Abu Dhabi has been named the Arab Environment Capital for the year 2023 by the Secretariat General of the Arab League and the Council of Arab Environment Ministers. This recognition is a testament to the emirate’s commendable efforts in environmental protection and climate action, which have been led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) over the course of several years.
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Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), expressed his pride in Abu Dhabi’s selection as the Arab Environment Capital for 2023. He acknowledged that the emirate’s accomplishments in the realm of environmental protection and climate action are the direct outcome of the insightful vision and directives of the UAE leadership, spearheaded by the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Abu Dhabi at the forefront of sustainability
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed stated: “Abu Dhabi is a pioneering leader in sustainability, in full alignment with the UAE’s vision and commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future. This was reaffirmed by the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, that 2024 is the Year of Sustainability once again.”
Furthermore, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed emphasized that this accolade is the result of collaborative efforts from governmental and private entities, sectors, and institutions in Abu Dhabi, all working together to protect the environment and preserve its natural resources. This approach has been inspired by the forward-thinking vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who placed significant importance on the conservation of nature and the safeguarding of the environment.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed added that Abu Dhabi consistently derives guidance and inspiration from the overarching vision of the UAE’s leadership, which is globally recognized for investing in knowledge-based initiatives that safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.
Remarkable efforts in environmental protection
The Secretariat General of the Arab League designated Abu Dhabi as the Arab Environment Capital for 2023 towards the end of the previous year. This distinction acknowledges the emirate’s remarkable efforts in environmental protection, as well as its implementation of various initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing people’s quality of life. These efforts are underpinned by the objective of achieving sustainable development and safeguarding natural resources in the region. Abu Dhabi serves as an example of how a dedicated focus on efficient planning and the effective execution of comprehensive sustainability initiatives can yield significant results that will benefit generations to come.
Abu Dhabi emerged as the winner of a competition organized by the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment during its 34th session in Muscat the previous year. Notably, this competition coincided with two significant local and global events: the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability under the theme “Today for Tomorrow,” and the UAE’s hosting of COP28.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi prepared its award submission in collaboration with local partners, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (ADSWS), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company Tadweer, and the Department of Energy (DOE).
Further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in environmental stewardship, the award submission highlighted the emirate’s notable achievements and initiatives. These include the development of green infrastructure, advancements in air and water quality, and the widespread adoption of renewable energy and clean technologies across all key sectors. Moreover, Abu Dhabi has launched impactful environmental awareness campaigns and programs, inspiring residents to take conscious actions in preserving the environment. The initiatives also target students and the community, fostering support for environmental and sustainable projects.
Strong emphasis on climate change
Abu Dhabi’s accomplishments encompass a strong focus on climate change, encompassing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to anticipated impacts, as well as enhancing environmental awareness. The emirate’s climate action agenda encompasses various projects, such as the establishment of natural carbon sinks, extensive mangrove tree planting initiatives, transitioning transportation to low-emission alternatives, and diversifying energy sources. Noteworthy climate change measures implemented in Abu Dhabi include the replacement of traditional lighting with smart street lighting to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, the employment of drone technology for dispersing mangrove seeds as part of a planting initiative, and conducting atmospheric research expeditions to enhance air quality and mitigation measures. The agency has also introduced the Green Industries eco-labeling program to curb industrial sector emissions and created an index for farms implementing climate-smart practices.
Abu Dhabi has implemented a comprehensive plan encompassing land transport, low-emission vehicles, and traffic management within the emirate. Originating in 2009 to align with the environmental, social, and economic objectives of the city, the Integrated Land Transportation Plan underwent updates in 2017 and 2022. The plan incorporates measures to reduce carbon emissions, including the development of public transportation infrastructure utilizing renewable energy technologies, the operation of buses powered by solar energy, and the promotion of alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles.
Combatting land degradation
The emirate has dedicated significant efforts to combat land degradation caused by erosion and wind. This includes the creation of forest areas to mitigate sand encroachment and minimize its impact on green spaces and air quality. Strategic plans have also been devised to assist urban cities in mitigating and adapting to climate change, while Abu Dhabi’s Plan Maritime was formulated to safeguard coastal areas, preserving their resources and marine habitats in a sustainable manner. Additionally, a comprehensive soil survey project was conducted, revealing the suitability of one million hectares of land for irrigated agriculture. To preserve soil samples and monitor changes in soil quality, Abu Dhabi established the first soil sample bank of its kind in the Arab world and North Africa.
Strong commitment to biodiversity conservation
Abu Dhabi has shown a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and the identification of endangered species in the region. To date, a total of 3,453 species have been registered in the emirate. Abu Dhabi has implemented a comprehensive program to document new species and evaluate their protection status. The emirate launched the Red List of Threatened Species report and the Urban Biodiversity Index report, and has successfully reintroduced endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx, Scimitar-horned Oryx, Dama Gazelle, and Addax back into the wild. In 2023, Abu Dhabi received a global award for its coastal and marine ecosystem rehabilitation programs, and Bu Tinah Island was included in UNESCO’s list of natural wonders, highlighting its commitment to preserving natural reserves.
Largest number of natural reserves
Abu Dhabi, in the Arab region, boasts the management of the largest number of natural reserves, encompassing 30.88 percent of the emirate’s total area. The aim is to achieve international recognition for its terrestrial and marine reserve management systems by adhering to global best practices. With 519 forests covering 200,000 hectares (2.9 percent of the emirate’s total area), Abu Dhabi is actively making documented environmental data accessible to the public through smart applications, educational tools, and social media. The emirate is also bolstering its environmental research programs and has made significant discoveries, unveiling 20 new species. Additionally, Abu Dhabi is focusing on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of its cities and population centers to encourage eco-tourism.
Priority on air quality for sustainable development
The emirate places a high priority on maintaining and improving air quality to achieve sustainable development and minimize adverse impacts on both humans and the environment. Strategic initiatives and projects have been implemented in collaboration with government and private entities to manage and enhance air quality. Inventories of greenhouse gas emissions, mercury, and industrial air pollutants have been conducted, and their sources analyzed. Projects promoting the clean use of fuel in transportation, power generation, and water production, as well as the transition to clean and renewable energy, have been put into action. Abu Dhabi has introduced vehicle inspection programs, improved traffic systems, implemented smart management measures, and developed strategies to optimize electricity and water demand. The emirate has also adopted development options that safeguard air quality and mitigate the effects of air pollution on public health and the environment.
A comprehensive study was undertaken to map noise levels in Abu Dhabi and identify potential mitigation measures. Twenty-two devices were installed across 20 locations to monitor air and noise pollution levels. The data collected from the field study was integrated into a mathematical modeling system that incorporated information on vehicle movement, construction site locations, and population concentrations. This data was used to generate a contour map highlighting areas most affected by high noise levels, enabling the development of improvement plans.
Regulatory frameworks and legislative measures
Abu Dhabi has implemented multiple initiatives to address key challenges in waste management while optimizing the sector and promoting a circular economy. These initiatives include the development of a strategic plan for waste sector management (2021-2025), the establishment of regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the creation of an electronic waste classification system. Other significant projects include the construction of an integrated system for environmental inspection, compliance, and enforcement, the formulation of a policy for energy production from waste, and the establishment of three state-of-the-art waste incinerators designed to meet international standards for treating medical and hazardous waste. The emirate has also formulated a policy to reduce single-use plastics, issued executive regulations, and designed and implemented an integrated awareness plan targeting various segments of society.
Noteworthy accomplishments in this field include the issuance of licenses and the regulation of groundwater well drilling, the completion of the emirate’s first inventory of groundwater wells in 2018, the creation of the first-of-its-kind groundwater atlas in Abu Dhabi, and the provision of drinking water during emergencies. In 2020, a program was developed to assess deep underground reservoirs, evaluating their potential, underground reserves, water quality, and the possibility of future utilization. Other notable achievements include the production of the first-ever hydrogeological map of Abu Dhabi Emirate, the implementation of a general policy for groundwater management and protection, and the formulation of a sustainability policy for marine water quality.
Advanced technology in wastewater treatment
Abu Dhabi has implemented advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities in multiple wastewater treatment plants, allowing for the safe disposal and treatment of wastewater. These plants facilitate the reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural purposes and irrigation of green areas. In pursuit of sustainable sewage solutions, Abu Dhabi has undertaken various measures. The Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) was launched in 2017, focusing on enhancing the tunnel system. Additionally, a project was implemented in 2017 to rehabilitate and replace sewer lines throughout Abu Dhabi. The emirate has constructed 41 wastewater treatment plants, capable of collecting and treating over 320 million cubic meters of wastewater annually. Furthermore, a comprehensive monitoring program has been established to assess the performance of the sewage network against key indicators.
Science-driven solutions for environmental challenges
Under the National Innovation Strategy, Abu Dhabi is actively leading and coordinating innovation efforts to position the UAE as one of the world’s most innovative countries, aligning with the UAE Centennial 2071 strategy. The emirate’s pursuit of sustainable solutions to environmental and wildlife challenges is rooted in robust scientific data, studies, research, and programs. These initiatives contribute to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental policies and legislation. Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering a culture of innovation within the environmental sector and introducing innovative initiatives that offer effective solutions. As a testament to its endeavors, the emirate has been recognized with numerous innovation awards for its environmental projects and programs.
Reducing carbon emissions for a sustainable future
To ensure that sustainability considerations are prioritized in all development plans, the government has established policy frameworks. Rapid development has placed significant pressure on Abu Dhabi’s natural resources and infrastructure, necessitating proactive measures. The Abu Dhabi Strategy for Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalization 2030 was developed, setting specific targets to reduce electricity consumption by 22 percent and water consumption by 32 percent by 2030. These efforts will contribute to a reduction of 9 million tonnes of annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
Abu Dhabi’s environmental awareness and education programs have achieved notable success both locally and internationally. The emirate has received regional and global recognition for its environmental awareness initiatives from esteemed organizations such as the United Nations. Through targeted programs aimed at students, youth, employees, and the general community, the commitment to environmentally responsible behavior in Abu Dhabi has increased from 55 percent in 2012 to 78 percent in 2021.
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