DED rolls out a comprehensive recycling program for 2006

Notes and media contacts

For further information, please contact:
Sudha Chandran/ Mahmoud Abdulla
ASDA'A Public Relations
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971-4-3344550,
Fax: +971-4-3344556

About Department of Economic Development (DED):
The Department of Economic Development (DED) was established in March 1992, with the objective to organise, regulate and boost trade and industry within the Emirate of Dubai. The DED has moulded its mission of building a futuristic establishment, in accordance with the vision of the Government of Dubai and in the light of globalisation and the requirements of a digital economy. One of its key functions is to encourage local and foreign investments in commercial and industrial projects, and create the appropriate environment for investors.

The DED's other functions comprise a wide range of regulatory activities including the preparation and maintenance of a commercial register and the supervision of all organisations. The DED is responsible for regulating the affairs of commercial agents and brokers and commercial advertising offices, in addition to overseeing and controlling the insurance industry in the Emirate. Examining the participation of the government in the private sector and representing the government in companies where it has a stake, also comes under the purview of the DED.

About Emirates Environmental Group (EEG):

The EEG is a non-profit non-government organization, established in 1991. They have a strong relationship with the United Nations, reflected in their accreditation to the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The EEG has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The EEG is the first environmental NGO in the world to be accredited with the ISO 14001 certification for its environment management system.

In 2001, they started recycling efforts in the United Arab Emirates with 6 client organisations, and have now expanded their efforts to over 247 organisations. No organisations have dropped out of the program. Moreover, collections from most organisations have risen sharply once employees have been educated to the benefits of recycling (e.g. there were many reports of employees bringing recyclables from home to their places of work for collection by EEG).