strategic pillars: Collection and Recycling, Awareness and Outreach, Behavioural Research, Policies and Regulations, and Circular Business and Innovation. Its groundwork began during COP28, supported by a series of MOUs with fashion brands, manufacturers, recycling operators, research institutions, and community organisations.
As part of its public launch, Naseej will host "The Fabric of Possibility," an inaugural community activation running from 5 to 7 June 2026 at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand across the UAE in subsequent phases.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
