820 tonnes of marine debris retrieved from Dubai Creek

Supplied

Dubai Municipality has retrieved around 820 tonnes of marine debris from Dubai Creek, including nine sunken wooden boats and commercial vessels.

This marks the first phase of the municipality's annual strategy to clean and preserve sustainability of the emirate's waterways.

Nearly 95 per cent of the collected waste has been diverted to waste recycling businesses.

The cleanup drive was launched last year in locations including Dubai Creek, Jaddaf, Dubai Water Canal, Business Bay Canal and the Waterfront.

"Our strategy is divided into phases with the goal of eliminating all canal waste that obstructs the movement of boats and vessels and disrupts trade and tourism traffic. It also aims to prevent marine pollution caused by industrial products and substances from engines, which can endanger marine life and fisheries," said Saeed Abdul Rahim Safar, Director of Waste Operations Department at Dubai Municipality.

The municipality has assigned a field team to monitor the procedures and ensure that the contractors adhere to the strategy.

More from UAE