UAE Launches ‘Naseej’ Initiative to Reduce Textile Waste

The United Arab Emirates has launched ‘Naseej’, a national initiative aimed at reducing textile waste and accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model in the textile sector. The programme seeks to move the industry away from a traditional “use and discard” approach by promoting resource efficiency, reuse and recycling. Launched under the directives of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative will serve as a national platform coordinating policies, research, awareness programmes and sustainability efforts across the textile value chain. Authorities said the project is designed to strengthen long-term environmental resilience while supporting sustainable economic development. According to official estimates, the UAE generates around 220,000 tonnes of textile waste annually. Naseej aims to address this challenge through stronger collection and recycling systems, behavioural awareness initiatives, research programmes and measures that encourage more sustainable consumption patterns. The initiative is built around five strategic pillars: collection and recycling, awareness and outreach, behavioural research, policies and regulations, and circular business innovation. Officials said these measures will help create a more sustainable textile ecosystem while supporting the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031. As part of its public rollout, Naseej will host its first community engagement programme, “The Fabric of Possibility”, in Abu Dhabi from June 5–7, 2026, to raise awareness about textile waste and encourage participation in circular economy practices.