Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zones Authority “Rakez” has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainability.
This was achieved by winning the Silver Award in the Best Waste Diversion Initiative for the Government Sector category for the year 2025.
This came as part of the Middle East Waste and Recycling Awards.
This honor embodies Rakez’s leadership in adopting sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and support the transition towards an integrated circular economy in its growing industrial and commercial community.
Rakez has developed an integrated waste management framework aimed at reducing waste destined for landfills and enhancing resource utilization.
In addition to establishing responsible waste management practices among companies operating within their regions.
This framework includes proactive measures, including implementing strict waste disposal regulations and requiring mandatory environmental assessments for industrial facilities.
In addition to implementing continuous awareness campaigns to enhance awareness of methods for reducing, sorting and recycling waste effectively.
Cleaning initiatives and campaigns have also helped encourage various entities to recycle materials including paper, glass, plastic, metal and aluminum cans.
As a result of these efforts, more than 1.18 million kilograms of recyclable waste have been diverted from landfills since 2022.
This contributed to saving about 27,700 cubic meters of landfill area.
Rakez has also strengthened its sustainability efforts by reusing office materials and equipment and utilizing scrap materials within an efficient recycling system.
In addition to the complete transformation of the use of treated water to irrigate green spaces.
This has contributed to saving more than 9 million gallons of fresh water annually and ensuring broader access to recycling facilities.
Effective partnerships in sustainability
Rakez has provided containers dedicated to collecting recyclable materials in its industrial zones, strengthening this with effective partnerships with sustainability stakeholders such as the Emirates Environment Working Group.
This contributes to expanding community participation and supporting the achievement of national sustainability goals.
These efforts have resulted in positive environmental impacts, most notably the preservation of more than 78,000 trees.
In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 164,000 pounds annually, saving more than 2.6 million kilowatts of energy.
The initiatives also achieved returns and financial savings exceeding 1.2 million dirhams through recycling programs, reducing waste disposal costs, and rationalizing water consumption.
