The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has revealed that the theme for the 28th National Environment Day is ‘Our Heritage … Our Future’. This theme underscores the UAE’s fundamental values and unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and nature conservation. The sustainable practices of ancient UAE communities serve as a guiding principle for boosting awareness about environmental preservation. Promoting these practices is essential for cultivating a sustainable future for generations to come.
National Environment Day: A date to remember
National Environment Day is celebrated annually on February 4. This year’s theme resonates with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s proclamation of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’, highlighting the pivotal role of the community in the nation’s progress, particularly in environmental development and the conservation of natural resources.
Ministerial insights on environmental protection
Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE minister of Climate Change and Environment, stated: “This year’s National Environment Day emphasises the UAE community’s deep-rooted culture of environmental protection, preservation of natural resources, and sustainable development. The nation’s environment is rich in biodiversity, with a thriving agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sector. It is also home to numerous species, all of which shape Emirati culture and heritage.”
Her Excellency further expressed: “Our ancestors’ eco-friendly practices instilled in us a deep awareness about the environment and shaped a living heritage that we proudly pass down through generations. This legacy inspires our pursuit of a sustainable future for all Emiratis.” She noted that National Environment Day celebrates these sustainable practices, recognizing them as the foundation for nurturing eco-friendly behaviors in future generations, developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges, and driving sustainable development across all sectors.
Engaging the community in environmental initiatives
Her Excellency added: “The National Environment Day offers a valuable opportunity for all members of the community to actively engage in the UAE’s climate and environmental work. The community is the cornerstone of the country’s long-term development plans, and every individual must be fully aware and equipped to contribute to enhancing the UAE’s position as a global leader in sustainability and the future.”
She urged: “We invite all segments of society to participate in events and workshops that highlight our heritage of environmental conservation. Let us build on this legacy and cultivate eco-friendly behaviors, to make the UAE a global model for sustainability. Our actions today will shape the future. The environmental achievements will become a national legacy that future generations will proudly carry forward.”
Drawing inspiration from the practices of ancestors
The UAE community has always maintained a close relationship with nature, embracing and coexisting with the environment to ensure the sustainability and growth of natural resources for future generations. These principles form the core foundations of the UAE, derived from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who said: ‘He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future’. This philosophy continues to guide the UAE community in all aspects of life.
Throughout history, the UAE community has interacted with nature in myriad ways, using it as a source of life, food, and water. Emiratis developed various crafts and industries based on their environment, transcending basic survival to transform nature into resources for perfumes, recreation, and healing. Many of these practices endure today, as the community continues to innovate new methods for development and enhancement.
Sustainable practices rooted in heritage
Notable sustainable practices deeply embedded in the UAE’s heritage include sustainable agriculture and hunting methods, as well as the use of palm trees for food and raw materials for traditional industries like “sa’feyat” (palm frond crafts). Livestock provided milk and leather. Nature also played a role in recreational activities, with practices such as falconry and camel racing.
In response to extreme temperatures, the UAE community devised sustainable solutions like “barajeel” (wind towers) to naturally cool their homes.
Traditional Emirati culinary practices showcase how the community skillfully utilized the environment, creating a rich tradition that is still celebrated today. These practices are integral to the cultural events that shape Emirati identity.
Given the challenge of water scarcity, the community employed simple, sustainable techniques for locating water, including digging wells and purifying water from various sources.
Nature continues to offer the community numerous solutions for maintaining health. Many inherited practices involve using natural resources for healing and treating ailments, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting community well-being. These time-honored remedies originate from the UAE’s deserts and mountains, where fresh and sulphuric hot springs flow year-round.
Transforming heritage into an advanced ecosystem
The UAE is dedicated to building upon its rich heritage, evolving into a governmental work ecosystem that views the environment as a vital source of life for every Emirati and a gateway to greater opportunities shaping the future.
Practices handed down from Emirati ancestors have long influenced the country’s environmental laws, regulations, and initiatives, forming the foundation of the nation’s ongoing efforts to preserve the environment and utilize its resources.
Aligned with this principle, National Environment Day, under the theme “Our Heritage … Our Future,” celebrates the environmental practices of the UAE community, emphasizing nature as both a source of life and a model for sustainability. This initiative promotes a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, encouraging all members to embrace it and follow in the footsteps of their ancestors to drive sustainability across all sectors.
Community events and activities leading up to World Environment Day
To actualize this vision, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will organize community events and activities in collaboration with relevant authorities leading up to World Environment Day on June 4. These initiatives aim to showcase and promote the best sustainable practices of the UAE community, encouraging their adoption in a contemporary context to tackle today’s environmental challenges.
Collaborative efforts for National Environment Day
In celebration of National Environment Day, the Ministry, alongside various federal and government entities, the private sector, and civil society organizations, is orchestrating a series of events designed to promote sustainable behaviors and engage the community in an integrated ecosystem that encourages eco-friendly lifestyles. These events will emphasize the nation’s strong environmental identity, focusing on preserving natural resources, enhancing their sustainable use, and building upon the UAE’s long-standing legacy of environmental stewardship. The goal is to leverage this legacy as a foundation for new, innovative efforts in the years ahead, in line with the country’s plans and strategies for environmental sustainability.
The key focus areas of this initiative will include home farming, sustainable mobility, sustainable waste management, responsible consumption of products and services, and efficient use of electricity, water, and food.
