This extensive environmental initiative which removed 565kg of underwater debris is part of the annual Cleanup Arabia campaign, part of the Clean Up The World Programme that is promoted and managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This is a voluntary initiative to enhance the UAE's dive sites and beaches through a collaborative approach with Emirates Diving Association partners.

Emirates Diving Association has been running Cleanup Arabia since 1995, conserving, protecting and restoring the UAE’s marine resources by emphasising and promoting the underwater environment and environmental diving.

The cleanup on the seabed at Port De La Mer marina involved a team of 75 volunteers, consisting of 60 professional divers and 15 volunteers for surface support. Items removed from the depths of the marina include car tyres, ropes, plastic and other debris.

One of five marinas operated by D-Marin in the U.A.E, the Mediterranean-inspired Port De La Mer marina opened in October 2024, providing a vibrant yet laid-back lifestyle set within a unique island retreat in one of Dubai’s most coveted locations.

An environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programme has been underway at the marina since its inception, aligned with D-Marin’s commitment to creating sustainable marinas for present and future generations. As well as further seabed cleans, D-Marin Port De La Mer will engage in other sustainable initiatives to enhance the region, including environmental education, investing in green technology, and committing to a 42% carbon footprint reduction by 2030.

Selcuk Balci, Managing Director at D-Marin Dubai, said: “One of the most important features of a marina is being a positive contributor to the local community and the environment. This is why one of our first actions is to host this initiative in partnership with Emirates Diving Association to benefit the Dubai community, ocean life, and our marina customers. Environmental action will be a focus at Port De La Mer with many more ESG projects to come, setting a new standard of sustainability in marinas.”