The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched Naseej, the National Initiative for Textile Circularity, marking a significant step toward transforming the country’s textile industry through circular economy principles, resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Developed through a partnership between the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group, the initiative will serve as a national platform to coordinate government policies, industry collaboration, research and public engagement across the textile value chain.The launch comes as the UAE seeks to tackle growing textile waste while promoting sustainable manufacturing and consumption practices in line with its long-term environmental and economic development goals.
Five-Pillar Strategy to Build a Circular Textile Economy
Naseej is built around five strategic pillars designed to accelerate the transition from a traditional linear textile model to a circular economy:
- Collection and recycling
- Awareness and community outreach
- Behavioural research
- Policies and regulations
- Circular business models and innovation
The initiative aims to replace the conventional “use-and-discard” approach with systems that extend product life, recover valuable materials and encourage textile reuse, recycling and sustainable production.According to local estimates, the UAE generates nearly 220,000 tonnes of textile waste annually, highlighting the need for a coordinated national strategy to improve resource efficiency and reduce landfill waste.
Industry Collaboration and Community Engagement
The foundation for Naseej was established during COP28, with support from the National Projects Office at the Presidential Court. Since then, the initiative has expanded through a series of memoranda of understanding signed with fashion brands, textile manufacturers, recyclers, research institutions and community organizations, creating a nationwide framework for collaboration.
Under the initiative, the UAE will introduce a range of national programs aimed at strengthening textile collection and recycling infrastructure, supporting research and pilot projects, and accelerating the commercialization of innovative circular textile solutions.
As part of its official launch, Naseej hosted its first public awareness campaign, “The Fabric of Possibility,” at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi from 5 to 7 June. The interactive event encouraged residents to learn about textile waste, explore sustainable alternatives and participate in building a more circular textile future.The initiative is expected to expand to additional regions across the UAE in the coming months, supporting broader public participation and strengthening the country’s position as a regional leader in sustainable textile development and circular economy innovation.
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