Dec 15 2008
Hundreds of Volunteers take part in Clean Up Arabia at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
More than 100 staff from Le Méridien Al Aqah joined more than 200 volunteers from Emirates Diving Association on 29 November for the 13th Clean Up Arabia campaign in Fujairah. The extensive clean-up removed two tonnes of rubbish and debris from underwater and the coastline of the East Coast.
The Clean Up Arabia campaign is organized by the UAE-based Emirates Diving Association (EDA) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme - Regional Office of West Asia (UNEP – ROWA). Le Méridien Al Aqah sponsored the event, along with Dubai Properties Group, Al Futtaim Carillion, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Emirates NBD.
“Le Meridien Al Aqah is pleased with the results of the clean-up and we appreciate the partnership with EDA, the corporate sector and the local community,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.
“However, our commitment to the environment goes beyond an annual clean-up. We are in discussions with EDA to organize similar events more frequently in 2009 and we will also be focusing on Green initiatives to create environmental awareness and send strong conservation messages to society and industry alike. We also plan to team up with international organizations for such initiatives and create educational programs with the participation of local schools and universities as well as respective ministries,” added Antaki.
Officials attending the event included Major General Khalfan Al Muhairi, Financial Director and Board Member, EDA; Mr Salim Al Sharah, Director-General, Ministry of Environment and Water, East Coast and Chairman of the Fisherman’s Association in Dibba; and representatives from Fujairah Municipality.
