Abu Dhabi: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the national “Naseej” initiative, launched under the directives of the UAE leadership, will contribute to recycling more than 220,000 tonnes of discarded textiles annually, supporting the country’s efforts to advance industrial circularity, particularly in the textile sector.Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the first community event under the initiative, titled “The Fabric of Possibility” at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, Bin Touq said this volume of textile waste represents a valuable economic resource that can be utilised through remanufacturing and recycling, enhancing sustainability and improving resource efficiency.He added that the “Naseej” initiative creates new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs by introducing innovative investment, development, and industrial projects aimed at transforming the textile sector into an integrated circular economy ecosystem. Its outputs can be used across multiple sectors, including furniture manufacturing, construction materials, and other industries.Bin Touq explained that the circular economy is based on principles of reuse, recycling, and optimal resource utilisation through an integrated system that starts at the production stage and extends to industrial waste, which can be used as inputs in other factories and sectors.He noted that the UAE places strong emphasis on developing an advanced and integrated circular economy system aligned with international best practices. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism is working to connect different stages of industrial production through policies that support geographically clustered factories within an integrated industrial environment.He stressed that this approach enhances the sustainability of the national economy while delivering environmental benefits, including reducing carbon emissions and lowering dependence on imports.He added that the circular economy is a key focus for the UAE’s future, with ongoing efforts to develop supportive policies and strengthen public awareness, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading global hub in this field.Through aligning policies, industrial activities, and community participation, the “Naseej” initiative aims to position the UAE as a global reference for the circular textile economy, offering a model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.The initiative also plans to expand community events across the country, providing interactive experiences that raise awareness about textile waste, promote sustainable solutions, and encourage public participation in building a more sustainable future.The next phase will include programmes to support sustainable production, enhance infrastructure for textile collection, sorting, and recycling, and advance research and pilot projects to scale circular solutions nationwide.
