DEWA emphasises its support for efforts to reduce plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. According to estimates by the UN Environment Programme, the world produces around 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, a third of which ends up in natural ecosystems and marine habitats. This widespread pollution exacerbates environmental degradation, threatens biodiversity and poses serious risks to human health. Addressing this challenge demands concerted efforts and co-ordinated international action to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and mitigate its damaging impact.

On World Environment Day, marked annually on 5 June and held this year under the theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national and global efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability.

“In line with our commitment to supporting local and international environmental initiatives, including World Environment Day, which this year is held under the theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’, we are intensifying our proactive efforts by turning challenges into opportunities. We are working to enhance environmental sustainability through pioneering initiatives and projects that support national and global efforts to combat plastic pollution and contribute to implementing the Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021-2041. This strategy encourages innovation in waste management, recycling and energy conversion. It aims to implement long-term projects by providing practical solutions to environmental challenges, in line with the environmental objectives outlined in the government's agenda. DEWA’s Circular Economy Strategy provides a comprehensive framework that guides our approach to expanding current applications and adopting international best practice in support of the circular economy. This fosters economic growth while ensuring environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources. These efforts also support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to ensure 100% of Dubai’s energy comes from clean sources by 2050,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Circular Economy Strategy

DEWA's Circular Economy Strategy aims to optimise resource use and generate environmental, social and economic value, as well as accelerate the transition to a sustainable model based on efficiency and recycling. The strategy is built on five key principles: Circular Design and Use of Circular Material; Optimised Asset Management; Value Retention and End-of-Life Treatment; Renewable Energy, Energy and Water Efficiency; and Circular Partnerships. These principles help to establish a strong culture of sustainability.

Smart Recycling Machines

As part of its Circular Economy Strategy, DEWA launched a smart initiative in October 2022 to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans. DEWA has deployed smart recycling machines operated using the Smart Office app for employees. Each time an employee recycles, these machines scan a QR code linked to their account, awarding points that earn them a spot in a monthly prize draw.

By the end of Q1 2025, a total of 760 employees had recycled 946,166 plastic bottles and aluminium cans – equivalent to diverting 13,490 kilograms of waste from landfill – with DEWA honouring 150 employees for their outstanding commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

Environmental Activities and Awareness Events

In line with its vision as a globally leading sustainable, innovative corporation committed to achieving net zero by 2050, DEWA organises a wide range of environmental and awareness activities throughout the year. These efforts aim to educate employees about sustainable practices, including the need to reduce plastic use and waste, and to promote circular economy concepts and their role in creating a more sustainable future. As part of its initiatives during the ‘Year of Community’, DEWA launched an extensive campaign with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group to plant mangrove trees at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary, one of Dubai’s key natural reserves. The campaign involved a comprehensive effort to clean up the sanctuary’s beach, with 6,850 mangrove trees planted and 256 kilograms of plastic waste collected. Over 500 participants, including DEWA employees, their families, employees of DEWA subsidiaries and students from DEWA Academy, took part. The campaign helped to strengthen coastal and marine ecosystems and raised environmental awareness among participants.

Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

These comprehensive efforts reaffirm DEWA’s commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly when it comes to responsible consumption and production (Goal 12), climate action (Goal 13) and protecting life below water (Goal 14). Through these initiatives, DEWA contributes to reducing plastic pollution and advancing the transition to a green economy rooted in sustainability and innovation. This reinforces DEWA’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship both locally and globally, and as a sustainable, innovative corporation committed to achieving the UAE’s environmental goals.