The UAE has launched Naseej, the National Initiative for Textile Circularity, to support the transition of the textile sector toward a circular economy model and promote sustainable resource use across the industry.
Established under the directives of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative is being implemented through a strategic partnership between the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group.
Naseej will serve as a unified national platform coordinating policy development, industry participation, research initiatives, and public engagement across the textile value chain.
The initiative seeks to move the textile sector beyond the traditional linear model of production, consumption, and disposal by promoting a circular system that prioritizes resource preservation, value retention, and sustainable economic growth.
National framework for textile circularity
Naseej is designed to support the UAE’s efforts to integrate circular economy principles into the textile sector through a structured national framework.
Drawing on the country’s traditions of resourcefulness, preservation, and craftsmanship, the initiative aims to embed sustainable practices throughout the textile lifecycle while encouraging responsible consumption and waste reduction.
According to official estimates, textile waste in the UAE reaches approximately 220,000 tonnes annually, highlighting the need for coordinated action to strengthen collection, recycling, and reuse systems.
The initiative addresses this challenge through a comprehensive approach focused on enhancing textile collection and recycling infrastructure, advancing research and innovation, and promoting public awareness of sustainable consumption practices.
HH Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects, said that the Naseej reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainability as a shared national responsibility. The initiative encourages positive behavioral change, promotes responsible resource use, and strengthens community participation and volunteerism while supporting long-term sustainable development.
HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Foundation, highlighted that the Naseej aligns with the leadership’s vision for innovation-driven growth and brings together institutions, industry stakeholders, youth, and communities to support more sustainable resource management practices.
Rep Image | Credits: Magnific | Cropped by GBN
Five strategic pillars
The initiative is built around five strategic pillars: Collection and Recycling, Awareness and Outreach, Behavioural Research, Policies and Regulations, and Circular Business and Innovation.
These pillars are intended to provide a comprehensive framework for transforming the textile sector by supporting long-term value retention, improving system resilience, and generating measurable environmental and economic benefits.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that the UAE has prioritized the development of an advanced circular economy system in line with international best practices.
Al Marri noted that Naseej establishes a national framework that brings together policy, industry action, and public participation under a shared vision for circular economy development.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri added that the initiative is expected to facilitate the wider adoption of circular textile solutions and contribute to the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031.
Community engagement and future programs
The foundations of the initiative were established during COP28, with support from the National Projects Office.
Development of the program continued through a series of memorandums of understanding signed with stakeholders across the textile ecosystem, including fashion brands, manufacturers, recycling operators, research institutions, and community organizations.
As part of its public launch, Naseej will host its first community activation, “The Fabric of Possibility,” from June 5 to 7, 2026, at Yas Mall.
The event will provide an interactive platform for individuals and families to learn about textile waste, explore sustainable solutions, and participate in activities supporting circular economy practices. Similar activations are expected to be introduced in other parts of the UAE in later phases.
Following its launch, Naseej plans to introduce a series of national programs focused on sustainable textile practices, infrastructure development, research initiatives, pilot projects, and market development efforts aimed at expanding circular solutions across the country.
