Sharjah: In a strategic step to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) today announced the official launch of Tahweel, the UAE’s first fully integrated national digital marketplace for recyclable materials. Developed in collaboration with BEEAH, the project is one of the federal government’s transformational initiatives for 2024-2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, Tahweel is designed to chart the UAE’s future and boost its global competitiveness by reinforcing circular economy systems and integrated waste management. It aims to unlock new economic value from resources and advance sustainable development goals. This initiative aligns with the UAE Government’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which seeks to establish the nation as a global hub for the new economy within the next decade.
The launch was announced during a special ceremony at BEEAH’s headquarters in Sharjah, coinciding with the fourth meeting of the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work. The event featured the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between MOCCAE and BEEAH, attended by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH Group; and senior officials from both organisations.
Dr. Amna Al Dahak stated, ‘Tahweel reflects our leadership’s vision to transform environmental challenges into promising economic and developmental opportunities. We are moving waste management beyond its traditional concept into a new economic domain – one where resources create added value and drive innovative, sustainable business models aligned with our national ambitions and the ‘We the UAE 2031′ vision.’
She added that the Tahweel platform is a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances transparency and efficiency in the recyclable materials market. It enables enterprises to engage directly in the circular economy, creating a regulated national marketplace that encourages higher recycling rates and reduces reliance on landfills, thereby contributing to environmental and climate goals.
Dr. Amna concluded by emphasizing the strong synergy between the public and private sectors, represented by the partnership with BEEAH. She expressed confidence that Tahweel will be a key driver in positioning the UAE as a global leader in the new and sustainable economy.
Khaled Al Huraimel commented on the significance of Tahweel as a leap towards a future-ready circular economy in the UAE. He highlighted BEEAH’s subsidiary re.life’s role in trading and recycling solutions, which has achieved rapid growth locally and internationally. He expressed optimism about creating new value for the circular economy through advanced technologies and re.life’s expertise.
Eng. Alya Abdelrahim Alharmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary of Sustainable Communities Sector at MOCCAE, noted that the ‘Tahweel’ platform is a practical application of the Ministry’s efforts in the government’s ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ initiative. The platform supports businesses in the waste management sector by enabling direct communication within an integrated and secure network, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MOCCAE and BEEAH includes coordination with local waste management authorities across the UAE to streamline recyclable material trading. Awareness campaigns and initiatives will promote platform adoption, supported by training and technical assistance for users.
Powered by advanced technologies developed by BEEAH’s subsidiary re.life, Tahweel facilitates fair and transparent trading across a range of recyclables, including metals, plastics, paper, wood, e-waste, glass, and rubber. The platform offers flexible trading options, ensuring fair pricing and equal opportunities for participants. To participate in commercial trading on Tahweel, users must hold a valid trade licence.