The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a major national initiative to address the growing environmental impact of discarded clothing as the country strengthens efforts to build a circular economy and reduce industrial waste.

The program, named Naseej, meaning “fabric” in Arabic, was introduced under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President, UAE. Officials described it as the UAE’s first integrated National Initiative for Textile Circularity, designed to coordinate policy, industry participation, research, and public awareness across the textile value chain.

According to official figures, the UAE generates around 220,000 tonnes of textile waste annually, with discarded clothing making up a significant portion. Authorities said rising consumption patterns, population growth, and the expansion of fast fashion have accelerated the waste challenge.

The initiative was launched by senior government officials, including Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairwoman of the Presidential Court for National Projects, who described textile waste as both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for long-term behavioral change.

“Naseej reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to sustainability as a shared national responsibility,” she said, adding that the program aims to encourage responsible resource use while promoting public participation in waste reduction efforts.

The launch reflects growing global efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions and resource consumption. Environmental concerns linked to the industry include water intensive cotton production, chemical heavy dyeing processes, and increasing landfill pressure from discarded garments.

Officials said textile consumption in the UAE has expanded rapidly due to fast fashion trends and growing demand for affordable apparel, contributing to shorter clothing life cycles and rising disposal rates.

Naseej will function as a national coordination platform connecting regulators, manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, and community organizations. Authorities said the program will focus on improving textile collection systems, expanding sorting and recycling capacity, and supporting innovation in sustainable fabric design and reuse technologies.

Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said the initiative supports the UAE’s broader strategy to separate economic growth from environmental impact. He said the program combines government policy, private sector participation, and community engagement to strengthen the country’s circular economy ambitions.

As part of the rollout, the initiative will host its first public event, titled “The Fabric of Possibility,” from June 5 to 7 at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. The event will feature interactive installations and educational activities aimed at raising awareness about textile waste and encouraging more sustainable consumption habits.

The UAE has expanded sustainability efforts across multiple sectors in recent years, including food waste reduction and restrictions on single use plastics. Officials and environmental analysts say the move into textile circularity signals a broader shift toward integrated waste management and resource recovery strategies.

Industry observers noted that textile circularity could create opportunities in recycling innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and second-hand retail markets. However, they cautioned that long term success will depend on consumer participation, industry compliance, and scalable recycling infrastructure.

With Naseej, the UAE is positioning itself among regional leaders pursuing textile sustainability policies as governments increasingly focus on circular economy solutions to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.