The UAE Federal Environment Agency was formed in 1993 to manage the environment of the Emirates and to implement national environmental laws. Subsequent to that, the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) was created in 1996 (Law No.4). ERWDA was established to protect the natural wealth of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to promote sustainable development. EAD was designated as the Competent Authority for environmental and wildlife issues within Abu Dhabi Emirate as outlined in Federal Laws No. 23 and No. 24.

Law No. 16 of 2005, called for the restructuring of ERWDA giving it more authority on all environmental efforts as well as a new name: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi.

Environmental Laws provides full and summarized texts of all laws related to the Agency.