Hamdan bin Zayed visits Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and praises its efforts to enhance Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in fisheries sustainability

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), commended the unwavering support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His Highness affirmed that this steadfast backing has enabled the agency to achieve remarkable progress through a diverse portfolio of strategic projects and initiatives, all aligned with its vision to conserve fish stocks and ensure their sustainability for future generations. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended the pioneering achievement of EAD in raising the sustainable fishing index from 8.9 per cent in 2018 to 97.4 per cent by the end of 2024. This places Abu Dhabi first globally in this index, as EAD has implemented comprehensive, globally informed measures and procedures for sustainable recovery of fish stocks. Key actions include regulating fishing activities through the adoption of sustainable gear, managing recreational fishing, and establishing six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network to oversee and control fishing practices. EAD has also advanced the sustainable aquaculture sector in Abu Dhabi. To further enhance fish stocks, the agency has undertaken coral reef restoration and installed artificial structures as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative.

The EAD team also presented the Dalma Fish Project to His Highness, an initiative that cultivates local fish in marine cages and stands as the first in the Middle East to integrate artificial intelligence into aquaculture practices. During the presentation, the team highlighted several of the agency’s most innovative initiatives, including the use of AI in fisheries management, which is the first-of- its-kind globally. This technology enables the identification of fish species and the estimation of their size and weight, contributing to more effective data collection and the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

Abu Dhabi spotlights global marine conservation leadership at UN sustainable development forum

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) showcased Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in marine conservation and sustainability at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), as part of the UAE’s official delegation. Held at the UN headquarters in New York from 14 to 23 July, the HLPF is a central platform for reviewing the progress of the 2030 Agenda. In collaboration with the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office (GEEO), and the UAE SDG Secretariat, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG14, participated in a series of high-level sessions advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 14: Life Below Water. Her participation reflects the UAE’s commitment in accelerating the 2030 SDGs and its role in building global consensus on sustainable development to enhance global stability and prosperity.

Abu Dhabi Delivers Landmark Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector, Cementing Its Global Position

In a major step toward climate resilience, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) today launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) – a comprehensive and science-based roadmap designed to protect the emirate’s natural resources and systems from the increasing and inevitable impacts of climate change. This pioneering plan – the emirate’s first – was created as part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027The plan is also aligned with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, established at COP28, which provides time-bound targets for adaptation planning across key sectors. Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate. We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage. This plan is a science-backed, action-oriented roadmap that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and thrives to ensure water and food security.”

EAD Wins LEED Gold Award for Energy Design and Sustainable Buildings at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has been awarded the prestigious LEED Gold certificate for sustainable buildings by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the world’s most widely used green building rating system. This recognition highlights EAD’s outstanding efforts in implementing energy efficiency systems, environmental stewardship and its strong commitment to sustainability in the management of the Plant Genetic Resources Centre building in Al Ain. The Agency received this award by meeting all the necessary certification criteria, including a 75.1 per cent reduction in energy consumption, a 53.49 per cent decrease in water usage and a 75.1 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Plant Genetic Resources Centre building relies on renewable energy by generating 581,077 kilowatt-hours annually through on-site photovoltaic solar panels.

Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme Has Returned a Total of 2,355 Falcons to the Wild

With the release of 81 falcons in the Republic of Kazakhstan in May 2025, the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has now entered its fourth decade. The recent release activity brings the total number of Saker and Peregrine falcons returned to the wild since the programme’s inception to 2,355. The programme aims to increase falcon populations and protect them from a range of threats contributing to their endangered status such as expanding human activities that encroach on natural habitats, unsustainable breeding practices and climate change. For the ninth consecutive year, the programme saw 53 Peregrine falcons and 28 Saker falcons released in Kazakhstan – marking’s the initiative’s fourth decade of operation since it was established in 1995. The falcons’ natural migratory range includes parts of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Mongolia and neighbouring countries in a region characterised by rugged mountains and vast plains that offer ideal habitats rich in prey. Prior to release, all falcons underwent comprehensive veterinary checks, intensive training and were fitted with identification leg bands and implanted with electronic microchips. Ten falcons (five of each species) were equipped with solar-powered satellite-tracking devices to monitor survival rates, dispersion and migration routes. The data collected will be used to support the ongoing development of rehabilitation, training and release methods.

EAD Organised Workshop to Advance Waste Management Goals and Circular Economy Alignment in Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently organised a technical workshop, hosted by ADNOC, under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Environmental Service Providers Role in Implementing the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Plan”. The workshop convened key stakeholders to strengthen the role of licensed contractors in supporting the emirate’s transition toward more effective waste management practices and circular economy outcomes.  As Abu Dhabi intensifies its efforts to reduce environmental impact and increase resource efficiency, the engagement of environmental service providers has become increasingly critical. This workshop aimed to build stronger alignment between service providers and EAD’s regulatory frameworks, ensuring consistent, high-quality implementation of environmental standards on the ground. Participants included representatives from companies licensed in waste collection, treatment and environmental consultancy. The full-day programme featured presentations by specialists covering licensing protocols, inspection procedures, environmental reporting and technical compliance. Special focus was placed on common regulatory challenges and how to overcome them through improved communication, capacity-building and proactive engagement.