Determined Youth Transform UAE Desert Cleanups

Young Volunteers Clean UAE Deserts: A Heartfelt Mission for Nature

As winter approaches in the United Arab Emirates, more and more residents and tourists head to the desert to enjoy the fresh air, picnics, car shows, and the experience of camping. The proximity to nature is a special attraction, but it is becoming increasingly common for trash to be left behind by visitors. The careless litter not only mars the landscape but also threatens the desert ecosystem. An increasing number of young people, however, are not standing idly by and are taking action to clean up out of their own initiative, without any official organization.

Change Starts from the Ground Up

One of the most well-known desert cleaning initiatives started in the Exit 116 region near Ras Al Khaimah back in 2022 when two friends began picking up trash from the sand dunes themselves. Initially, they were just two, but it quickly grew into a volunteer movement that now attracts several dozen participants on a weekly basis.

The young people buy garbage bags, water, and sometimes even rent trucks at their own expense to remove accumulated waste. Local businesses and shops have also joined in by offering small gifts to encourage the volunteers. The aim is not just to collect waste but also to shape people's attitudes and promote environmental awareness.

More Are Following the Example

According to the volunteers, more and more hikers and campers are now taking care of cleanliness, packing up their belongings, and not leaving trash in the sand. This small but significant change is already a great achievement for them.

One of the enthusiastic team members, who has been actively involved in the cleanups for over two years, said they target new locations each weekend during the winter months. Cleaning in the desert, however, poses a serious physical challenge: long walks on soft sand, carrying heavy bags, and climbing dunes all test the volunteers.

Safety Comes First

The team places great emphasis on safety, with several members trained in first aid and equipped with emergency gear and communication devices. There have been instances where they had to assist lost visitors or call for aid for minor accidents.

The motivation for the volunteers comes from love for their country and pride in representing the youth of the Emirates. They declare they do not seek official recognition or support — it is a heartfelt initiative that unites them for a common cause.

The Power of Social Media

In recent years, the popularity of the Exit 116 area and other desert locations has skyrocketed, thanks to videos and pictures circulating on social media. However, along with the increased attention came the problem: more people arrived, and the amount of trash grew.

The videos, while spectacular, do not reflect the hard work represented by the long hours, miles, and elevations covered during cleanups. According to the volunteers, the feeling they get from seeing a cleansed area makes all the effort worthwhile.

Their efforts have been recognized over time by local businesses, who assist with gifts, tools, or logistical support. The collaboration has grown beyond mere actions: it is slowly becoming a social movement that more and more people are joining.

Beyond Garbage Collection

Volunteers in Dubai face a similar situation. Desert excursions and weekend camping trips bring waste problems from season to season. While municipal services manage to clean up along the main roads, reaching deeper areas is significantly harder and often neglected.

That's why citizen involvement is critical, to not only expect solutions from authorities but treat nature protection as a community responsibility. A clean desert is not only an aesthetic issue but also a national and moral duty.

The desert is part of the national heritage, say the volunteers, and its condition reflects the attitude and values of the residents. A littered landscape suggests indifference to our environment. A carefully maintained, clean environment, however, conveys respect and a sense of responsibility.

The Future Belongs to the Youth

Several organizations, such as 'Clean Up UAE' or the Emirates Environmental Group, regularly organize environmental campaigns. These are not only about cleaning but also about educating, building a community, and instilling awareness that environmental protection is not a seasonal task but a way of life.

The example of young volunteers proves that serious change can be achieved with a little determination. Picking up discarded bottles and plastic bags might seem like a simple task, but behind it lies a much deeper belief in a shared future.

If young people learn to respect and protect nature today, they will build a society where responsibility, solidarity, and sustainability are not just words — but real acts.

(Source of the article UAE volunteer residents' narratives)