To promote the conservation of Abu Dhabi’s environment,
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to Showcase Nature-based Learning at ADIHEX 2024 with Artificial Intelligence Tools

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has selected nature-based learning and artificial intelligence (AI) as the main theme of its participation at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD, the event is running from 31st August to 8th September at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The Agency’s ADIHEX theme will be enhanced with interactive features such as an AI tool that generates personalised nature film trailers, providing visitors with a unique way to engage with Abu Dhabi’s biodiversity, and an AI chatbot for answering attendees’ environmental questions.
The AI tool is part of naha – a personalised digital platform that promotes sustainability, elevates environmental awareness, and encourages green practices across Abu Dhabi and beyond. Called naha – from the words ‘natural habitat’ – the platform centralises EAD’s key science and data-driven outreach initiatives and turns environmental intentions into meaningful action by encouraging participation and engagement in naha’s range of programmes. The inclusion of AI will enhance these efforts by using innovative technology to educate and inspire ADIHEX visitors about the natural environment.
There will also be interactive touch screens mirroring EAD’s innovative smartphone applications such as Baadr, Sahim, and Abu Dhabi Nature. The Environment Hub Majlis is a space dedicated to discussions and presentations, allowing youth to participate in talks, podcasts, and awareness sessions – all of which cover topics related to environmental conservation and sustainability, and encourage active participation in these critical issues. The Agency’s ADIHEX programme also features events and workshops, and includes: a book signing, storytelling sessions, programming language for sustainability, and a promotion of the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI). Other highlights include lessons on how to a plant for the planet, solar energy in desert regions, how to become an eco-ranger of the future and a young environmental reporter – all designed to educate participants about sustainability and environmental conservation.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Launches the Region’s Largest AI-based Research Programme to Monitor the Condition of Abu Dhabi’s Vegetation and Pastures

As part of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)’s endeavours to adopt cutting-edge and innovative technologies in support of environmental sustainability initiatives and conservation of plant diversity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Agency has partnered with Dendra Co. to execute a comprehensive programme aimed at assessing the state of natural terrestrial habitats across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Agency led the development process of a detailed study design that includes carefully chosen areas suitable for assessing the state of native vegetation cover in natural habitats within and beyond Protected Areas. This systematic approach enabled EAD to measure the extent and dynamics of changes that occur in the diversity and the distribution of local plants that are linked to human uses and anthropogenic influences. The research programme was implemented and facilitated by a team of young national talents from the Agency and Dendra Co. which specialises in conducting environmental consultancy studies using artificial intelligence methodologies and data collection programmes via smart sensors provided to drones.
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, commented on the project: “EAD continually seeks to improve its environmental research methods and programmes and implement its habitat rehabilitation projects in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, who profoundly emphasised the importance of consolidating sustainability and conserving the country’s environmental and natural heritage. A real testament to this commitment is the wise leadership’s announcement to extend the Year of Sustainability to include the year 2024, with the aim of building on the success achieved during the past 12 months, re-affirming the country’s commitment to achieving a prosperous and sustainable future for all.” Her Excellency added: “This programme is considered the largest field research project ever implemented in the region. More than six months of continuous work enabled us to comprehensively cover a total area of 11,000 hectares as a representative survey of the critical vegetation cover most vulnerable to environmental threats resulting from human uses and climate change. The detailed data resulting from the programme will contribute to giving clearer guidance which will enhance the decision-making process to deal with the increasing pressures proactively.”

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Reports Rare Bird Sighting on Qarnain Island, Joining the List of 426 Bird Species Recorded in Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi spotted recently a red-footed booby, a rare member of the booby family, during periodic monitoring operations on Qarnain Island in the Arabian Gulf region. Considered one of the rarest and smallest booby species, it is widespread on the coasts and islands of tropical regions, yet remains very rare in the region, due to the lack of resident groups in the country. Consisting of mainly fish and squid, the red-footed booby’s diet confirms its important role in the balance of the marine ecosystem, and although rare, the species is not considered threatened according to the IUCN Red List. The monitoring of this bird represents a unique opportunity for a deeper understanding of wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats. Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: “This bird, which gets its name due to the red colour of its feet, has been added to the list of 426 bird species recorded in Abu Dhabi. Since 2005, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has implemented a long-term programme to monitor migratory birds and major breeding species with the aim of protecting and preserving them. This helps to assess the status of breeding species and monitor migratory birds, including birds of prey and waterfowl that are important regionally and globally. Tracking important species assists EAD identify important places located within the Zayed Network of Natural Reserves managed by the agency.”
Qarnain Island, a small islet located 180 kilometres northwest of the capital, Abu Dhabi, is considered a marine oasis and a safe haven for many birds, turtles, and other creatures. In 2003, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced the inclusion of the island and its surrounding waters into 81 groups of global reserves. The Union has recognised these worldwide reserves since 1996 under various environmental topics such as forest protection, fresh water, marine ecosystems, and the protection of endangered species.

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi First in the Middle East and North Africa Region to Achieve ISO 16133:2018 Accreditation over Five Consecutive Years for Its Soil Quality Monitoring Programme

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is the first environmental authority in the Middle East and North Africa (NENA) region to achieve over five consecutive years the ISO 16133:2018 accreditation for its soil quality monitoring programme. The programme, launched in 2018, systematically monitors soil quality across Abu Dhabi. It encompasses 656 sites and analyses over 1,376 samples to screen more than 35 elements and pollutants, aiming to identify the impact of human activities on soil quality and guide future soil management and regulatory policies. The programme employs advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) statistical analyses to select and distribute sampling sites for optimal representation and achieve the programme’s objectives. During 2024, EAD increased to 664 the number of sites monitored – up from 100 in 2018 – which reflects the comprehensive nature of the programme and its ability to provide detailed insights into soil conditions across Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the Agency has integrated artificial intelligence and remote-sensing technology by using drones to monitor the soil and predict soil contamination.
Monitoring is conducted through scientific sampling methods across different land use types, using ISO accredited methods. The programme supports the UAE’s efforts to fulfil the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) agreement and pursue land degradation neutrality. The Agency is an active participant in international forums such as Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) 21 and contributes to global environmental goals.

In the region’s first project of its kind,
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Successfully Links the Stacks Automated Monitoring System in the Industrial, Energy and Oil and Gas Sectors Across Abu Dhabi

In line with Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the first project of its kind in the region to electronically link (e-link) the entire Stacks Automated Monitoring System (AMS) in the Industrial, Energy and Oil & Gas Sectors across the emirate of Abu Dhabi directly to its emissions monitoring system. The new e-linking system is designed to connect up to 500 stacks, enabling real-time data collection. Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, on the occasion said: “As part of our continuous efforts to ensure we are enhancing air quality in the emirate of Abu Dhabi for better public health, we are e-linking all air emissions monitoring systems in the Industrial, Energy and Oil & Gas Sectors directly to us at EAD, allowing accurate data to be used in making appropriate decisions.” She added: “We are always looking to use the latest and most effective technologies to monitor emissions and its limits, where we developed a system that adopt artificial intelligence to predict air quality through an early alert system, to take proactive measures when facilities exceed the emission limits of permissible standards, and to cooperate with them in developing appropriate plans and solutions, ensuring their compliance with the national air pollution protection standards. The collected information will also help us to validate the effectiveness of the procedures implemented in improving the operational practices in the different sectors. Currently, 53 stacks from the sectors have been successfully linked to the EAD system.”
The system will enable key stakeholders and EAD to prepare and download customised reports for a quick overview or periodic reports such as monthly, quarterly and annual for permit compliance. This will decrease the cost and time required to prepare and publish reports and learn about the overall air quality in the emirate. As for stacks in facilities that do not require the installation of AMS devices, the operators of these licensed facilities will be able to submit data through a specialised electronic portal in order to integrate their emissions information into a central database that covers all stacks in Abu Dhabi. The central database also integrates with other initiatives such as atmospheric modelling and national inventory reporting, which will subsequently support achieving the environmental goals set for the project. The database also features an alert system which emails facilities and EAD air quality specialists when emissions limits are exceeded. This will help to promote the direct collaboration between EAD and the facility to mitigate air emissions directly from the source.

Intellectual Property Protection Granted to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s ‘Eltezam’ Innovative Environmental Inspection System

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has been granted intellectual property protection by the UAE Ministry of Economy as a smart application for its innovative environmental inspection system ‘Eltezam’. Since the launch of ‘Eltezam’ in October 2022, the Agency has intensified environmental inspection visits across industrial and commercial sectors, and development projects. The agency has conducted over 2,000 inspection visits, resulting in an overall compliance of over 88 per cent across the Abu Dhabi emirate. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of the ‘Eltezam’ system in inspection and compliance monitoring operations. Furthermore, ‘Eltezam’ has been instrumental in investigating and assessing the environmental impact of 125 environmental complaints and incidents.
‘Eltezam’ is the first-of-its-kind at regional and international levels for environmental inspection and monitoring. It aims to conduct more efficient inspection operations to monitor environmental violations, ensuring the protection of the environment, society, optimal resource allocation, and saving time and effort. The system provides flexibility for EAD inspectors in environmental assessment for industrial, commercial facilities, and development projects, based on actual operational activities and environmental requirements.