Dubai is famous the world over for its pristine beaches which are a magnet for sun lovers from across the globe. Sadly, many of these beachgoers leave behind copious amounts of litter which are not only an eyesore but cause pollution and degradation of the topsoil. The most common items that are littered are cigarette butts, cans, glass bottles and plastic . All these are difficult to degrade and not only do they pollute the beaches but also pose a threat to the marine ecosystem.

Early on 14^th November, over 60 children and youth members of Green Hope UAE at the popular Mamzar beach to collect the litter strewn across the beach. This effort was a part of Dubai Municipality?s annual ?Clean UpThe World? campaign which encourages citizens and corporates alike to join hands and partake in this event , with the theme of ? Our Place ? Our Planet ? Our Responsibility?.  The participants were shocked at the amount and variety of trash found on the beach. Shards of glass , cans of all hues and shapes, plastics , books , slippers, cigarette butts , lighters , barbecue remnants and broken toys were littered or buried in the sands posing a threat to all those who frequent these beaches. The irony was that trash cans are available in plenty all along the beach yet the beach goers were callous enough not to use

them.

Green Hope UAE has been actively participating in Dubai Municipality?s Clean Up The World Campaign for many years now. The young participants felt that since they were the future generations it was their duty to protect the environment from pollution and degradation.

It was a privilege for me to receive an award from Dubai Municipality during their closing ceremony on 22^nd January, 2015. I was honoured to be chosen to give a speech, since I am also one of their Ambassadors of Sustainability. In my speech, I said ?Our city,  Dubai,  is now the city of the future having been awarded the privilege of hosting EXPO-2020 which is based on the theme of sustainability, mobility and opportunity and Dubai Municipality?s Clean Up The World campaign plays a  key role in maintaining the city clean , green and best place for sustainable living in the world."