Habiba Al Mar'ashi: Three Decades of Clean UAE
How Habiba Al Mar'ashi and Emirates Environmental Group turned a 1991 flower-shop idea into Clean UAE, which runs from 5 to 15 December 2026.
Habiba Al Mar’ashi is co-founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), and for many residents her name is tied to one thing: the Clean UAE campaign every December.
What they do
EEG began in 1991 from a flower shop in Al Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, with 12 founding members, and is described as the UAE’s first environmental NGO. She has worked full time at EEG since 2001. EEG was the first environmental NGO in the world to receive ISO 14001 certification and holds accredited status with UNEP and UNCCD.
Why it matters
Clean UAE shows what steady, patient work can do. In 2002 it drew 4,500 volunteers. In December 2025 more than 90,000 people joined across all seven emirates. “This is not just a cleanup. This is a national movement,” she said at the time.
How to get involved
The 25th edition runs from 5 to 15 December 2026: Dubai on 5 December, Sharjah on 7, Fujairah on 9, Ajman on 10, Umm Al Quwain on 12, Ras Al Khaimah on 14 and Abu Dhabi on 15. Registration is through the Clean UAE form linked on the EEG homepage, and both individuals and organisations are invited to take part.
Checked on 8 November 2026, details can change.
Official site: Emirates Environmental Group
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Habiba Al Mar'ashi?
She is co-founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, described as the UAE's first environmental NGO, founded in Dubai in 1991.
When does Clean UAE 2026 take place?
From 5 to 15 December 2026, starting in Dubai and finishing in Abu Dhabi, with stops in all seven emirates.
How do I register for Clean UAE?
Use the Clean UAE registration form linked on the Emirates Environmental Group homepage. Individuals and organisations can both take part.
Sources
- Khaleej Times: From flower shop to climate champion, the UAE's first environmental NGO
- Khaleej Times: More than 90,000 volunteers join UAE desert clean-up (2025)
- Dubai Eye 103.8: Clean UAE Campaign marks 25 years of environmental action (Sept 2026)
- ARN News Centre: Clean UAE campaign marks 25 years of environmental action (Sept 2026)
- Emirates Environmental Group (official site)
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