Wet weather fails to halt clean-up drive

Dubai/Fujairah: Despite the bad weather participants turned out in force to take part in a country-wide clean up with nearly 20,000 volunteers picking up rubbish across the country yesterday.

Twenty sites were targeted by residents and the Emirates Environment Group who partnered up with governmental agencies to organise the event.

"We are very happy with the turn-out of people today which is a proof of the growing concern towards the country's state of environment," said Habiba Al Marashi, EEG Chairperson.

"The preparation and planning for this event has all been worth it as we have established a new standard for clean up activities to follow," she said.

In Ras Al Khaimah the clean up was officially opened by Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

In Ajman, mangrove trees were planted and a variety of fish fingerlings were released at Al Zawra.

In Fujairah hundreds of children from 50 schools took part in the clean up and the light drizzle failed to halt the enthusiasm of up to 2,500 students divided between Fujairah and Dibba.