Under the patronage of the UAE President, IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 to be held in Abu Dhabi

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the IUCN World Conservation Congress will be hosted for the first time in the GCC region, in the UAE in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the environmental event will take place from 9-15 October 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The UAE President’s patronage of the IUCN Congress confirms the UAE’s interest in protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity as an essential part of its vision for a sustainable future, in line with His Highness’s directives. The UAE’s hosting of the IUCN World Conservation Congress reflects its commitment to supporting international environmental dialogues and initiatives, providing a global platform that gathers leaders, experts, and decision-makers to collaborate on effective solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges, while further enhancing the UAE’s leadership position in nature and biodiversity conservation, and species protection.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award Now Open for Submissions Across All Emirates

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has officially launched the second cycle of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative of Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD. The award is now open for submissions, with the entry deadline set for 30 April 2025. Applications are being accepted via the official EAD website and are open to individuals and entities across the United Arab Emirates. As one of the UAE’s leading national environmental accolades, the award celebrates excellence in sustainability, innovation, and environmental leadership. It seeks to empower changemakers, recognise impactful initiatives, and drive forward the country’s long-term environmental goals. The award encompasses a range of categories designed to highlight contributions from across sectors and segments of society.

EAD and Embassy of the Philippines Celebrate 50 Years of Bilateral Relations with Mangrove Planting Event at Jubail

In line with the Year of Community and to celebrate 50 years of strong bilateral relations between the UAE and the Philippines and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines came together on 28 January to plant 50 mangrove seedlings at Jubail Mangrove Park. This symbolic event highlights the shared commitment of both nations to environmental sustainability and fostering a greener future. As part of the event, attendees were given a guided tour of Jubail Mangrove Park, allowing them to appreciate its ecological significance and natural beauty, while further strengthening the bonds between the two nations and emphasising the importance of preserving marine and coastal ecosystems.

Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum 2025

The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum returns for its ninth annual edition on the 16th and 17th of April 2025 under the theme: ‘Collaboration for Impact. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Business Practices.’ This prestigious event will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Abu Dhabi, bringing together global leaders in sustainability, technology and business. The event is hosted by the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group and supported by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). In today’s world, sustainability is more than just an ethical imperative; it has become a fundamental component of corporate strategy. This year’s forum will delve into how artificial intelligence (AI) can be a game-changer in driving sustainable business practices. The event aims to address the critical nexus of technology and sustainability, providing a platform for collaboration and innovation. With environmental challenges escalating and societal demands for responsible business practices intensifying, companies are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to mitigate their environmental impact, optimise resource usage, and contribute positively to society. AI emerges as a pivotal tool in this transformation, offering businesses the ability to analyse large data sets, enhance operations, and develop intelligent solutions to complex sustainability issues.

EAD launches first-of-its-kind project in Gulf Region to survey, evaluate and restore traditional oyster habitats

As part of its efforts to preserve marine habitats and ecosystems and protect cultural heritage, and within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to survey, evaluate, and restore traditional oyster habitats in the emirate. The project, which is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, aims to reduce the effects of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding the area of oyster habitats that help to absorb and store carbon dioxide from seawater during shell formation. The project also seeks to enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, as well as preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. EAD’s database will be enhanced via a comprehensive survey and assessment of traditional oyster beds to create a modern interactive digital map. The project also aims to increase environmental awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats by involving school students under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) to assemble the artificial reefs. The new initiative represents a step toward strengthening the emirate’s leadership related to studies and research regarding the restoration of oyster habitats and associated ecosystems.

EAD’s Bottle Return Scheme Drives Record Recycling Success with Sparklo

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, has made remarkable strides in its commitment to sustainability through the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy. As part of this initiative, the EAD-led Bottle Return Scheme, launched in 2023, has seen unprecedented success in recovering more than 2,000 tonnes of bottles. The scheme has significantly advanced recycling efforts across the emirate, empowering residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits. The Agency has collaborated with several partners from the retail industry, waste operators and cleantech providers and, with EAD’s strategic oversight, Sparklo, a cleantech leader, has deployed more than 100 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), known as Sparklomats, across Abu Dhabi, offering convenient return access points for plastic bottles and aluminium cans. As a direct result of this initiative, an impressive 23 million recyclables were collected in 2024 alone, including over 544,000 kilogrammes of plastic and 18,000 kilogrammes of aluminium. The cumulative impact of this initiative has prevented over 3.5 million kg of CO₂ emissions, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s ambitious goal of a 22 per cent carbon emissions reduction by 2027. In a single-day milestone, one Sparklomat processed more than 8,500 items, setting a record for individual unit performance.

EAD Issues a Resolution Specifying Areas where Drilling of New Groundwater Wells is Prohibited

As part of its aims to regulate the drilling of groundwater wells and preserve the quantity and quality of groundwater reserves in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued a resolution specifying areas in the emirate where drilling of new groundwater wells is prohibited. The resolution was prepared pursuant to Law No. (5) of 2016 regulating groundwater in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which grants the Agency the authority to define prohibited areas and issue the necessary instructions, guidelines, and procedures to preserve groundwater quality and ration its consumption. The resolution was developed by the Agency in coordination and cooperation with relevant authorities in the emirate. The provisions of the resolution apply to all groundwater wells within the areas specified therein. The resolution also specifies the drilling, maintenance, and deepening activities permitted in those areas, in addition to the well owner’s obligations to comply with the relevant requirements stipulated in the law and its executive regulations, including the requirements for issuing licenses.

EAD and Emirates Nature-WWF Launch 5-Year Citizen Science Strategy to Ignite Youth Action Through Connect with Nature

As part of the Year of the Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF, the founding partners of the Connect with Nature programme, announced the launch of a new 5-year strategy (2025-2029). The strategy aims to empower a new generation of young leaders in environmental conservation by promoting Citizen Science. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, and Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, to renew the long-standing partnership between the two parties on the details of implementing the new strategy. The new strategy builds on the tremendous success of the Connect with Nature programme, which has reached more than 2.5 million youth since its launch in 2019. It connects youth with nature and provides students in public and private schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region with the opportunity to participate in field activities that promote environmental conservation and Citizen Science. It also underscores a steadfast commitment to inspiring and empowering young people in society. The programme continues to engage youth, particularly younger audiences, providing them with opportunities to cultivate their potential and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

“Sehhi” in EAD

The “SEHHI” program aims to provide healthy food options that meet the highest health and nutritional standards, enhancing the well-being of employees in companies and institutions. It facilitates access to healthy choices during working hours at their workplaces, fostering an environment that encourages the consumption of nutritious food. Through this program, a variety of healthy options are available in the designated cafeteria on the second floor of the agency’s building. Offered by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, this dietary initiative serves as a community guidance service within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, promoting healthy eating habits. The program’s objective is to encourage and support the consumption of healthy food as part of the emirate’s vision for a healthier community, empowering individuals to adopt and improve their dietary practices.