The United Arab Emirates

General Environmental Policy

2021

www.moccae.gov.ae
Introduction
The environment has always been a top priority for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a part of its cultural
legacy. In order to preserve and develop its environment, the country has issued institutional and legislative
frameworks and implemented several successful initiatives and projects.

Based on the assessment of the current state of the environment, and foreseeing the expected environmental
challenges to be faced in the future in light of the local and global developments witnessed in recent years.
There was a need to develop a long-term general environmental policy that is viable for improvement and
governance, to be adopted and applied at national and local levels, and to include specific action plans and
performance indicators that ensure the continuity of environmental protection in peaceful times and during
emergencies, crises and disasters.

In this context, the UAE Environmental Policy comes to confirm our firm commitment to protect, and to sustain
the environment, and aspires to enhance our pioneering role in addressing environmental issues and
challenges at the local, regional and global levels.

This policy aims to enhance the quality of life in the UAE, now and in the future, with a focus on maintaining a
sustainable environment that supports long-term economic growth. It focuses on preserving the country's
biodiversity and the sustainability of its resources, ecosystems and services; as well as integrating the
considerations and objectives of environmental protection and climate action in the policies and plans of the
various sectors in the country. The policy also aims to increase the contribution of the livestock and agricultural
sectors to the national economy and food diversification, and to support the efforts to achieve the 2030
Sustainable Development Goals.

The UAE Environmental Policy is especially important as being one of the key tools to determine future
directions in the field of environmental and climate action and its current and future progress, in addition to
ensuring the implementation of the UAE's relevant commitments at the regional and global levels.

Main priorities of the UAE Environmental Policy

1. Mitigating the repercussions of climate change in support of the country's economic development
priorities:
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world. Human activities related to energy
production, industry, transportation, agriculture, waste generation and unsustainable consumption patterns
have caused an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide, which have led to

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a rise in the global average temperature by one degree Celsius, compared to pre-industrial rates. It is expected
that a further increase in these emissions in the coming decades will lead to even higher global average
temperatures, that will drive glacial melt and rising sea levels, resulting in more intense and frequent extreme
weather events.

Policy statement
The UAE is committed to strengthening its leading role in the efforts to mitigate the repercussions of climate
change at the regional and international levels, by managing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience
and adaptation capabilities and taking advantage of opportunities that contribute to building a diverse and
sustainable green economy.

Main directions
• Managing the greenhouse gas emissions in the country and supporting projects that contribute to
reducing these emissions, in a way that ensures contribution to the efforts aimed at maintaining the
average increase in global temperature as determined by international agreements to avoid the
repercussions of climate change.
• Developing programs and plans to build resilience, and enhance the flexibility and capacity of
ecosystems, economic sectors and society to adapt to the effects of climate change.
• Strengthening the UAE's position within the global competitiveness indicators, supporting the efforts
for sustainable development and a green economy, and taking advantage of opportunities to support
plans for economic diversification of the country.

Targets and indicators

• To increase the clean energy contribution in the UAE energy mix to 50% by 2050.
• To reduce energy consumption at the individual and institutional levels by 40% by 2050.
• To ensure the readiness and flexibility of priority sectors to adapt to the effects of climate change by
2030.

Programs and initiatives

• National Framework for Climate Change and Health
• Adaptation plans in the health, environment, infrastructure and energy sectors
• Climate risk assessment and adaptation planning projects
• The UAE Green Development Strategy and the National Green Agenda 2015-2030

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 • Clean and renewable energy projects
• Blue carbon projects
• The peaceful nuclear energy project
• The National Climate Change Adaptation Program: Energy, Infrastructure, Health, Environment and
Insurance
• Developing a national database on climate change
• A draft federal law to mitigate the repercussions of climate change
• The National Climate Change Plan 2050
• The UAE Energy Strategy 2050
• The Abu Dhabi Climate Initiative (a global initiative)
• Studying the economic impacts of climate change, preparing specialized studies on adaptation and
developing modeling systems to simulate the impact of carbon emissions on the surrounding
environment and rising sea level using satellites

2. Preserving natural environment

The preservation of natural resources and their sustainable use have formed a pivotal part of the UAE culture,
reflecting the close connection with nature and natural resources to support harmonious and friendly living
with nature, and the country's commitment to preserving biological diversity. The UAE is characterized by its
diverse deserts, mountainous and marine environments, as well as the rapid pace of development and high
population density in the country, especially along the coast, where urban areas and residential communities
cover the greater part of the coast and neighboring lands, and are intermixed with industrial and agricultural
lands, including cultivated forests.

During the past decades, the UAE has taken many actions and measures to preserve nature. Nevertheless, the
terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the country still face many natural and human pressures and threats. These
include: economic and urban development and the consequent change in land use, increasing consumption of
water resources, overgrazing, overexploitation of living marine resources, pollution from land and marine
sources, invasive alien species and climate change.

The marine and coastal environment in the UAE has received special attention, as it is one of the most important
pillars of the comprehensive and sustainable development process. The country's policy in preserving and
sustaining the marine and coastal environment and its living wealth is based on a wide and integrated system
of legislation and laws that keep pace with the associated environmental challenges, and adopt a continuous

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assessment approach of trends in the marine environment. Such continuous assessment approach includes
monitoring and observation programs, a package of measures and procedures related to reducing pollution
effects and rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems, in addition to regional and international coordination and
cooperation.

Policy statement
The United Arab Emirates is keen on ensuring the sustainability of biological diversity and the various services
provided by ecosystems, to preserve the pivotal role of this diversity in economic development and the well-
being of society, chart future directions aimed at protecting endangered species, protect natural habitats from
the impacts of urban development and achieving sustainable exploitation of biodiversity resources.

The UAE is committed to preserving the marine and coastal environment, ensuring the sustainability of
ecosystem services and adopting a governance approach in managing marine and coastal natural resources to
achieve sustainable development that takes into account the deep functional correlation of marine and coastal
ecosystems on the one hand, and the requirements of economic and social development on the other hand.
The country also seeks to protect and develop its living aquatic wealth, and to achieve a regional and
international leadership in these areas.

Main directions
• Reducing loss of native species
• Preserving the natural systems and the services they provide
• Protecting natural habitats and sustaining their resources
• Governance in managing the marine and coastal environment
• Monitoring and controlling the marine and coastal environment
• Protecting, developing and regulating the exploitation of living aquatic resources

Targets and indicators

• By 2030, to preserve 22% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 20% of important coastal and
marine areas for biodiversity, through a representative network of ecosystems at the protected areas
with effective management
• By 2030, to rehabilitate and restore at least 80% of degraded land, as needed
• By 2050, to improve the status of at least 50% of threatened species
• By 2030, to eliminate the incentives with negative impacts on biodiversity

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 • By 2030, to raise the management effectiveness of protected areas by no less than 60% for all declared
reserves in the country
• By 2030, to reduce the illegal trade in wildlife by 90%
• To raise the percentage of the Sea Water Quality Index to 86.5% by 2030
• To increase the percentage of sustainable exploitation of fish stock to 70% by 2030

Programs and initiatives

• Declaring biodiversity rich areas in the country as natural reserves and ensuring their effective
management
• Evaluating and promoting the effective management of natural reserves
• Project to identify the important biodiversity areas
• The National Red List of Threatened Species project
• The UAE Smart Map for Natural Capital project
• The Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) Identification Project
• Important Sea Turtles Areas Identification Project
• Important Marine Mammals Areas Identification Project
• Updating the map of important birds’ areas
• Project to identify the invasive alien species in the UAE
• The initiative to limit the spread of invasive alien species
• Programs for the reproduction and restoration of wild animal species
• The initiative to reduce overgrazing, overfishing/overhunting and any unsustainable exploitation of
natural resources
• The initiative to reduce illegal trade in wildlife
• Preparing specialized socio-economic studies in the field of biodiversity, such as studying ornithology
and other organisms, and the extent of the impact of pollution and waste on biodiversity.
• The national framework for sustainable governance of the marine and coastal environment
• The national plan to combat marine pollutants
• The national fisheries framework
• The regulatory framework for studies of the marine environment
• Coastal habitat rehabilitation programs
• Monitoring and controlling the quality of sea water

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 • Sea weed conservation plan.
• The National Blue Carbon Project.
• Leading plans and programs to raise the efficiency of aquaculture production.
• Studying the social and economic impact on the surrounding environment by preparing specialized
studies on marine and coastal environments and on the extent of marine pollution's impact on it, in
addition to applying a number of simulation systems for the marine and coastal environments.

3. Improving air quality:

Air quality is a priority issue for the United Arab Emirates due to its health, economic and environmental
implications, as air is one of the vital human basic needs, and its quality is directly and indirectly reflected on
human health, the environment and the economic situation in general. That is why the UAE pays special
attention to the issue of air quality, and that is evident in the UAE Vision 2021 and in the Vision's National
Agenda, which aims to raise air quality levels to 90% by 2021.

Policy statement
The UAE is committed to ensuring the right of generations to have clean air, and seeks to improve air quality
levels to protect society from the health effects resulting from its low levels in a way that enhances the welfare
and prosperity of society, and ensures a better environment.

The country also seeks to improve the levels of indoor air quality as it affects the health of individuals, as they
spend most of their time in closed spaces due to the nature of the country's climate.

In addition, the UAE seeks to monitor and improve the levels of ambient noise and odors, to keep pace with the
continuous expansion of the urban areas, the increase of the population density in the residential areas and the
surrounding infrastructure and human activities.

Main directions
• Improving ambient air quality
• Improving indoor air quality
• Reducing ambient noise
• Reducing ambient odors

Targets and indicators

• To increase the clean energy contribution in the UAE energy mix to 50% by 2050

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 • To raise the percentage of air quality to 90% by 2021, as per the guidelines of the World Health
Organization
• To improve the percentage of air quality to reach 100% according to the national standards by 2040
(for the four main pollutants: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground ozone)
• To reach 35µg/m3 (WHO Interim Target-1) as average annual concentrations of Particulate Matter
(PM) of less than 2.5 microns in diameter by 2030
• To raise the percentage of compliance with standards for PM of less than 2.5 microns in diameter
according to national limits from 80% in 2021 to 90% by 2040

Programs and initiatives

• National study for the inventory of air pollutant emissions
• Preparing a national air quality strategy
• Adopting smart applications to control ambient air quality and reduce ambient odors
• Evaluating the current network of ambient air quality monitoring stations in terms of the efficiency of
its coverage of all human communities
• Issuing guiding regulations for standards and requirements for indoor air quality management
• Strengthening the legislative and regulatory frameworks and tightening their enforcement efforts to
control air pollution, ambient noise and odors
• Developing and applying sustainability requirements in the industrial sector
• Improving energy efficiency and increasing the contribution of clean energy to the total energy
produced
• Developing improvement plans and initiatives to reduce emissions in the transport sector
• Promoting the use of sustainable means of transportation
• Supporting and adopting environmental studies in the areas of monitoring and controlling air
pollution, ambient noise and odors

4. Strengthening and ensuring the safety of food products and diversifying their sources
Food product safety is a major pillar in the diversity and food security system. In light of the UAE's reliance on
imported food and food products to meet the bulk of its population needs, the existence of flexible and effective
legislative and regulatory systems for food safety based on reliable scientific foundations is of utmost
importance.

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The UAE has a regulatory and legislative framework for food safety comparable to the ones enforced in
developed countries, which reflects the prominent position of the country as a global center for trade in
foodstuffs and products, and the confidence of the consumers and countries that are linked to the UAE food
trade system.

Policy statement
The United Arab Emirates is keen to continue its efforts to achieve the highest levels of food safety throughout
all stages of the food chain to maintain its pioneering role and its prestigious position as a major global center
for food trade. The UAE is strengthening the legislative system and control procedures on local and imported
foods based on the latest technologies and regulations, and in line with the highest international standards
related to the integrity of ecosystems; especially the safety of soil, water and air. The country is keen to ensure
food safety, from the sources of primary crops and animal products to the consumer.

The UAE is also keen to be prepared and ready to respond to food incidents and to clearly define responsibilities
in emergency situations, in order to ensure the continuous diversification of food products' sources and the
trade of products suitable for human consumption at sales outlets in the country, in line with existing
legislation.

Main directions
• Strengthening the country's position as a leading and international center for food trade
• Developing the legislative and supervisory system for imported and local food
• Diversification of food products' sources to meet the needs and requirements of the local consumers
• Providing healthy and safe food for consumers
• Promoting community awareness on food safety

Targets and indicators

• To reach a rate of 100% on the food safety index at the national level by 2024
• To tighten the controls over residues in food products of animal origin by 2026
• To develop "Zad", the electronic system for accreditation and registration of food and the national food
platform, for all procedures to register, examine, approve, import, export and re-export food products
by 100% by 2026, and in line with global developments related to food safety
• To standardize the control and regulatory procedures for food safety at the national level by 100% by
the 2023

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 • To implement 100% food safety and self-monitoring systems in food establishments by 2026
• To develop preparedness systems for crises and emergencies in food safety by 100% by 2025

Programs and initiatives

• A plan for the residues in camel milk and its products for the national food establishments that export
to the European Union countries
• A plan for the residues in farmed fish for the national facilities that export to the European Union and
other world countries
• The National Rapid Alert System for Food
• The National Food Accreditation and Registration System
• Biosecurity early warning system
• Dealing with electronic health certificates
• Raising the ratio of food safety
• The National Food Safety Policy
• Tightening control over residues in food products of animal origin
• The national system for the control and inspection of food and its products
• The national system for the management of tracking, withdrawal and retrieval of food and monitoring
of its safety
• The National System for the Management of Food Crises and Incidents
• Approving slaughterhouses outside the UAE to export meat and meat products to the country
• Organizing agreements and protocols with countries around the world to export their food products
to the country
• Cooperating with international and regional organizations regarding developments and measures
necessary for food safety
• Controlling at the sources by coordinating with the concerned authorities in the exporting countries to
agree on export requirements, forms of health certificates and statements that reflect the procedures
applied to these consignments before exporting them to the UAE to ensure that they are free from any
diseases or pathogens
• Raising awareness of the community, consumers and owners and workers of establishments about
food safety and good health practices

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 • Preparing research and studies in the field of robotics and modern technology with the aim of
enhancing food safety, and in line with the country’s directions in the field of food diversity

5. Sustaining local agricultural production and conserving its resources

Agricultural development, particularly sustainable one, is a priority because of its important role in achieving
food diversity and security. Food diversity and food security have become a strategic goal for most countries,
especially those with limited natural resources, such as water, or which suffer from the brunt of challenges
resulting from climate change.

The United Arab Emirates recognizes the importance of agriculture and sustainable development, the
importance of improving product quality and economic value, and ensuring adaptation to the repercussions of
climate change and biodiversity. Therefore, work is underway to develop important policies and legislation at
the national level, and adopt programs that support productivity and ensure compliance with health, safety,
welfare and security standards, and that enhance the contribution of this sector to the UAE economy.

Policy statement
The UAE is keen to build an agricultural sector that is more capable of contributing to food diversity and the
national economy, by developing appropriate policies and legislation, and by adopting sustainable and climate-
smart agricultural patterns that focus on the optimal use of the agricultural land, the quality of the local product,
and enhancing its competitiveness, while preserving natural and water resources and biodiversity and
promoting the optimal use of resources.

The UAE also seeks to conduct scientific studies and research, utilize artificial intelligence technologies and
modern practices by adopting modern irrigation patterns and farming systems, such as organic agriculture and
hydroponics, and by promoting the cultivation of crops that are resistant to salinity and drought. This will
ensure raising the efficiency of irrigation, reducing the percentage of irrigation losses, preserving the soil from
pesticide residues, reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers and ensuring the optimum use of the agricultural
land.

Main directions
• Sustainable agricultural production
• Safeguarding plant production

Targets and indicators

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 • To increase the productivity per unit area and cubic meter of irrigation water by 2026
• To reach 100% in food safety in line with the issued legislation (pesticide residues) by 2030
• To implement 60% of urban agriculture by 2050

Programs and initiatives

• Developing policies and strategies that contribute to achieving food security and diversity in line with
environmental sustainability
• Legislation of closed production systems in line with environmental sustainability
• Sustainable agricultural patterns such as organic farming / hydroponics / vertical farming and
community farming
• Developing mechanisms and plans that contribute to entrepreneurship in agribusiness
• Developing plans, programs and projects necessary to implement policies and strategies after their
approval
• Preparing legislation and organized initiatives to enhance cooperation between the public sector and
the private sector, and encourage investment in the agricultural sector
• Laying down plans of action and implementation for international agreements in order to achieve the
UAE’s obligations and maximize the benefit from the implementation
• Developing green production systems standards in line with the country’s conditions and water
scarcity, and to achieve environmental sustainability
• Promoting agribusiness entrepreneurship
• Developing the National Agricultural Platform to include up-to-date maps and data on water levels
and salinity in agricultural areas
• Developing an effective incentive mechanism to encourage the rationalization of groundwater use in
the agricultural sector
• Developing studies and research to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector so as to
contribute to increasing agricultural production, reducing water consumption, and producing soil
conditioners (artificial microbial communities) and organic fertilizers through the use of artificial
intelligence technologies.

6. The sustainability of local animal production and the optimum utilization of local natural resources

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Livestock in the United Arab Emirates is an important resource, and the breeding and reproduction of live
animal species, such as camels, cattle, horses and falcons, is a cultural heritage that has an impact on shaping
the country's environmental map. There is always an increasing interest in the issue of organizing and caring
for livestock and the development of a comprehensive perspective that achieves sustainability for these
species. Some aspects of this interest are manifested in dealing with the risks of transboundary transmission
and spread of epidemic and infectious animal diseases, which represent about (58%) of human pathogens and
(73%) of emerging common diseases. There is also the growing interest in animal welfare issues and their
positive effects on animal productivity and product quality.

Policy statement
The United Arab Emirates is seeking to make a huge increase in the contribution of the livestock sector to the
national food production and food security. This is being done by optimizing the use of local natural resources
to meet the needs of animal breeding, protecting and reproducing wild species, and ensuring that these animals
receive good care to contribute to the mitigation of the repercussions of climate change and reducing the
environmental footprint of livestock supply chains. The UAE also seeks to set standards for the quality, safety
and diversity of local production to preserve the ecosystems and contribute to achieving environmental
sustainability.

Main directions:
• Enhancing the productivity of the livestock sector
• The integrated livestock management
• Quality, safety and diversity of local production while ensuring the sustainable use of resources
• Enhancing biosecurity ratios

Targets and indicators

• The UAE as a global center for camel breeding and reproduction research by 2040
• To declare the UAE free of priority animal diseases by 2030
• To achieve 100% self-sufficiency in targeted animal products by 2040

Programs and initiatives

• Developing, updating and enforcing legislation related to livestock, including the regulation for
imports and exports of live animals and their products, prevention and control of animal diseases,
animal welfare and veterinary pharmaceuticals and grazing

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 • Developing and implementing an integrated management strategy for the protection and
development of livestock, to include:
1. Setting programs and initiatives aimed at preserving and developing livestock, and organizing
the process of their commercial utilization.
2. Developing programs and initiatives that aim to induce a transformation from the traditional
breeding style to the commercial approach that enhances its contribution to narrowing the
food gap and to the national economy.
3. Developing and updating programs, initiatives and mechanisms aimed at preventing and
monitoring animal diseases and epidemics, including: The National Animal Health Plan, The
National Plan To Combat Animal Diseases and The National Plan For Microbial Resistance To
Antibiotics.
4. Developing mechanisms for implementing legislation, inspection and monitoring standards,
and applying good practices in animal holdings and facilities.
5. Improving standards and work mechanisms at border crossings in line with best practices and
international standards.
6. Establishing mechanisms and initiatives to diversify import sources by opening safe sources
according to the standards of international organizations.
7. Developing mechanisms and setting programs and initiatives related to medicinal and non-
medicinal veterinary pharmaceuticals.
8. Strengthening coordination and communication mechanisms and tools with internal and
external partners and dealers.
9. Developing services and procedures related to livestock and making use of artificial
intelligence in this regard.
• Establishing a veterinary research program that ensures:
1. The implementation of applied research in cooperation with local, regional and international
research agencies
2. Supporting veterinary education programs for UAE nationals

7. Integrated waste management

Waste is generated steadily and continuously on a daily basis. The per capita production of municipal solid
waste in the UAE reached 585 kilograms in 2019, a large proportion of which is currently being disposed of by
backfilling in landfills. With the risks and damage involved in this unsustainable practice, there has been a more

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pressing need to manage this large amount of waste in a sustainable manner based on the principles of
integrated waste management, and to develop partnership and initiatives between the public and private
sectors and community members.

In this regard, the competent authorities in the UAE are working to address the pressures and challenges related
to waste management through a variety of initiatives, measures and procedures aimed mainly at reducing the
intensity of waste generation from its sources and increasing the rate of treatment. These include:
strengthening legislative, institutional and regulatory frameworks, developing waste collection, sorting and
transporting operations. Also, developing and establishing facilities for treatment and disposal of waste
according to the latest international standards, strengthening the waste recycling industry and transforming it
from a burden into a valuable resource and an important economic tributary. In addition to ensuring the
continuity of waste management operations in peaceful situations and during crises, emergencies and
disasters.

Policy statement
In light of the continuous population and economic growth and changing patterns of production and
consumption, the United Arab Emirates is committed to applying an integrated waste management approach,
focusing on issues of reducing waste generation rates from its sources, and reducing the economic, health and
environmental risks and impacts resulting from unsustainable treatment and disposal, as well as becoming a
pioneer in the field of circular economy by transforming waste-related challenges into development
opportunities, and from an environmental burden into important economic resources.

To achieve this, the UAE is working on launching and implementing a national strategy for integrated waste
management. In line with the sustainable development goals and the objectives of the national agenda for the
UAE Vision 2021, based on the latest green systems and technologies and best global practices, promoting
partnership initiatives between the public and private sectors, and raising awareness and involvement of
community members.

Main directions
• Raising awareness on the importance of minimizing waste from its sources
• Developing and implementing projects to increase the percentage of waste treatment and recycling,
including converting it into energy.
• Promoting partnership initiatives between the public and private sectors
• Attracting more investments in the waste management sector in the country

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 • Developing an integrated system to ensure business continuity in the waste sector

Targets and indicators

• To treating 75% of municipal solid waste by 2025 and 85% by 2035
• To reduce the intensity of municipal solid waste generation to 1.4 (kg/person/day) by 2025, and to 1.2
(kg/person/day) by 2035

Programs and initiatives

• Issuing legislation related to waste management
• Increasing community members’ awareness on using environment friendly materials, with the aim to
encourage green industries and minimize waste
• Developing a national waste database
• Reducing waste generation through educational and awareness campaigns
• Integrated waste management projects at the national level
• Developing mechanisms for sorting, collecting and disposing of waste, reducing its generation, and
transforming waste from an environmental burden into a main resource in the economic cycle.
• Applying the principle of extended product liability (electronic waste, battery waste, packaging waste)
• Standardizing and regulating hazardous waste management
• Identifying and rehabilitating unsanitary landfills
• Establishing central stations for treating some types of waste across the UAE
• Adopting smart technologies in waste management
• Establishing an electronic platform for waste exchange
• Sorting waste from the source and unifying the colors of the containers
• Issuing legislation requiring importers to return non-conforming shipments to the country of origin
• Developing a unified national system for waste tariffs and fees
• Establishing a national system for tracking waste transport vehicles
• Preparing a unified waste classification system
• Regulating the circulation of single-use materials (such as plastic products, paper bags).

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 • Establishing a regulatory and operational framework to attract and encourage investment in the
recycling industry.
• Issuing / updating the decisions, instructions and requirements for waste management in cases of
epidemics, crises and disasters
• Conducting private research to promote waste recycling and the optimal use of recycled products to
enhance the concept of the circular economy and its applications

8. Promoting environmentally sound management of chemicals

Globalization, openness, economic growth and technological advancement have contributed to the increase in
the numbers and quantities of chemicals in international trade, thus increasing the health and environmental
risks and concerns associated with improper and unsafe handling of them throughout their life cycle. The
implementation of the sound management of chemicals in the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the
main priority issues at the national level.

Policy statement
The United Arab Emirates seeks to reach leadership at the global level by applying the principles of sound
management of chemicals and reducing their negative impacts on the environment and human health. The
country is strengthening the legislative and regulatory frameworks that ensure the safe use of chemicals
throughout their life cycle, raising awareness of the risks associated with the improper and unsafe use of them,
in addition to adopting and implementing a set of world-class policies, measures and practices aimed at
reducing dependence on hazardous chemicals and creating a new market for green industries.

The UAE is also working on developing infrastructure, smart systems and building capabilities to enhance the
efficiency of handling chemicals in the country throughout their life cycle.

Main directions
• Raising awareness levels to reduce the negative effects of unsafe and improper use of chemicals
• Preparing and updating the legislation on the sound management of chemicals in accordance with the
directions and international agreements in this context
• Promoting investment in green industries
• Applying the proper management of chemicals throughout their life cycle
• Monitoring the circulation of chemicals
• Supporting scientific research and studies related to chemicals and their alternatives

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Targets and indicators
• To halt the use of ozone-depleting substances (HFCs) by 2028
• To gradually reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances (HFCs) by 10% by 2032
• To increase reliance on environmentally safe refrigerants to reduce the use of ozone-depleting
substances (HFCs) by 100% by 2040
• To increase reliance on environmentally safe refrigerants to reduce the use of greenhouse gases (HFCs)
by 90% by 2050
• To establish regulatory frameworks, limit and manage the use of chemicals in the country to rely on
green industries by 2040
• To reach zero accidents due to improper and unsafe use of chemicals by 2025

Programs and initiatives

• Reducing the negative effects of improper and unsafe use of chemicals
• Promoting investment in green industries
• Applying the proper management of chemicals throughout their life cycle
• Monitoring the circulation of chemicals
• Preventing chemical-related accidents
• Creating environmentally safe alternatives to chemicals
• Building capacities and qualifying employees and dealers for integrated and sustainable chemicals
management
• Establishing a national information center for integrated chemicals management
• Developing studies in the production processes of biological treatments for environmental pollutants
in the industrial sector, in addition to conducting research on green solvents and developing
alternative materials for ozone-depleting substances.

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© UAE MOCCAE 2020

For further information or feedback:

Ministry of Climate Change & Environment

PO Box 1509, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Email: info@moccae.gov.ae

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