The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting after its restructuring, led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Council Chairman. The meeting focused on advancing the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, aiming to improve sustainability and optimize resource use. The Council discussed national initiatives designed to accelerate the transition to a circular economy model, including proposals for new projects and policies.
Bin Touq emphasized that the UAE’s leadership prioritizes the development of a comprehensive circular economy ecosystem. “Today’s meeting represents an important milestone in accelerating the country’s transition to a new economic model based on knowledge and innovation, with the circular economy being one of its main pillars,” he said. The meeting also highlighted the potential of the ‘Aluminium Recycling Coalition,’ aiming to improve aluminium recycling operations in the UAE.
The Council reviewed the progress of the circular economy initiatives, including the integration of circular economy principles into the Investopia Summit. The Summit has helped forge sustainable partnerships in sectors such as manufacturing, green infrastructure, and transportation, promoting circular economy practices globally.
Bin Touq also spoke about the implementation of the National Circular Economy Agenda, which includes 22 policies approved by the Council, designed to position the UAE as a global leader in circular economy practices by the next decade.
During the meeting, Bin Touq visited the newly opened ‘Landmark CircuLife’ textile recycling facility, a pioneering project in the UAE and the region. The facility, which can process over 200,000 tons of textile waste annually, demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and public-private partnerships.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President & CEO of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, remarked, “The road ahead demands even greater commitment, innovation, and accountability to clear, measurable targets.” Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman of Landmark Group, added, “Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility that cannot be achieved in isolation.”