Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), in partnership with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, has wrapped up a major environmental initiative spanning two years that focused on strengthening marine ecosystems through mangrove restoration and shoreline cleanups.
Between February 2023 and February 2025, ten community events were organized as part of this effort, resulting in the successful planting of 13,350 mangrove trees at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary. These trees play a crucial role in protecting coastlines, promoting biodiversity, and absorbing carbon emissions at rates significantly higher than many other forest types.
The campaign brought together over 1,650 participants, including DEWA employees and their families, staff from subsidiary companies, and students from DEWA Academy. Together, they dedicated 3,626 hours of volunteer service. Participant satisfaction was notably high, with reported happiness rates of 92.9% in 2023 and rising to 94.3% in 2024.
In addition to tree planting, the initiative included multiple beach cleanup drives. Volunteers collected 3,546 kilograms of waste—primarily plastics—as well as 8 tonnes of seaweed and algae that had accumulated along the sanctuary’s shores. These cleanups not only improved the aesthetics of the area but also helped preserve marine habitats.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, emphasized the broader mission behind the campaign. He reaffirmed DEWA’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s national goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. He also highlighted how these efforts align with global sustainable development goals, particularly in areas like clean water, climate action, and the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Mangrove trees, he noted, are one of the most effective natural solutions for combating climate change due to their high carbon absorption capacity—estimated to be up to four times more effective than tropical forests.
DEWA’s efforts reflect a strong focus on community-driven environmental responsibility. Through active collaboration between public and private sectors, the organization continues to foster a culture of sustainability and stewardship, working toward a greener and more resilient future for Dubai.
