Dubai, Dec 6 (IANS/WAM): The 14th annual national environmental campaign started in Dubai as the first leg of the campaign took off with 2,775 participants, the media reported on Sunday.

Year after year, the "Clean-Up UAE" Campaign has seen dedicated participation from organisations, governments, students, families and individuals.

Volunteers on Saturday equipped with bio-degradable trash bags, cotton re-usable gloves, caps and T-shirts, picked up trash in the massive clean up drive that collected approximately 21 tonnes of waste from the wide expanse of the Naad Al Sheba site.

The event began with the hoisting of the Clean-Up UAE flag, followed by an opening speech by Habiba Al Mar’ashi, chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, announcing the start of the 10-day long campaign that will take place in each of the seven emirates.

"Both citizens and residents of the UAE are working hand in hand to show our gratitude to this nation that has given us so much. The response we have gotten from the community for this year’s campaign has been overwhelming," Al Mar’ashi said.

"This is a community celebration. It also gives us great satisfaction that our activity is highly anticipated by residents of various communities every year," she added.

The campaign will conclude on December 16.