The collaboration forms a central part of the recently launched Naseej initiative, a Presidential-level programme seeking to shift the country’s textiles industry towards a circular economic model.

Naseej, formally launched in June, is intended to move the sector away from linear consumption and disposal patterns.

The initiative will support nationwide programmes aimed at sustainable textile production, improved collection and recycling infrastructure, and the introduction of research projects and market pilots that facilitate the adoption of circular solutions across the UAE.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which promotes circular economy transitions worldwide, said it will draw on expertise from its involvement in the EU Textile Strategy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) design in other regions to inform the UAE project.

Working with local partners, the organisation’s role is to co-design policy instruments that enable practical application of circular economy principles within the textiles industry.

The Foundation will bring its experience and international network to the Gulf context to identify opportunities and challenges in implementing circularity across the UAE and similar markets.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation policy and institutions executive lead Jocelyn Bleriot said: “The UAE occupies an important place in global textile flows, notably as a re-export and trade hub. Such a position offers a significant opportunity to put the country's circular economy ambitions into practice.

“A successful policy framework in the UAE has the potential to serve as a replicable model for other countries in the Gulf and the wider Global South, where circular economy policy potential for textiles remains untapped.”