The United Arab Emirates has launched Naseej, the country’s first integrated national initiative dedicated to textile circularity, marking a major step toward reducing textile waste and advancing sustainable consumption practices.
Introduced under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative aims to create a coordinated framework connecting policymakers, manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, research institutions and consumers across the textile value chain.
Authorities estimate that the UAE generates approximately 220,000 tonnes of textile waste annually, driven by increasing consumption, population growth and the rapid expansion of fast-fashion retail models. The new programme seeks to address these challenges by promoting textile reuse, recycling, responsible consumption and sustainable production practices.
The initiative was formally unveiled by Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who described textile waste as both an environmental challenge and an opportunity to encourage long-term behavioural change.
According to officials, Naseej will serve as a national platform for advancing circular economy principles within the textile and apparel sector. The programme will focus on expanding textile collection systems, strengthening sorting and recycling infrastructure, supporting innovation in sustainable materials and encouraging greater public participation in waste reduction efforts.
The launch reflects growing global attention on the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which is associated with significant carbon emissions, resource consumption and waste generation. Fast-fashion consumption patterns and shorter garment lifecycles have intensified pressure on waste management systems worldwide.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said the initiative aligns with the country’s broader objective of decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation while fostering a resource-efficient and sustainable economy.
As part of its initial rollout, Naseej will host a public awareness event titled “The Fabric of Possibility” from 5–7 June in Abu Dhabi, featuring interactive experiences designed to educate consumers on responsible textile consumption and waste reduction.
The programme builds upon the UAE’s wider sustainability agenda, which includes initiatives targeting food waste reduction, resource efficiency and restrictions on single-use plastics. Officials believe integrating textile circularity into national sustainability strategies will help reduce landfill dependency while creating new opportunities in recycling, sustainable manufacturing and circular business models.
Industry experts note that successful implementation will depend on strong collaboration between government agencies, businesses, consumers and recycling stakeholders. However, they view the initiative as a significant milestone in positioning the UAE as a regional leader in textile sustainability and circular economy development.
