Dubai Municipality has announced Circle Dubai, a sustainability initiative under the slogan ‘Reduce…Reuse…Recycle…Together we make a difference.’
The launch took place during the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (APCS) hosted by Dubai from October 27 to 29 in the presence of city leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts from around the world.
The initiative targets 100 per cent diversion of all waste types from landfills by 2041. It represents a transformation plan redefining waste management concepts and practices in the emirate.
Circle Dubai: New sustainability programme aims for 100% waste diversion from landfills
Circle Dubai reinforces the objectives of the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2041, which targets 100 per cent diversion of waste from landfills, with recycled waste making up at least 56 per cent of that target.
The initiative strengthens Dubai’s commitments to sustainability and climate action by reducing waste generation, advancing recycling practices, and embedding circular and green economy principles into life.
The initiative is supported by 17 strategic projects and 26 performance indicators. It targets nine sectors: residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, real estate, tourism, education, waste management, and labour employment.
The project outlines a roadmap extending beyond 2041 to redefine waste management practices. Its objectives include reducing waste at source, achieving 100 per cent source sorting across residential areas, and modernising collection and transport methodologies. Recycling and treatment processes will ensure efficiency in resource recovery while reducing dependence on landfills.
The initiative features one of the region’s most advanced digital education platforms for waste reduction and segregation. The platform offers tailored content for each sector, supported by simulations and assessment tools, linking knowledge with action and embedding sustainability into life.
Dubai Municipality reveals Circle Dubai project supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals
“The launch of Circle Dubai reflects efforts promoting sustainability as a way of life, not merely a goal. With its advanced vision and world-class urban model for future cities, Dubai continues to reaffirm its position as one of the most beautiful, clean, and sustainable cities in the world. This project strengthens our commitment to improving quality of life, safeguarding public health, and providing a safe, clean environment for everyone who lives and works in Dubai. It also reflects our aspirations to build an environmentally conscious society that contributes actively to shaping a sustainable future, further enhancing Dubaiโs attractiveness as a global hub for green living,” Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality said in a statement.
The Dubai Sustainability Ambassadors programme will empower trained community representatives to spread awareness and lead engagement initiatives. Run in collaboration with the Furjan Dubai Initiative, the programme will mobilise residents across neighbourhoods to champion zero-waste practices through activities, challenges, and campaigns.
Bin Ghalita said the project will reduce waste volumes and reliance on landfills, thereby improving quality and the city’s livability. Circle Dubai demonstrates Dubai Municipality’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to responsible consumption, climate action, and sustainable cities and communities.
“Circle Dubai targets nine vital sectors in the city, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, real estate, tourism, education, waste management, and labour employment. It reflects our commitment to strengthening sustainability across every dimension of Dubaiโs growth while preserving its attractiveness and cultural identity. The initiative emphasises behavioural change, encouraging responsible practices from all segments of society and reinforcing Dubaiโs status as a global model for waste-free cities,” Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality added.
Circle Dubai is underpinned by partnerships developed in collaboration with private sector, educational, and tourism partners. These partnerships will strengthen integration across sectors, ensure measurable results, and deliver value for residents, businesses, and the community.
How Dubai residents can participate in Circle Dubai
The initiative incorporates community campaigns to embed a culture of zero waste. These combine education tools with public engagement programmes that foster behavioural change and strengthen responsibility across residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors.
Dubai Municipality invites all residents to take part in Circle Dubai by joining its digital education platform, participating in awareness events, or volunteering with the Sustainability Ambassadors programme.
Through Circle Dubai, Dubai Municipality continues to set benchmarks in urban management. By advancing zero-waste practices, leveraging technology to convert waste into energy, and rolling out collection and sorting systems, the initiative highlights Dubai’s role as a leader in governance.
