Priority Area 1: To develop and implement an effective environmental regulatory and policy framework for Abu Dhabi

Though this priority, we aim to provide strong leadership on environmental sustainability for Abu Dhabi, to protect society and the environment through effective regulation and enforcement and to play an effective role in protecting society and the environment from incidents and emergencies.

Click here to read about how we plan to achieve these aims

Case Study: Khalifa Port and the Industrial Zone Project are one of Abu Dhabi’s major strategic projects. The project involves the construction of an offshore port and an industrial area composed of heavy industries in the Al-Taweelah area strategically located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A Strategic Environmental Assessment Report was prepared and submitted for the project in order to take into consideration the environmental aspects of the project during the master planning and design of the port and the industrial zone. Findings of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) showed a significant impact of the project on the coral reef habitat located north of the proposed project area. The proximity to such a sensitive and important environmental habitat had a major effect on the port design. The port location and orientation was altered to avoid the loss of such an important habitat. Furthermore, the port design included the construction of an environmental permanent breakwater to protect the coral reef from the project construction and operational impacts. In addition, the hydrodynamic modeling within the SEA report has led to major changes in the design and location of the industrial area effluent outfall. A stringent continuous monitoring program was set up to ensure minimal impact of the project on the water quality in the region. These mitigation measures have significantly reduced the environmental impact of the project thereby ensuring safe and sustainable operation of the port.

Environmental Permitting and Inspections Programme: In 2011, EAD issued over 1000 permits for industrial projects/facilities, over 200 “No Objection Certificates” for development and infrastructure projects, and over 400 permits for chemical traders. The agency also conducted 915 inspections of permitted facilities to ensure that environmental conditions were being met.