EAD issues new regulation on environmental emergency preparedness, response in Abu Dhabi
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued a new regulation on environmental emergency preparedness and response in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This regulation empowers the Agency to take immediate and decisive action in the event of potential environmental emergencies, minimising their impacts and ensuring proactive environmental protection through its established procedures.
Developed under Law No. 16 of 2005 concerning the reorganisation of EAD and its amendments, the regulation applies to all facilities and projects in Abu Dhabi that require licensing by the Agency.
It specifically governs entities whose activities result in, or may lead to, environmental pollution affecting marine or terrestrial ecosystems or air quality, potentially triggering an environmental emergency.
Implemented within EAD's comprehensive framework for assessment, licensing, enforcement, and environmental inspection, the regulation ensures rigorous oversight of all environmental activities while providing appropriate proactive and corrective measures to counter or mitigate potential emergencies.
Under the regulation, EAD is authorised to classify facilities and projects based on their potential environmental risks, review and approve their environmental emergency response plans, and establish the necessary requirements and standards for preparedness and response.
Additionally, the regulation mandates the Agency to conduct awareness and educational workshops on developing and implementing emergency response plans and to simulate various environmental emergencies to enhance the preparedness of facilities and projects. It also requires entities to take any necessary preventive measures against potential environmental emergencies resulting from their operational activities, including ensuring the availability of qualified and trained personnel and the development of robust emergency response plans.
The issuance of this regulation marks a significant step in strengthening the legislative framework for environmental licensing and enforcement while leveraging related systems to mitigate potential environmental risks. It plays a crucial role in addressing the possible environmental impacts of developmental, industrial, or other activities, reinforcing the Agency's commitment to preserving and sustaining the environment.
The Agency stated that it will begin work to implement the regulation's requirements across the emirate in coordination with strategic partners, following a systematic and structured approach.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Buy 2, get more: Big Ticket's limited-time June offer is here
Big Ticket's June promotion is turning heads and not just for its Dh25 million grand prize. This month, customers have even more reasons to play, with exciting ticket bundle offers available throughout the month of June. From 1 – 30 June, online customers will receive a Buy 2, Get 2 Free offer on both Big Ticket and Dream Car tickets. Those purchasing in-store at Zayed International Airport or Al Ain Airport, the offer gets even bigger: Buy 2, Get 3 Free for Big Ticket, and Buy 2, Get 4 Free for Dream Car. You can get up to six entries in one go, boosting your chances without spending more. At the center of it all is the Dh25 million grand prize, guaranteed to one lucky winner during the 3 July live draw. Three additional winners will also walk away with Dh75,000 each on the same night. Throughout the month, the excitement continues with weekly e-draws, where three winners every week will each receive Dh150,000. That's a total of 12 winners before the grand draw takes place. Also, part of this month's promotion is The Big Win Contest. Customers who purchase two or more cash tickets in a single transaction between 1–25 June will automatically enter for a chance to attend the live draw in person. Four finalists will be selected and are guaranteed to win cash prizes between Dh20,000 and Dh150,000, with names announced on 1 July. Luxury car fans can also get in on the action. This month's Dream Car giveaway features the Nissan Patrol, with the draw taking place on 3 June. Following that, the Range Rover Velar takes the spotlight on 3 August. Whether you're aiming for millions, a dream car, or one of the many weekly prizes, June is packed with opportunities to win, and the month-long Buy 2, Get More offer makes joining easier than ever. Tickets are available now at Zayed International Airport, and Al Ain Airport. Stay updated with all the latest announcements and prize draws by following Big Ticket on social media. The weekly E-draw dates: Week 1: 1st – 9th June and Draw Date – 10th June (Tuesday) Week 3: 17th – 23rd June and Draw Date- 24th June (Tuesday) Week 4: 24th – 30th June and Draw Date- 1st July (Tuesday)
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha in UAE: Hundreds of workers celebrate; win car, flight tickets
Hundreds of workers celebrated Eid Al Adha with various activities, competitions, and raffle draws winning valuable prize, including a car and flight tickets. Held under the slogan ' Eid with Our Workers: Joy and Happiness', the activities were organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) at 10 locations across the UAE. 'Celebrating and honouring workers during holidays and national occasions is an integral part of MoHRE's sustainable strategy", said the ministry, adding: '(Our) objective is to bring joy to workers and enhance their wellbeing, quality of life, and psychological and social stability, while fostering a sense of belonging to the community and motivating them to give their best.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Eid Al Adha events were held at workers' compounds in Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, and Muhaisnah in Dubai; Mussafah and Hameem Worker City in Abu Dhabi; Al Sajaa in Sharjah; the Industrial Areas in Ajman and Umm Al Quwain; RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah; and Al Hail Industrial Area in Fujairah. Partners from the government and private sectors took part in the celebrations, including the Ministry of Interior; Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security; the General Commands of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah Police; and municipalities across the country. Partners also include Abu Dhabi Ports Group; the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai; Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority; Dubai Civil Defence; the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in the Emirate of Dubai; Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai; Sharjah's Labour Standards Development Authority; the National Ambulance; Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). MoHRE underscored the Eid celebrations 'highlight the significant role that workers in the UAE play in driving the country's development, supporting its ambitious and pioneering economic vision, and cementing its status as a premier global destination for living, investing, and working.'
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
UAE Property: ‘Can my landlord evict me for not agreeing to a rent rise?'
Question: I have been renting a villa in Dubai for the past three years, and my tenancy contract is due for renewal in a couple of months. My landlord has just informed me that he intends to increase the rent by 15 per cent, which seems excessive. I checked the Real Estate Regulatory Agency's rental index, and according to it, my current rent is already within the acceptable range for similar properties in my area. I've raised this with my landlord, but he insists on the increase and says if I don't agree, he will not renew the contract. I've always paid rent on time and maintained the property well. Do I have any legal recourse in this situation? Can he evict me just because I'm not agreeing to the rent hike? CT, Dubai Answer: Under Dubai's tenancy laws, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, landlords cannot arbitrarily increase rent beyond what is permitted by the Rera. The new smart rental index is the official tool that governs permissible rent increases and any proposed rise must fall within the parameters it outlines. If your current rent is already within the acceptable range compared to similar properties in your area, and the index confirms that a 15 per cent increase is not justified, then the landlord cannot legally impose such a rise. Furthermore, the landlord must provide a minimum of 90 days' written notice before the renewal date if he intends to amend any terms of the contract, which obviously includes the rent. If he has failed to do so within this time frame, the existing terms – including the current rent – will automatically carry forward into the new lease term. Regarding eviction, the law is clear: a landlord can only evict a tenant for specific reasons, such as wanting to move in themselves or to sell the property. These reasons must be supported by proper documentation. Even then, they are required to provide at least 12 months' notice through a notary public or registered mail. In your case, if the landlord is threatening to evict you purely because you are not accepting an illegal rent increase, this would not stand in front of the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC). You have every right to challenge such a demand and I would encourage you to gather all communication in writing and, if need be, file a complaint with the RDSC to uphold your rights. Q: I'm based in London and am considering buying a property in Dubai as an investment. While I'm familiar with the sale prices, I want to make sure there are no hidden costs or taxes that could catch me off guard. What additional costs should I expect when purchasing a property in the UAE, especially in terms of government fees, taxes and continuing expenses? GC, London A: The UAE, and particularly Dubai, remains one of the more attractive property markets globally due to its relatively low transaction costs and absence of annual property taxes. However, there are still several upfront and continuing costs you should be aware of: Upfront costs Dubai Land Department (DLD) fees: This is the most significant government-related cost. The DLD charges a 4 per cent transfer fee on the property's purchase price, plus an administration fee (typically Dh580 for apartments/villas). Agency commission: If you use an estate agent, expect to pay around 2 per cent of the purchase price as a commission. Trustee office fees: These are the service centres that process the legal transfer. The cost is around Dh4,000 for properties above Dh500,000 (and Dh2,000 for those below that threshold). Mortgage registration fee: If you're borrowing to buy, the DLD charges 0.25 per cent of the loan amount, plus Dh290 in admin fees. Valuation fee (for mortgages): Lenders typically charge around Dh2,500 to Dh3,500 for property valuation, paid by the buyer. Developer's NOC fee: For secondary market purchases, the developer must issue a no objection certificate (NOC) to transfer ownership. This usually costs between Dh500 and Dh5,000, depending on the developer. Continuing costs Service charges: These are annual fees paid by property owners to maintain the building or community (covering cleaning, security, landscaping, etc.). Charges vary widely by project and are calculated per square foot. Maintenance/repairs: These are not regulated and depend on the age and condition of the property. It's wise to budget for unexpected repairs. One of the major benefits in the UAE is that there is no annual property tax on owned real estate or any tax on selling the property either, making it an appealing investment environment. That said, if you let the property, you may need to consider income from rent in your home country's tax filings, depending on your residency status and tax obligations abroad. In conclusion, while there are no hidden taxes, the combined cost of these fees can total between 7 per cent to 8 per cent of the property price, so it's important to budget accordingly.
