Under UAE President’s Directives, ‘Naseej’ Initiative Strengthens Textile Sector’s Shift to Circular Economy
Abu Dhabi has launched the ‘Naseej’ initiative, a national program aimed at transforming the textile sector into a circular economy model. This initiative comes under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is designed to address the growing challenges of textile waste and promote sustainable practices.
A Strategic Mandate for Sustainability
Naseej, the National Initiative for Textile Circularity, seeks to shift the textile industry away from traditional linear consumption and disposal methods. Instead, it aims to create an integrated model that preserves resources, captures economic value, and aligns sustainability with long-term national development goals. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group.
The initiative draws upon the UAE’s rich heritage of preservation and craftsmanship, recognizing the historical significance of textiles in the nation’s economic development. By embedding circular thinking into everyday practices, Naseej aims to foster a culture of responsible consumption.
Leadership Voices on the Initiative
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects, emphasized that Naseej reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to sustainability as a collective national responsibility. She noted that the initiative transforms challenges into lasting opportunities by promoting positive behavioral change and encouraging community participation.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, highlighted that Naseej is a significant step toward embedding the circular economy concept within the UAE’s sustainable development framework. He stated that it reflects the leadership’s vision for long-term, innovation-led growth, uniting various stakeholders to rethink resource management.
Addressing Textile Waste Challenges
Textile waste is a pressing issue both globally and in the UAE, where annual textile waste is estimated to reach approximately 220,000 tonnes. Naseej responds to this challenge with a structured national approach that enhances collection and recycling systems, promotes research and innovation, and encourages a culture of conscious consumption aligned with circular economy principles.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, noted that the UAE has prioritized developing a comprehensive circular economy system in line with global best practices. Through Naseej, a national framework is being established that aligns policy, industry action, and public participation, facilitating the implementation of circular textile solutions in the country.
Strategic Pillars of Naseej
Naseej’s mandate is built on five strategic pillars: Collection and Recycling, Awareness and Outreach, Behavioral Research, Policies and Regulations, and Circular Business and Innovation. These pillars provide a robust foundation for transforming the textile sector, ensuring long-term value retention and measurable environmental and economic impact.
The groundwork for Naseej was laid during COP28, with support from the National Projects Office. The initiative has progressed through various Memorandums of Understanding signed with key partners in the textile ecosystem, including fashion brands, manufacturers, and community organizations, fostering an integrated national framework for collaboration.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
As part of its public launch, Naseej will host its inaugural community activation, “The Fabric of Possibility,” from June 5 to 7, 2026, at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. This immersive experience invites individuals and families to reflect on the impact of textile waste and explore sustainable solutions while participating in shaping a more circular future. The initiative plans to expand to other regions across the UAE in subsequent phases.
Following its launch, Naseej will implement a series of national programs aimed at supporting sustainable textile practices, enhancing collection and recycling infrastructure, and advancing research and market development initiatives that enable scalable circular solutions.
By aligning policy, industry leadership, and community participation within a unified national framework, Naseej aims to position the UAE as a global leader in circular economy implementation. The initiative serves as a practical model for balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-06-01 12:23:00 • By the Editorial Desk
