UAE Circular Economy Council Discusses Plans for 2021-2031 Policy Implementation
UAE Circular Economy Council Discusses Plans for 2021-2031 Policy Implementation. WAM
ABU DHABI: The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting since being restructured earlier this year. Led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Council, the meeting focused on new ideas and steps to implement the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031. This policy aims to enhance sustainability and encourage the efficient use of resources.
Key Goals and Proposals
The Council reviewed several proposed projects to support the country’s shift to a circular economy. One highlighted initiative was the ‘Aluminium Recycling Coalition,’ which aims to improve aluminium recycling operations in the UAE.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to building an integrated circular economy system. He noted that this approach aligns with the national “We the UAE 2031” vision, which prioritizes sustainable economic growth.
“We are working to make the circular economy a core pillar of our economic model by integrating innovation and digital solutions. This includes collaboration with federal and local government entities as well as private sector partners,” said Al Marri. The Council’s National Circular Economy Agenda includes 22 approved policies designed to position the UAE as a global hub for circular economy practices by the next decade.
Progress and Achievements
During the meeting, the Council reflected on key milestones, including integrating circular economy topics into the Investopia Summit. Over its past three editions, the Summit provided a global platform to explore investment opportunities, focusing on sectors like manufacturing, green infrastructure, and transportation.
In 2022 and 2023, the Council convened four times to drive the transition to a sustainable economy. The most recent meeting, held at the Landmark Group headquarters, also celebrated the opening of the ‘Landmark CircuLife’ textile recycling facility.
Innovative Textile Recycling Facility
The Landmark CircuLife facility is the first of its kind in the UAE and the region. With advanced recycling technology, it processes over 200,000 tons of textile waste annually, diverting 90% of this waste from landfills. This project highlights the UAE’s commitment to green growth and strong public-private partnerships.
Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman of Landmark Group, stated, “Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. Over the past decade, we have implemented initiatives across our operations to reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, CEO of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, noted the Council’s progress at the midpoint of its 10-year strategy. She emphasized the need for greater innovation and accountability in achieving measurable sustainability goals.
The UAE Circular Economy Council continues to drive the nation’s vision for sustainable development, ensuring that economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand.
