NYE 2021: The men behind the clean-up operation at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Festival

Abu Dhabi marched into 2021 with a heavy-duty big bang event at the Sheikh Zayed Festival. It was an unforgettable night stacked with vibrant events and food and beverages outlets to boot.

And long after the revellers had left, a handful of dedicated personnel were busy cleaning the venue. They have been at work right from the start of the party in Al Wathba. While everyone enjoyed the dances, rides, fountain and laser shows and majestic fireworks display, these bunch of cleaning personnel were always on lookout for any trash on the ground.

If all major venues, which hosted the New Year's Eve party, look spick and span by today afternoon, it is the result of the hard work by the various field teams of Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer).

“This is our job. We have been doing this throughout the festival. We do this every day not just today and not only here but all over Abu Dhabi,” said a cleaner, who is among the team playing a key role in keeping Abu Dhabi a world-class city. “People are nice, they don’t litter much,” the humble staff added while continuing his work.

Serving the community

Tadweer is the strategic partner of the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Salem Al Kaabi, Director General, Tadweer, in a statement to Khaleej Times said that over the years, the festival has grown from strength to strength by featuring an action-packed calendar of local and international events that highlight the UAE’s deeply rooted history, civilisational achievements, and inspiring development journey.

“As a strategic partner of the Festival, Tadweer plays a crucial role in organising the event in a grand manner through ensuring a clean and safe atmosphere for all participants and visitors. This contributes to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s leading status as an ideal destination for hosting high-calibre events and activities.”

Ashwani Kumar

I am a newspaperman from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A journalist at heart. I get my stories from the streets. A south Indian born in the Hindi heartland, I easily connect with people from different nationalities and cultures. I am calm like a monk, sensitive and very patient reporter. On the ground, I cover a range of topics related to community, health, embassy, tourism, transport, business and sports. I will go out on a leg to do what’s right and stand by what I believe in.