Residents from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah removed waste and cleaned nearly 10 km of the popular Shawka hiking trail.
More than 60 UAE residents, equipped and ready, trekked through the rugged Shawka Pools mountain trail before sunrise—not to hike, but to remove waste ahead of the summer season.
Carrying bags instead of camping gear, the volunteers spent nearly five hours clearing around 30kg of waste scattered along the 10km trail, ensuring that returning visitors would find a cleaner, litter-free natural environment.
The cleanup initiative, organised by Greenway Adventure, brought together hikers, adventurers, children, and senior residents from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Participants aged between seven and 60 took part in the drive, each carrying one or two garbage bags while trekking through the mountains.
According to Nasar Husain, expedition leader and certified mountaineer at Greenway Adventure, the group began the cleanup around 3:30am, starting from two separate points and covering different sections of the Shawka Pools trail.
“One route covered nearly 7 km, while the other stretched around 4 km. This is a very popular trail used by both residents and tourists for hiking, especially during the winter season,” said Husain.
By the end of the drive, volunteers had collected more than 35 large bags of waste, including plastic covers, aluminium containers, spoons, plates, pipes, and even construction debris believed to have been washed into the wadi during rainfall.
“This trash had accumulated during the winter season when people visit the area for trekking, swimming, and camping. Most hikers do not litter on the trail, but some campers leave waste behind,” said Husain.
He added that the cleanup drive is part of a long-standing effort by the hiking community to protect the UAE’s natural environment. “We have been conducting such cleanups for nearly 10 years. For the past six years, we have organised them under the Greenway Adventure brand. This is our fourth community cleanup initiative,” he said.
According to Husain, participation from residents across different emirates was key to the initiative’s success. “People came from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Children and seniors also joined in, with everyone carrying at least one or two bags during the hike,” he said.
The collected waste was later handed over to Ras Al Khaimah Municipality teams for proper disposal after organisers coordinated with the civic authority.
Husain said the group hopes the initiative will encourage visitors to enjoy nature responsibly and avoid leaving waste behind in mountain areas. “This is our home. A home becomes beautiful when it is clean and well cared for,” he added.
He also urged visitors to help protect hiking trails and natural spots for future generations. “If we protect nature today, future hikers and children will also be able to enjoy these beautiful places. Small actions from each person can make a very big difference,” he said.
