Young Emiratis take the initiative to keep desert clean

Now that winter is just around the comer, more residents are heading out tothe desert to enjoy outdoor activities, picnics and car shows.

- Sara AlKuwari

Young volunteers lift heavy trash bags as they clear litter left behind by others in the desert.

However, visitors planning these trips often leave behind litter that ruin the natural beauty of the desert, while also causing harm to the environment.

Groups of young Emiratis from across the emirates have launched volunteer initiatives to clean desert areas and promote a culture of environmental responsibility.

Mohammed Al Mazrouei, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, recalled how their cleanup efforts at Exit 116 began in 2022 with just him and his friend Fahd Alsaadi.

“We used to see the place looking beautiful in the morning, but by afternoon, it was full of litter. We decided to take action and set a good example,’” said Al Mazrouei.

What started as a small effort soon turned into a coordinated volunteer movement involving more than 50 participants.

“We buy garbage bags, water and even rent trucks to collect waste — all from our own pockets. Some local business owners also supported us by offering small rewards to motivate the youth,” he added.