The Dubai Recycling Business Group (DRBG), established under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, aims to bring together stakeholders across the recycling value chain to create a stronger and more unified industry voice. 

In this interview, Joelle Saab, the Chairperson of DRBG, shares with R. Keerthana, the group’s priorities, the challenges facing the recycling sector, and her vision for the future of recycling in the UAE. 

What is your top priority as the Chairperson of DRBG? 

Joelle Saab: As a group, our first priority is to create a unified voice for the recycling industry in the UAE. Too often, the sector is viewed through a competitive lens, with companies focusing on differences rather than common goals. We want to shift that mindset and position these differences as strengths that can enrich the industry. 

Our second priority is securing more feedstock and recyclable materials for local recycling facilities. We want to retain more recyclable materials within the UAE wherever possible, reducing unnecessary exports and associated emissions. 

Thirdly, we aim to become the first point of reference for government entities on matters related to recycling and circular economy, ensuring policymakers have direct access to industry expertise and representation. 

What is the mission of the Dubai Recycling Business Group, and how does it unite the industry? 

JS: Our mission is to connect and strengthen the industry by creating opportunities for awareness, networking, and collaboration. 

We are building the group’s infrastructure through our website, social media platforms, and member network while organizing awareness sessions, panel discussions, webinars, and networking opportunities. We want members to feel they are part of one ecosystem rather than operating in silos. 

An important part of our mission is also transparency. Many residents still do not know what happens to recyclables after they are disposed of. We want to improve visibility into recycling processes and build greater public trust in the sector. 

What are the biggest challenges facing the recycling industry in the UAE? 

JS: One of the biggest challenges is poor source segregation. Across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, waste is often not properly segregated. As a result, recyclable materials end up in general waste streams, leading to landfill disposal or incineration instead of being recovered. 

The second major challenge is lack of awareness. Many people still see waste as something to be discarded rather than as a valuable resource. Once waste is disposed of, there is often an assumption that responsibility ends there. 

We need to change the way people think about waste entirely. Waste should only truly be called waste when there is no other possible use for it. 

How is the group engaging with government bodies? 

JS: We work closely through the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, which facilitates formal communication with government entities. This allows industry concerns and recommendations to be communicated through structured channels. 

We already have honorary government members, including Dubai Municipality, and we are looking to expand participation by inviting other municipalities and public sector organizations. This creates an effective platform where industry challenges and opportunities can be discussed directly with decision-makers. 

Are there regulatory frameworks or incentives urgently needed for the industry? 

JS: We acknowledge that the UAE is already making strong progress. The country has established ambitious frameworks, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative and the Integrated Waste Management Framework 2041. 

Our role is not to reinvent policy but to support implementation and enforcement by ensuring greater industry alignment and collaboration. Many of the right frameworks are already in place; what is needed now is strong execution and industry-wide participation. 

How far along is the UAE in achieving its circular economy targets? 

JS: The UAE has made remarkable progress over the last decade. Many recycling and treatment facilities that exist today were not in place ten years ago. 

We are also seeing stronger sustainability commitments from major waste generators and private sector companies. The country is clearly moving in the right direction, and what is particularly notable about the UAE is its ability to translate commitments into action. 

When the UAE sets a target, there is a strong drive to deliver it. 

Where do you want the group to be in three years? 

Joelle Saab: My vision is to see every stakeholder connected to recycling and circular economy become part of this group, including both private sector companies and relevant government representatives. 

I would also like to see recycling become a second nature for UAE residents, something practiced instinctively rather than viewed as an obligation. 

From an industry perspective, success would mean recycling and waste treatment facilities operating at or near capacity, creating demand for additional infrastructure, investment, and innovation. That would be a very positive challenge for the sector. 

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While the group was established through the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and therefore carries the Dubai name, membership is open to organizations and individuals from across all Emirates.