From Nice to Abu Dhabi

With momentum building around ocean action at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, a high-level forum titled “The Ocean Relay: From Nice to Abu Dhabi” emerged as a defining moment, convening global and regional leaders to map out a bold, coordinated path for marine and coastal health and sustainability. Held at La Baleine at the Palais des Expositions de Nice and convened in strategic partnership by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Republic of France, the forum — facilitated by MENA Oceans, an initiative by Goumbook — featured the official announcement of the Nice – Abu Dhabi Manifesto, bridging outcomes from UNOC3 with the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress (Abu Dhabi, October 2025), and the UN Water Conference (UAE, December 2026).

For the Second Time:

EAD Becomes the First UAE Regulator to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Certification

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has received its second Carbon Neutrality Certification from Applus+, a verification agency accredited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This achievement means EAD has become the first regulatory body in the UAE to receive this certification twice, further solidifying its commitment to combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability in Abu Dhabi. Commenting on the milestone, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: ” Receiving the Carbon Neutrality Certificate for the second time underscores EAD’s deep commitment to building a sustainable future for Abu Dhabi. By offsetting our carbon emissions for the 2020–2022 period, we are not only setting a benchmark for government entities, but also inspiring our peers in government, and challenging the private sector to embed sustainable practices into their core operations. We believe this milestone will accelerate our collective journey towards net-zero emissions, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional leader in environmental stewardship.”

EAD completes aerial survey covering 8,000+ km2 of marine habitat

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has wrapped up its latest aerial survey, covering more than 8000 square kilometres of marine habitat. These efforts reflect the agency’s dedication to safeguarding marine species and ecosystems, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional leader in marine biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship. EAD is the only entity in the Middle East conducting long-term, systematic monitoring of marine species through regular surveys. Since 2004, it has been carrying out comprehensive aerial assessments – an initiative aligned with the emirate’s vision that strengthens its environmental database to support conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable management of marine resources.

EAD Launches an Integrated System for Inspecting and Monitoring Waste Management Activities

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced the launch of an integrated system for managing and monitoring waste management activities across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This system aims to ensure compliance with the emirate’s environmental standards and waste management laws, helping to fulfil its vision of environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources. The newly implemented system seamlessly integrates three main waste monitoring and management systems: the Waste Management Activities Inspection and Patrolling System, the Occupational Health and Safety System for Waste Management Sector Workers, and the Electronic System for Tracking and Monitoring Waste Transfer Operations. By developing and integrating sustainable waste management practices, the new system will ensure improved operational efficiency for facilities operating in this sector as well as for inspection and patrolling system.