UAE President Launches ‘Naseej’ Initiative to Transform Textile Sector into Circular Economy Model
Abu Dhabi: Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the National Initiative for Textile Circularity, known as ‘Naseej,’ has been officially launched. This strategic initiative aims to transition the textile sector in the UAE towards a circular economic model, moving away from traditional linear consumption and disposal practices.
Objectives of the Naseej Initiative
Naseej seeks to establish an integrated model that preserves resources, captures economic value, and aligns sustainability with long-term national development goals. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group. It serves as a unified platform to coordinate policy, industry actions, research, and public engagement throughout the textile value chain.
Heritage and Inspiration
The initiative draws on the UAE’s rich heritage of preservation, craftsmanship, and resourcefulness. It acknowledges the historical significance of textiles in the lives of Emiratis and their role in the nation’s economic development. Naseej aims to embed circular thinking into everyday practices, reinforcing values that have long been part of the UAE’s culture.
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects, emphasized that Naseej reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to sustainability as a collective national responsibility. She stated that the initiative transforms challenges into opportunities by fostering positive behavioral changes, encouraging responsible resource use, and promoting community participation.
Vision for Sustainable Development
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Foundation, remarked that the Naseej initiative is a significant step towards integrating the concept of a circular economy into the UAE’s sustainable development framework. He noted that it reflects the leadership’s vision for innovation-led growth, uniting various stakeholders to rethink resource valuation and preservation.
Addressing Textile Waste
Textile waste is a growing challenge both globally and within the UAE, where annual textile waste is estimated to reach around 220,000 tonnes. Naseej aims to tackle this issue with a structured national approach that enhances collection and recycling systems, promotes research and innovation, and cultivates a culture of conscious consumption aligned with circular economy principles.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted that the UAE has prioritized the development of a comprehensive circular economy system in line with global best practices. He noted that Naseej establishes a national framework that aligns policy, industry actions, and public participation, moving from fragmented voluntary efforts to a cohesive national system.
Strategic Framework
Naseej’s mandate is built on five strategic pillars: Collection and Recycling, Awareness and Outreach, Behavioral Research, Policies and Regulations, and Circular Business and Innovation. These pillars create a robust foundation for transforming the textile sector, ensuring long-term value retention, system resilience, and measurable environmental and economic impacts.
The groundwork for Naseej was laid during COP28, with support from the National Projects Office and through a series of Memorandums of Understanding signed with key partners across the textile ecosystem. These partnerships include fashion brands, manufacturers, collection and recycling operators, research institutions, and community organizations, fostering an integrated national framework for collaboration.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
As part of its public launch, Naseej will host its inaugural community activation, “The Fabric of Possibility,” from June 5 to June 7, 2026, at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. This immersive experience invites individuals and families to reflect on the impact of textile waste, explore sustainable solutions, and actively participate in shaping a circular future. The initiative plans to expand to other regions across the UAE in subsequent phases.
Following its launch, Naseej will implement a series of national programs aimed at promoting sustainable textile practices, enhancing collection and recycling infrastructure, and advancing research and market development initiatives that facilitate scalable circular solutions throughout the UAE.
By aligning policy, industry leadership, and community involvement within a unified national framework, Naseej strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in circular economy implementation. The initiative exemplifies a practical model for balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future for generations to come.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-06-01 12:23:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk