UAE leaders renew commitment to sustainability on UAE Environment Day

Dubai: Marking National Environment Day on February 4, the UAE President and the Vice President underlined the country’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the UAE’s dedication to sustainable progress.

“On National Environment Day, we draw inspiration from our history of sustainable progress and renew our determination to protect the environment and preserve its resources for future generations. The UAE remains committed to supporting international climate action efforts and promoting collective responsibility towards shared global challenges,” Sheikh Mohamed shared on his X account.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, urged all community members to embrace a nature-friendly lifestyle.

“National Environment Day is an annual occasion aimed at reinforcing sustainability principles, preserving the environment, and raising awareness among new generations. It is also an occasion to promote eco-friendly behaviours and fosters innovative government and community practices that uphold our national environmental heritage. We urge everyone to contribute to playing his role in maintaining a nature-friendly lifestyle and safeguarding our national sustainability achievements,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on his X account.

‘Act today to shape future’

This year’s National Environment Day theme ‘Our Heritage … Our Future’ aligns with Sheikh Mohamed’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’ underscoring the role of the community as the driving force in the nation’s progress, especially in developing the environment and preserving the natural resources.

Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the National Environment Day emphasises the UAE community’s deep-rooted culture of environmental protection, preservation of natural resources, and sustainable development.

“The nation’s environment is rich in biodiversity, with a thriving agricultural, livestock and fisheries sector. It is also home to numerous species, all of which shape Emirati culture and heritage.”

She noted that National Environment Day celebrates these sustainable practices, recognising them as the foundation for cultivating eco-friendly behaviours in future generations, developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges, and driving sustainable development across all sectors.

“The National Environment Day offers a valuable opportunity for all members of the community to actively engage in the UAE’s climate and environmental work.”

The ministry is set to host community events and activities in collaboration with other authorities leading up to World Environment Day on June 4.

Dr Amna invited community members to participate in events and workshops that highlight the UAE’s heritage of environmental conservation.

“Let us build on this legacy and cultivate eco-friendly behaviours, to make the UAE a global model for sustainability. Our actions today will shape the future. The environmental achievements will become a national legacy that future generations will proudly carry forward,” she said.

Ancestors continue to inspire

The UAE’s Founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, once noted: ‘He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future’. This approach continues to guide the UAE community in all areas of life.

Dr Amna noted that the practices passed down by Emirati ancestors have long inspired the country’s environmental laws, regulations, and initiatives.

“Our ancestors’ eco-friendly practices instilled in us a deep awareness about the environment and shaped a living heritage that we proudly pass down through generations. This legacy inspires our pursuit of a sustainable future for all Emiratis.”

Notable practices that are deeply rooted in the UAE’s heritage include sustainable agriculture and hunting methods, and the reliance on palm trees as a source of food and raw materials for many traditional industries such as “sa’feyat” (palm frond crafts). The community used livestock for milk and leather. Nature played a role in hunting and recreation, with practices such as falconry and camel racing. In response to extreme temperatures, the UAE community invented sustainable methods such as “barajeel” (wind towers) to cool their homes naturally.

The traditional Emirati culinary practices highlight how the community made the best of the environment, creating a tradition that is still celebrated today. These practices are deeply ingrained in the cultural events that shape the Emirati identity.