Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Tadweer Group, Abu Dhabi’s waste management authority, is bringing its eco-awareness campaign and plastic-free drive to the Liwa Date Festival. Through a series of workshops, the group seeks to engage the community in conversations about sustainable practices.
This year’s Liwa Date Festival, which kicked off on Monday and runs until July 27 in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, has introduced new environmental initiatives and competitions - including a creative campaign that encourages transforming discarded palm tree parts into artworks.
The festival features 24 heritage and agricultural competitions, divided into categories such as dates, fruits and model farms, with prizes exceeding Dh8.7 million.
“Tadweer Group’s key objective at Liwa Date Festival 2025 is to promote and increase environmental awareness and responsible waste management among visitors of all ages,” said Dr. Reem Al Kindi, Head of Public Awareness at Tadweer Group, in an interview with Aletihad.
The opportunity to spark discussions about environmental practices comes at a perfect time, with this month recognised globally as Plastic-Free July.
“Since July is Plastic-Free Month, Tadweer Group will be focusing on the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling plastics through several workshops [and educational lectures],” Dr. Al Kindi said.
Other Green Initiatives
Beyond raising awareness, the group also aims to equip the community with practical tools for responsible waste management.
Liwa Datę Festival serves as a launchpad for Tadweer’s new campaign called ‘Our Sustainable Farms’.
Set to be launched in August, the initiative will promote proper waste management and sustainable farming across rural communities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Region, Al Dhafra Region, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
“As part of the initiative, farmers will be encouraged to share their own best practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and collective impact,” Dr. Al Kindi said.
In addition, Tadweer is rolling out its School Sustainability Champions Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education “to help develop the next generation of sustainability leaders”, Dr. Al Kindi said.
