Ajman University’s Mangrove Restoration Effort Wins MAJRA Sustainable Impact Award 2025

Ajman University is proud to announce that its community-driven initiative, "Greening Communities: Mangrove Planting Project," has been named Best University-Led Project at the MAJRA Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. The project was also recognized as one of the Top 20 national sustainability initiatives from more than 228 entries across the UAE.

Held under the patronage and presence of H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra’s Board of Trustees, the award ceremony took place at the SEE Institute in Dubai Sustainable City. The event also saw the participation of H.E. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of Dubai’s Community Development Authority.

Representing Ajman University at the ceremony were Mr. Rabi Al Khofash, Vice-Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs, and Maya Haddad, Senior Sustainability Manager, alongside colleagues Jawaher Al Shehhi, Head of Community Service, Rami Elhadi, Sustainability Administrative Coordinator, and Fatima Al Ali, Sustainability Officer.

The Challenge aimed to spotlight innovative, high-impact sustainability efforts across industries, businesses, and academia. From the initial pool of entries, 100 were shortlisted, with the final 20 selected for their potential to scale and deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic outcomes. As Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, noted, “These 20 projects are more capable at scaling and creating a bigger impact... We want to give visibility to projects that are really impactful... We’re limiting social washing and greenwashing in the nation to really support private sectors’ contributions.”

Ajman University’s mangrove restoration project stood out for its blend of ecological impact, community engagement, and student involvement. The initiative not only restores coastal ecosystems but also raises environmental awareness through active participation and education.

Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, stated: “We are deeply honored by this recognition from Majra and the UAE leadership. This award reflects our strategic vision of integrating sustainability into education, research, and community engagement. At Ajman University, we believe in empowering students and faculty to become catalysts for positive change. Through this mangrove project, we are not just restoring nature, we are building resilience, inspiring stewardship, and contributing to the UAE’s long-term climate goals.”

The project also received the Verified Impact Stamp from Majra, which underscores the credibility and effectiveness of AU’s approach. It affirms that ecological restoration, when paired with education and civic participation, can create a lasting, scalable impact.

As a UAE federal entity, Majra supports institutions in amplifying their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Ajman University is proud to lead with a nature-based solution that champions environmental integrity while engaging the next generation in climate action.

This achievement is more than an award; it is a testament to AU’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community-centered progress.