According to the Emirates News Agency, ‘Donate Your Device’ provides more than 1,500 refurbished digital devices to students in UAE. The campaign, operated by The Digital School under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, works in partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent to gather used electronics from across the country. Collected items undergo data wiping, repairs where possible and full testing before distribution to ensure they meet educational standards. Devices that cannot be refurbished are recycled following international environmental protocols to minimise waste.
The Digital School launched the initiative in 2023 during the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, a move that a subsequent Gulf News assessment tied to broader national goals for inclusive education. Figures from the organiser show the first phase exceeded initial targets by collecting more than 50,000 devices in total, generating measurable reductions in electronic waste. These outcomes included cutting 122 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and conserving more than 170,000 litres of fuel, according to the Digital School’s environmental impact summary. The programme has since been converted into a permanent annual effort with expanded participation from over 140 government and private entities.
Refurbished equipment supports students in underserved communities both inside the UAE and in countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Mauritania, the Emirates News Agency reported. Each shipment forms part of a wider educational package that includes setting up digital classrooms, training teachers and supplying curriculum-aligned content. This model seeks to create lasting improvements in learning access rather than one-time equipment provision, according to campaign organisers.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, described the project as an example of technology serving humanitarian aims. Speaking during a campaign update, Al Olama emphasised its alignment with UAE leadership directives on digital inclusion. The minister’s remarks highlighted how the initiative combines education, community engagement and responsible e-waste management into a single framework.
Donors may deliver eligible items including laptops, tablets, smartphones, routers and chargers to Emirates Red Crescent collection points located throughout the country, according to the official campaign website. Organisations interested in bulk contributions complete a registration form that details the quantity and type of equipment offered. The process also allows for financial donations that help cover refurbishment and logistics costs, the Digital School stated in its guidelines.
A later Khaleej Times review of the programme noted that it has extended support to more than 500,000 learners globally since inception through device distribution and associated digital infrastructure. The campaign maintains a dedicated online portal where participants can track contributions and learn about upcoming collection drives. Future targets include gathering up to 100,000 additional devices in the current cycle to reach even more students in need.
