Dubai Environmentalism

The title of this post isn't a contradition. Abu Dhabi's Shaykh Zayed, who served as leader of the UAE from 1971 until his death in 2004, was concerned for the environment as an important aspect of the region's heritage, and there is a lot of grassroots environmental awareness in the country today. Gulf News reports on initiatives leading up the Global Environment Day on Thursday:

"Magrudy's is launching the completely biodegradable jute bag to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5.

"This month the store is replacing its current range of paper bags with exclusive branded book bags made from jute, a biodegradable material that is strong, waterproof and reusable.

"Loyalty card members will gain an extra 10 points every time they bring their own book bag. The jute bag will cost Dh8, and paper bags will cost Dh1, which will go towards tree planting in sustainable forests...

"Ibn Battuta Mall is holding a Blue Fair on World Environment Day, a three-day exhibition to support environment-friendly initiatives under way in Dubai.

"The fair, from June 4, to be held between noon and 8pm, will open with a screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary The 11th Hour...

"Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has launched a plastic collection drive in association with its vendors across the UAE to collect as much non-biodegradable waste as possible for recycling...

"Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has launched a plastic collection drive in association with its vendors across the UAE to collect as much non-biodegradable waste as possible for recycling...

"Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has launched a plastic collection drive in association with its vendors across the UAE to collect as much non-biodegradable waste as possible for recycling."