Dubai, UAE: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) concluded the 20th cycle of its national Environmental Drawing Competition (EDC), marking a significant milestone with the participation of 723,953 students from 642 schools across the UAE, including institutions catering to students of determination. This exceptional level of engagement highlights the growing interest among youth in addressing pressing environmental issues through creative expression.
A key component of EEG's educational outreach, the Environmental Drawing Competition has, for two decades, empowered students to think critically about sustainability. Through the medium of art, it fosters awareness, encourages innovative thinking, and nurtures a strong sense of environmental responsibility.
This year's competition featured three thought-provoking themes, tailored to specific age groups:
• “The Power of Trees: Guardians of the Earth” - for ages 6-8 - exploring the vital role of trees in climate regulation, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
• “Sunshine and Rainbows: Celebrating Renewable Energy” - for ages 9-11 - focusing on clean energy sources and their importance in building a sustainable future.
• “E-Waste: A Modern-Day Crisis” - for ages 12-14 - highlighting the environmental dangers of electronic waste and the need for responsible disposal and recycling.
Moreover, a total of 243 remarkable projects from 1,750 students were submitted by 355 schools from across the UAE for the 2nd Cycle of Art from Waste (AfW), reflecting the ingenuity, skill and commitment of young artists who reimagined waste as a medium for artistic expression. This annual competition encourages students to rethink waste, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed into stunning works of art. It nurtures creativity and reinforces the importance of sustainability in shaping a greener future.
The 2025 competition featured 3 engaging themes, each tailoured to a specific age group:
1. 'Sea Turtle' - for students aged 9 to 11 years
2. 'Flamingo' - for students aged 12 to 14 years
3. 'Oryx Leucoryx' - for students aged 15 to 17 years
These themes were carefully designed to highlight the significance of our local biodiversity and the urgent need to protect the endangered species. By incorporating upcycling and waste repurposing into their artwork, students were encouraged to think critically about environmental conservation and the role of sustainability in creative expression.
To honour the competition's winners, EEG hosted a special awards ceremony on 22ndMay at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, the long-standing host supporter of this competition. The event featured a captivating exhibition of the winning entries and was attended by students, educators, families, sponsors & supporters, dignitaries, and members of the press.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, praised the creativity and commitment shown by the student community in the UAE:
“This competition continues to demonstrate the remarkable potential of our youth. Through their artistic talents, they have communicated powerful messages of hope, responsibility and action. We are proud to offer a platform that encourages such meaningful engagement with the environment.”
Reflecting on the impact of the Art from Waste competition, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar'ashi further emphasised its ability to challenge perceptions about waste while fostering environmental awareness and creative skills among young minds. “Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries. By harnessing its influence, we aim to instill a lifelong commitment to environmental preservation in the younger generation,” she stated.
She extended appreciation to Accenture, the official supporting partner, for their role in supporting the 20th Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition. “Our collaboration with Accenture has further strengthened the reach and impact of this competition, and we appreciate their dedication to environmental advocacy and youth empowerment.”
Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts in art and educationfor both competitions:
1. Dr. Najat Makki, Visual Artist, Member of Dubai Cultural Council
2. The Artist Ms. Pari Sagar
3. The Artist Ms. Fatima Al Hammadi
The awarding ceremony was divided into two parts; the first one was for the winning students in the EDC for their outstanding submissions in the 20th Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition under each theme:
“The Power of Trees: Guardians of the Earth” (Ages 6-8)
Al-Awael Private School: Juod Mohammed Omar Mahjoob-_Winner
Al Ain Center for Autism: Dhiyab Mahmoud Al Shamsi_ 1st Runner Up
Al-Awael Private School: Fatima Mohammed Dhahrawi _ 2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
Abdulrahman Al Nasser School -Cycle1: Mohammed Mohammed Al-Zaabi_ Winner
Bint Al-Shatea School: Shamma Marwan Al-Ghafli_ 1st Runner Up
Zayed Educational Complex, Dibba Al Fujairah: Mazen Rashid Mohammed_ 2nd Runner Up
“Sunshine and Rainbows: Celebrating Renewable Energy” (Ages 9-11)
Zayed Foundation for People of Determination, Zayed City Center: Maha Zeyad Al Saadi_ Winner
Al Noor TrainingCentre with People of Determination: Amelia_ 1st Runner Up
Um Ammar School Cycle 1: Aisha Muhammed Ali Al Shehi_ 2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
Delhi Private School, Sharjah: Heer Sharma_ Winner
Al-Hirah Child Center: Mariam Al Raessi_ 1st Runner Up
Ambassador School, Dubai: N. Navya_ 2nd Runner Up
“E-Waste: A Modern-Day Crisis” (Ages 12-14)
Ghayathi Center for Care and Rehabilitation: Essa Mohammed Al Mansori_Winner
Al Noor training Centre with People of Determination: Hima Zahie_ 1st Runner Up
Al Noor training Centre with People of Determination: Sai_ 2nd Runner Up
Regular Students Category
Pearl Wisdom School Bhavans Dubai: Devang Sajesh_ Winner tie
ALAin Juniors School Indian System: Aaleyah Batool_ Winner tie
New Indian Model School, Dubai: Muhammed Razi_ 1st Runner Up
Delhi Private School, Sharjah: Anjali Priyaa_ 2nd Runner Up
The 2nd part of the awarding ceremony was the winning schools in the 2nd cycle of Art from Waste Competition; they were recognised for their outstanding submissions under each theme:
Sea Turtle (aged 9 to 11 years ) Regular: Winner_ Al Andeles School - Cycle 11st Runner Up_ Moza Bint Buti school
2nd Runner Up_ Bhavans Pearl Wisdom School, Sharjah
Students of Determination: Winner_ Al-Khalidiya School, second and third cycle, for boys- Eastern
1st Runner Up_ Al Sila'a Center Abu Dhabi
2nd Runner Up_ A NOOR TRAINING CENTRE WITH PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION
Flamingo (students aged 12 to 14 years) Regular: Winner_ Diyar Private Academy - Dibba1st Runner Up_ Al Ain Juniors School, AL Ain
2nd Runner Up_ India International School, Sharjah
Students of Determination: Winner_ India International School, Sharjah 1st Runner Up_ New Academy School
2nd Runner Up_ Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services - Khorfakkan Branch
Oryx Leucoryx (students aged 15 to 17 years)
Regular: Winner_ Dubai International School
1st Runner Up_ New Indian Model School, Dubai
2nd Runner Up_ Diyar Private Academy - Dibba
Students of Determination: Winner_ Fatima Al Zahra Secondary School for Girls 1st Runner Up_ Bahethat Albadeya School
EEG extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants for their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to environmental protection.
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD) and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), EEG is a full Member (voting) of World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
For more information, contact us: email: eeg@emirates.net.ae; Tel: 04-3448622; Fax: 04-3448677 and please visit our bi-lingual website: www.eeg-uae.org; Follow us on LinkedIn, FB; Twitter & Instagram: @eegemirates.
- Our Overseas Reporter Kahilaa