UAE President launches initiative to transform textile sector

A national initiative to transition the textile sector in the UAE towards a circular economic system has been launched under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Titled ‘Naseej’, it will be formed through a partnership between the National Projects Office, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group.

It will serve as a unified national platform coordinating policy, industry action, research, and public engagement across the textile value chain.

With textile waste volumes estimated to reach approximately 220,000 tonnes annually in the UAE, ‘Naseej’ will also tackle the growing challenge with an approach that strengthens collection and recycling systems, advances research and innovation, and fosters a culture of conscious consumption aligned with circular economy principles.

The initiative's mandate is anchored in five strategic pillars: Collection and Recycling, Awareness and Outreach, Behavioural Research, Policies and Regulations, and Circular Business and Innovation.

The groundwork of the project began during COP28, with the support of the National Projects Office within the Presidential Court, and progressed through a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with key partners across the textile ecosystem.

It aims to roll out a series of national programmes to support sustainable textile practices, including an upcoming community activation and immersive experience, “The Fabric of Possibility”, which invites individuals and families to reflect on the impact of textile waste, explore practical sustainable solutions, and actively participate in shaping a more circular future. It will be held from June 5-7 at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, with more experiences to expand in other UAE regions in the next phases. 

Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects, stated that the initaitve "reflects a forward-looking vision that transforms challenges into lasting opportunities by driving positive behavioural change, encouraging responsible resource use, and empowering community participation and volunteering". 

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, added that 'Naseej' will see the "establishment of a national framework that aligns policy, industry action, and public participation under this shared vision for a circular economy".