UAE's Paper Bag Boy makes new pledge on Environment Day

Dubai: A 23-year-old Dubai student, who came to be known as the Paper Bag Boy after Gulf News carried a story on him when he was eight, is now going places with his environmental strides.

As Abdul Muqeet prepared to celebrate UAE Environment Day today with a community initiative this morning, he said, “Gulf News has always helped me propel my message to the public, allowing me to spread awareness at a local and international level. With awareness, action follows.”

Muqeet first hit the headlines for recycling newspapers and distributing them among residents at the age of eight.

He said, “It’s important to remember that protecting our planet is a shared responsibility, not just for today but for the future. With 2025 declared as the Year of Community by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have a unique opportunity to come together—families, businesses, and individuals—to build a more sustainable and connected future.”

Today, on UAE Environment Day, Muqeet is leveraging the power of digital platforms to drive awareness and inspire action.

Releasing a dedicated Instagram reel, using visual engagement, he is highlighting the significance of not just this day, but also the broader vision of sustainability in the UAE.

Muqeet said, “By volunteering, sharing skills, and fostering a sense of unity, we can create a thriving community while preserving the environment we call home. Our actions today shape the legacy we leave behind, and together, we can make a real difference—not just for 2025, but for generations to come. Let’s work hand in hand to protect and nurture the world around us.”

In 2011, Muqeet received the Abu Dhabi Award, the highest civilian award of UAE, from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. He also became the UNICEF Climate Change Youth Advocate and was even featured in a Burj Khalifa projection in Dubai in 2023.

“I aim to emphasise how collective action—whether through volunteering, skill-sharing, or fostering stronger connections—can create a lasting environmental and social impact. My goal is to ignite conversations, encourage participation, and remind people that sustainability isn’t just about policies or large-scale initiatives—it starts with us,” he said.

Muqeet regularly participates in various events to talk about mental health and its relation to climate change and children’s rights for a sustainable future.

“I have been invited by EWS WWF to be a part of their ART UAQ festival that is happening this weekend,” added Muqeet, a computer engineering graduate who is exploring suitable job prospects.