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.
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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 22nd May 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 education for 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:
