UAE Minister for Environment and Water to inaugurate GPCAs 'Clean Up The Gulf' Event

The announcement came as the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) confirmed that the Yas Island beach area in Abu Dhabi will be the second area in the UAE to benefit from the 'Clean Up The Gulf' campaign.

Additionally, Borouge, a GPCA member company, pledged to further dedicate its resources to the operation, with employees devoting half a day to join the clean ups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water assures that the participation, co-operation and involvement of individuals, corporations and organizations from both public and private sectors is vital to addressing issues pertaining to the environment.

His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad said: "The involvement in an initiative such as 'Clean Up The Gulf' confirms the commitment of the diverse segments of the community in protecting the environment. This comes as a reflection of the strategic vision of the UAE leaders' diligence to ensure that the environment is sustained for future generations, which correlates with the strategic visions and objectives of the Ministry of Environment and Water to ensure the security and protection of environmental biodiversity by inculcating the ministry's slogan 'My Environment My Responsibility' amongst all community segments. It is crucially important to develop the sense of responsibility towards sustaining the environment."

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, said: "We're exceptionally honoured to have such great support from the Ministry of Environment and Water and His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad for 'Clean Up The Gulf', and the additional cooperation from our member companies like Borouge demonstrates that the petrochemical industry is serious about looking after the local environment."

Dr. Sadoun added: "Industry RE is partnering with us to collect waste, recycle it and provide us with a report on carbon foot print and the amount of waste collected during the clean ups, which will give us a valuable snapshot of the health of our marine environment," added Dr. Sadoun.
"This will highlight some clear areas where the industry in the UAE and the region needs to improve its operations with regards to the environment," Dr. Sadoun commented.

'Clean Up The Gulf' is a new annual campaign which the GPCA hopes will soon become the largest environmental awareness initiative of its type in the Gulf.

The campaign is supported by INJAZ UAE, a youth-focused community organisation involving business, educators and volunteers, which is helping to encourage participation in the clean-ups in the UAE, highlighting the issue of environmental awareness and responsibility for the local environment. Approximately 200 students from various schools will so far be participating in the clean ups in the UAE.

'Clean Up The Gulf' will also see litter-collection teams assembled at locations outside the UAE, including Kuwait and Al Jubail, Riyadh, and Rabigh in Saudi Arabia.