UAE launches ‘Donate Your Own Device’ campaign to empower 100,000 students

Dubai: The Digital School, one of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERC), has officially launched the second phase of its impactful campaign, “Donate Your Own Device 2.0.”

The initiative aims to collect and refurbish 100,000 used electronic devices to provide digital access to underprivileged students. This ambitious campaign is part of a broader vision that integrates education, humanitarian support, and environmental sustainability.

Donated devices from individuals and institutions will be collected, renewed, or recycled in line with best environmental practices, delivering both long-term educational and environmental benefits.

The Digital School is inviting community members, companies, and organisations to contribute to the initiative. Donations can be made in the form of used electronic devices or financial contributions via the official campaign website: www.donateyourowndevice.org, or through the Emirates Red Crescent. Supporters can also donate via SMS: Etisalat subscribers: Text to 2441, Du subscribers: Text to 3551

Following the success of the first campaign where over 50,000 devices were collected with support from more than 100 government, private, and educational entities, the Digital School has now transformed this initiative into a permanent program, reinforcing the UAE’s long-term dedication to digital equity and inclusive learning.

The campaign also aims to reduce 200 tons of electronic waste, supporting the UAE’s role in promoting a fair, green, and inclusive digital future, through cross-sector partnerships between technology, humanitarian, and environmental organisations.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Digital School Board, said: “Transforming the ‘Donate Your Own Device’ campaign into a permanent initiative reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to the sustainability approach, and translates the vision of the wise leadership in employing technology and digital knowledge as effective tools for human and societal empowerment.”

He added: “The initiative represents a pioneering model in integrating charitable, developmental, and environmental work, by recycling electronic devices and transforming them into educational tools ... within the framework of the Digital School’s mission to expand comprehensive and sustainable learning opportunities.

“This is not just a campaign to collect devices, but rather an integrated strategic vision that aims to create a long-term impact that enhances digital equality, reduces the educational gap, and encourages effective and responsible participation from all segments of society.”

Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, emphasised the humanitarian value of the Digital School’s initiatives: “The Digital School has brought about a major transformation in the level of educational services provided to the children of refugees, displaced persons and vulnerable groups in underprivileged countries and societies.

“The Digital School is one of the qualitative initiatives in the field of sustainable giving and promoting the values of solidarity and social responsibility and embodies the country’s role in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the fourth goal of providing quality education for all.”

He added: “What distinguishes the Digital School is that it provides quality education and learning within a structure that suits future visions, relying on technology and digital ... especially in troubled areas that have major challenges in their educational journey.”

The second edition of the campaign highlights the UAE’s leadership in sustainable giving and responsible innovation. It encourages the community to rethink e-waste and unlock the value of unused electronics through a series of awareness events and outreach activities.

The initiative is organised by the Digital School, Emirates Red Crescent, and Ecyclex, with the support of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, aligning national efforts to tackle the pressing issue of global e-waste — which currently amounts to nearly 50 million tons annually.

Launched during the Year of Sustainability in 2023, the first “Donate Your Own Device” campaign had an initial goal of providing 10,000 devices. It far exceeded expectations by collecting over 50,000 devices, recycling 120 tons of e-waste, and reducing 122 tons of CO₂ emissions. It also saved 170,000 litres of fuel and protected 32,000 square feet of land from pollution.