Day: May 23, 2026

Participation of 229,392 Students from 611 Schools in EDC

& 1,042 students from 361 Schools Across the UAE

Dubai , May 23, 2026 : Dubai, UAE – 22 May 2026: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) proudly concluded the 21^st Cycle of the Environmental Drawing Competition (EDC) and the 3^rd Cycle of Art from Waste (AfW) Competition with a distinguished awarding ceremony held at The Ismaili Centre Dubai. The event brought together students, educators, dignitaries, corporate representatives, jury members and families to celebrate the remarkable creativity and environmental awareness demonstrated by young participants from across the nation. 

This year’s editions witnessed exceptional participation from schools representing all seven Emirates, including institutions supporting students of determination. A total of 611 government and private schools registered for the Environmental Drawing Competition, while 361 schools participated in the Art from Waste initiative, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability education and environmental engagement among the youth of the UAE.

For more than two decades, EEG’s Environmental Drawing Competition has served as a pioneering educational platform that empowers students to explore environmental challenges through artistic expression. The initiative encourages young minds to think critically, creatively and compassionately about the future of the planet while strengthening their understanding of sustainability issues.

The 2026 Environmental Drawing Competition featured three compelling themes tailored to different age groups:

1. Ages 6 – 8: Saving the Icy Homes of My Polar Friends

2. Ages 9 – 11: Rivers & Lakes: Lifelines of Our Planet

3. Ages 12 – 14: Fast Forward –Imagine Earth in the Year 2075

Through these thought-provoking themes, students explored urgent environmental concerns including climate change, freshwater conservation and the future of life on Earth. The submissions reflected not only artistic excellence, but also a deep sense of environmental responsibility, innovation and hope for a sustainable future.

Alongside EDC, EEG also celebrated the success of the 3^rd Cycle of Art from Waste — an initiative designed to encourage students to rethink waste and embrace the principles of recycling, upcycling and circular economy practices through practical creativity. 

This year’s competition challenged students to develop innovative and purposeful creations under the following themes:

• Group Age 9 – 11: A Three-Seater Garden Bench

• Group Age 12 – 14: Solar Street Lamp: Lighting Pathways

• Group Age 15 – 17: Harnessing the Wind: Building a Windmill

The competition showcased the incredible ability of students to transform discarded materials into functional and artistic creations, reinforcing the message that waste can become a valuable resource when approached with creativity and environmental consciousness.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, stated:

“Today’s gathering is far more than a celebration of artistic talent and creativity; it is a reflection of a generation that is deeply aware of its surroundings and responsibility towards protecting our planet. Through every drawing, every innovative creation and every thoughtful idea presented, our students have demonstrated the power of art as a voice for environmental stewardship and sustainable living.”

Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi further remarked, “Since the inception of Emirates Environmental Group, we have taken immense pride in nurturing environmentally conscious young minds and grooming future generations to become compassionate leaders, responsible citizens and true ambassadors of sustainability”; she added, “through meaningful educational platforms such as these, we aim to inspire creativity, critical thinking and a lifelong commitment towards protecting our planet and preserving its precious resources for generations to come.”

She also expressed her sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Sharjah Private Education Authority for their continued support in encouraging widespread participation across schools in the UAE; she further extended heartfelt gratitude to The Ismaili Centre Dubai for graciously hosting the awarding ceremony, as well as to Almarai, Dabur, Delmonte, HP and L’Oréal for their generous contribution towards recognising and celebrating the achievements of the young participants.

Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts: 

• Bahia Shehab, Senior Specialist in Student Skills Development, Counseling and Future Skills Management, Ministry of Education

• Dr. Najat Makki, Visual Artist, Member of Dubai Cultural Council

• Pari Sagar, Artist

The awarding ceremony was divided into two parts; the first one was for the winning students in in the 21^st Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition under each theme:

“Saving the Icy Homes of My Polar Friends” (Ages 6–8) 

“Rivers & Lakes: Lifelines of Our Planet” (Ages 9–11)

“Fast Forward –Imagine Earth in the Year 2075” (Ages 12–14)

The 2^nd part of the awarding ceremony was the winning schools in the 3^rd cycle of Art from Waste Competition; they were recognised for their outstanding submissions under each theme:

EEG extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants for their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to environmental protection.