UAE’s Digital School Launches Second Phase of Device Donation Campaign
The Digital School, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has launched the second phase of its impactful ‘Donate Your Own Device’ campaign. Now a permanent initiative, the program aims to collect 100,000 used electronic devices. These devices will either be refurbished or sustainably recycled to support underserved students around the world while reducing electronic waste.
In partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), this new phase called ‘Donate Your Own Device 2.0’—integrates education, sustainability, and humanitarian support. Not only will it empower thousands of students, but it will also eliminate over 200 tons of e-waste globally. Building on the momentum of its first edition in 2023, the campaign has grown significantly.
The first phase collected more than 50,000 devices, resulting in the recycling of 120 tons of e-waste. It also saved 170,000 liters of fuel and reduced CO₂ emissions by 122 tons. With more than 100 partners across public, private, academic, and international sectors, the campaign has now evolved into a continuous, year-round effort.
A Vision for Sustainable Education and Empowerment
HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Digital School Board, highlighted that, “transforming the ‘Donate Your Own Device’ campaign into a permanent initiative reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to the sustainability approach, and translates the vision of the wise leadership in employing technology and digital knowledge as effective tools for human and societal empowerment.”
Al Olama added, “the initiative represents a pioneering model in integrating charitable, developmental and environmental work, by recycling electronic devices and transforming them into educational tools that enable students from underprivileged groups in societies around the world to access equal and effective digital education, within the framework of the Digital School’s mission to expand comprehensive and sustainable learning opportunities.”
He further emphasized, “the initiative is not just a campaign to collect devices, but rather an integrated strategic vision that aims to create a long-term impact that enhances digital equality, reduces the educational gap, and encourages effective and responsible participation from all segments of society, reflecting the UAE’s firm values of solidarity and sustainable giving.”
Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent, stated that, “the Digital School has brought about a major transformation in the level of educational services provided to the children of refugees, displaced persons, and vulnerable groups in underprivileged countries and societies.”
He added that the ERC is fully committed to supporting the campaign: “The Authority will spare no effort to achieve the goals of the Digital School and expand the umbrella of beneficiaries of its humanitarian initiatives regionally and internationally.”
Community Participation and Environmental Responsibility
Public support remains key to the campaign’s continued success. Donors can participate in several ways: by physically donating used devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops, contributing funds via the official campaign website, or sending donations through Etisalat or Du via SMS.
The program is implemented in cooperation with Ecyclex, a regional leader in sustainable e-waste recycling. It also works closely with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), underscoring the UAE’s broader environmental commitments and efforts to support a circular economy.
Since its founding in 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Digital School has grown rapidly. It now serves more than 500,000 students across 33 countries and delivers education in five languages.
With the launch of this second phase, the campaign takes a significant step forward in closing the digital divide. At the same time, it fosters environmental stewardship and global solidarity ensuring that more students can access quality education in an increasingly connected world.
