Over 60 dedicated volunteers from across the UAE recently gathered before dawn for a meaningful mission at the Shawka Pools mountain trail. Trading hiking gear for trash bags, participants ranging from children to seniors spent five hours trekking across the 10km path to clear away debris left behind by visitors. Organized by Greenway Adventure, the initiative saw a diverse group from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah collect over 35 large bags of waste, which included everything from discarded plastic and aluminum containers to remnants of construction materials swept into the wadi during heavy rains.

Nasar Husain, the expedition leader, noted that this effort is part of a decade-long commitment by the local hiking community to preserve the environment for future generations. By coordinating with the Ras Al Khaimah Municipality for proper disposal, the volunteers ensured the area was left in pristine condition before the summer heat set in. Husain emphasized that small, individual actions are the key to protecting these natural landscapes, urging all future hikers and campers to treat the mountains with the respect due to a home and to leave no trace behind.