New regulation boosts Abu Dhabi's response to environmental emergencies
Abu Dhabi is taking stronger action to protect the environment by introducing a regulation focused on environmental emergency preparedness and response.
This gives the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi the authority to act quickly in the event of an environmental emergency - whether it's pollution affecting the air, sea or land.
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.
The regulation, developed under Law No. 16 of 2005, allows the agency to classify projects based on risk, approve emergency response plans and set strict preparedness standards.
It also requires businesses to have trained staff and preventive measures in place, along with solid emergency procedures.
The agency will also conduct workshops and emergency simulations to ensure readiness, and work closely with strategic partners to roll out the regulation across Abu Dhabi.
Officials say this step strengthens environmental oversight, reinforces licensing laws, and reflects the emirate's commitment to sustainable development.
@EADTweets has issued a new regulation on environmental emergency preparedness and response in #AbuDhabi, empowering the agency to take immediate action in the event of potential environmental emergencies to minimise their impact and ensure proactive environmental protection. pic.twitter.com/QD9S96psUD
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 9, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
6 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE student rules; Dubai road projects; Inside the Wynn Al Marjan resort; Dubai real estate analysis 10 things
UAE student rules, a Dubai education boom and major real estate projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have made the headlines this week. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE announces new rules for overseas students The UAE has announced new rules for students looking to study overseas as it looks to enhance employment prospects for future graduates. The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) has approved a set of criteria for Emirati students who wish to pursue their higher education outside the UAE. The criteria aim to enhance student's competence and readiness to enter the job market, and to regulate international scholarship options in accordance with the UAE's aspirations, national plans, priority sectors, and future developments, thereby supporting the optimal investment in Emirati talents. Through this initiative, the Council aims to empower students to make well-informed decisions based on clear criteria that ensures the quality of selected programs and academic institutions. It also seeks to enhance the value of the qualifications they obtain, supporting their future career opportunities both within the UAE and abroad. Dubai has announced a major road and traffic scheme to upgrade journeys for passengers around Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Al Khail Road. In line with the directives of the leadership to accelerate the development of road infrastructure and expand traffic capacity across Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced an integrated urban project to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street, from its intersection with Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road. The project is designed to enhance traffic flow in support of the emirate's comprehensive development, address the demands of urban expansion and population growth, and to improve the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors. It complements works currently underway to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street from its intersection with Al Khail Road to Emirates Road, ultimately enabling uninterrupted traffic flow from Jumeirah to Al Qudra Road over a total distance of 20km. EXCLUSIVE: Inside Wynn Resorts' Las Vegas-style UAE expansion The much-anticipated Wynn Al Marjan resort is well on its way to becoming the UAE's first integrated gaming resort, extending the experience to the Middle East and beyond. With construction currently 60 per cent complete, the resort is scheduled to open its doors to the public in early 2027. Walking into the Wynn Las Vegas, the opulence and sheer scale is unmistakable – in fact, it is record-breaking, with the hotel being one of the biggest globally. The 50,000 sq. ft. property – encompassing both the Wynn and Encore resort, although different, seamlessly operates as one with a total of 4,500 rooms. Dubai real estate: Villa, townhouse prices soar 92% in three years as property market booms Dubai Land Department (DLD) recorded AED 54 billion in property sales transactions across Dubai in May, representing an 11 per cent increase from the previous month, a new report finds. Villa and townhouse prices have increased by 92 per cent since May 2022, rising from AED3,475,523 to AED6,682,023 over three years, Allsopp & Allsopp said in an emailed statement. These properties saw a 35 per cent price increase within the last year alone across villa and townhouse communities, according to DLD data. Abu Dhabi real estate: Aldar announces $10.9bn Fahid Island development with plan for 6,000 homes Aldar unveiled the masterplan for Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi, which has an 11km coastline and a gross development value of more than AED40bn ($10.9bn). The development will have 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side of the island and mangrove forests on the other. Every part of the 2.7 million sq m island is no more than a five-minute walk to the water's edge, creating a vibrant island culture complete with refined coastal residences, curated leisure, and 5-star hospitality. Aldar has also partnered with a leading international institution to introduce an elevated education experience to Fahid Island in line with Abu Dhabi's vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education. Dubai real estate: 73,000 homes to be delivered in 2025 as property sales hit $31bn Dubai will add 73,000 residential units to its housing stock this year, with 300,000 units expected by the end of 2028, according to research from property consultant Cavendish Maxwell. The emirate recorded 42,000 property sales transactions worth AED114.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, despite a 10 per cent decline compared to the final quarter of 2024. Sales increased 23 per cent compared to the same period last year. 'Dubai's property market is on track for a modest annual increase in terms of sales volumes and values, but there are indications that prices are beginning to stabilise. 2025 began with a brief dip in prices per sq ft, followed by a steady recovery. While prices are still on the up, the pace is showing signs of slowing down. For example, the average quarterly price increase for 2023 and 2024 was 4 per cent, compared to a 2.8 per cent rise in Q1 this year against Q4 2024,' Ronan Arthur, MRICS, Director and Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell said. Dubai real estate sector sets record $18.2bn sales in single month with $82m Palm Jumeirah villa leading spree The Dubai real estate market set a new all-time monthly sales record of AED66.8bn ($18.2bn) in May, a 49.9 per cent increase in value on the same month last year, according to a market update issued by fäm Properties. The data reveals that last month's total of 18,693 transactions also made it the second best-selling month on record in terms of volume. Fäm Properties CEO Firas Al Msaddi said the data from DXBinteract underlines the strength and stability of a market which is evolving, without any broad threat of oversupply in the residential sector, but now facing an undersupply of office space. Ajman announces $272m port investment Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Port and Customs Ajman (DPC), and Hutchison Ports, a global port investor, developer and operator, for the expansion and development of Ajman Port's infrastructure with a joint investment worth AED1bn ($272m). Under the MoU, a development plan will be drawn up for Ajman Port in accordance with the best global practices. Dubai student boom as 29% surge in international enrolment signals new global education hotspot With new universities, a major rise in foreign students, and world-class infrastructure, Dubai is rewriting the rules on global higher education. Dubai is making bold moves on the world stage — not just in finance or real estate, but now as a rising education superpower. Latest data from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reveals a 29 per cent spike in international student enrolment, with more than 42,000 students now studying across 41 licensed institutions. Four new international campuses opened this year alone. Dubai real estate market stabilising; investors confident in long-term growth The Dubai real estate market is entering a healthy 'stabilisation phase' and investors are confident in long-term projects, according to brokerage and developer Asico. Following a period of remarkable growth where residential property prices surged by approximately 60 per cent between 2022 and early 2025, driven by strong international investor interest, the market is now entering a phase of stabilisation in 2025, said Asico.
Arabian Business
7 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE SMEs optimistic as 3 in 5 report revenue growth despite cost increases: Survey
UAE SMEs continue to build on the momentum of the resilience demonstrated in recent years, according to RAKBANK's SME Confidence Index. Based on insights from more than 1,200 UAE-based SMEs, the Confidence Index measures business sentiment for small and medium enterprises. Measured against a base score of 50 the latest survey reveals a tally of 57, suggesting a stable and optimistic sentiment against a dynamic economic environment. UAE business optimism Despite a marginal drop in the overall Index score by four points from 61 in 2023 to 57 in 2024, the findings show that optimism remains steady, with over two-thirds (68 per cent) of SMEs viewing the future business environment as favourable, and more than 60 per cent reporting revenue growth over the past two years. While challenges persist, including rising operational costs, corporate tax implementation, and high borrowing costs, the overall trajectory signals adaptability and optimism among SMEs in navigating the evolving business landscape. Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK, said: 'This has been a milestone month for RAKBANK's Business Banking Group, reinforcing our commitment to the UAE's dynamic SME sector. 'In a further boost to the SME ecosystem, RAKBANK and Emirates Development Bank announced a strategic AED1bn ($272m) co-financing partnership during the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. 'Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every thriving economy, and in the UAE, they play a central role in driving diversification and sustainable development.' The report showcases several trends shaping the SME sector in 2025. Consumer and Retail Services remain the highest-performing sector, driven by a continued rise in consumer spending and successful adoption of new business channels. The report also highlights how SMEs across industries are prioritising product innovation and market expansion as key strategies for growth in a competitive landscape. While Consumer andRetail Services SMEs achieved a sector confidence score of 60, Construction and Manufacturing (57), Transport (57), and Trading (58) remained steady in confidence, while Public Services and Professional Services saw more notable declines to 56, largely due to increased costs and lower confidence in debt servicing. Key takeaways from the survey include: Overall confidence remains above baseline: While the Index score decreased slightly to 57 from 61 in 2024, it still signals positive sentiment across the board Revenue growth continues: More than 3 in 5 SMEs reported an increase in annual revenue over the last two financial years Optimism for smaller firms: SMEs with revenue up to AED30m ($8.2m) posted the highest confidence score at 58, while larger SMEs (AED30m-100m/$8.2m-27.2m) dipped to 55 Rising costs present challenges: Over two-thirds of SMEs experienced higher operational costs, while only 39 per cent expressed confidence in meeting debt obligations, down from last year Digital adoption is on the rise: 22 per cent of SMEs now sell their products or services online, and 45 per cent use digital banking channels monthly Sustainability is gaining attention: 55 per cent of SMEs are either on or planning to begin a sustainability journey, with 1 in 3 citing it as a short-term business objective While UAE SMEs remain optimistic, they are also navigating barriers such as increased costs of doing business, rising demand for credit, competitive pressures, and adapting to the corporate tax regime introduced in 2024. To address these issues, many SMEs are investing ambitiously in technology, operational efficiencies, and sustainability strategies aimed at long-term growth.
Arabian Business
7 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Multiply Group lights up the world to unite out-of-home firms to form UAE media powerhouse
Multiply Group has launched Multiply Media Group (MMG) as it unites three market-leading out-of-home (OOH) companies under its portfolio to create a new UAE media powerhouse. The combination of BackLite Media, Viola Media and Media 247 under Multiply Media Group represents a significant move that will shape the future of tech-enabled media in the UAE and beyond. The scale of MMG includes 3,000 advertising units across the UAE, including more than 75 premium assets on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, which are backed by long-term partnership agreements with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) (Mada Media) in Dubai and The Department of Municipalities & Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi. Multiply Media Group Samia Bouazza, GCEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group, said: 'The launch of Multiply Media Group represents the most significant media consolidations in the UAE. By bringing together market-leading media assets under a single AI and tech-driven group, we are reinforcing our commitment to long-term value creation and shareholder returns. 'MMG lays a strong foundation for our global ambitions and forward-looking investment strategy.' MMG was launched at the World Out of Home Organisation (WOO) Annual Congress in Mexico City, and simultaneously it lit up the world through a global takeover across key DOOH media, illuminating cities and screens worldwide with its bold presence. The move reflects the global expansion of Multiply Group, the $7.2bn holding company, which is part of IHC, the most valuable holding company in the Middle East with a market cap of more than $240bn. The newly consolidated group will serve as a launchpad to capture regional and international opportunities arising in the media sector through MMG portfolio businesses. MMG will drive performance and innovation across the OOH media sector, reshaping the UAE's media landscape through scale, AI, and strategic partnerships. To achieve its mission, MMG will invest in high-potential media assets, catalyse growth with innovation and create synergies across its portfolio through strategic investments. Jawad Hassan, Head of Media and Communications Vertical at Multiply Group, said: 'For several years, Multiply Group's ambitious growth strategy for the media sector has taken us from an integrated portfolio of three industry leaders to a media powerhouse with vast potential to redefine the entire regional media landscape in ways that will bring immediate impact and long-term value for clients. 'Through MMG, we stand ready to embrace the emerging trends in our industry, particularly the transformative role of AI, and we will continually look to invest in technologies that enable us to create dynamic and innovative campaigns.' James Bicknell, CEO of Multiply Media Group, said: 'Multiply Media Group launches as a transformative force in out of home media — a powerhouse that unites some of the region's most strategic media assets under one bold vision. 'With MMG, we are not simply scaling up — we are scaling intelligently. Our mandate is clear: deliver context at scale, and reach audiences where it truly matters, when it matters most. MMG is engineered to be agile, data-led, and deeply integrated, enabling our clients to engage audiences with greater relevance, responsiveness, and resonance than ever before. 'This is more than media — it's momentum.' We have officially launched, establishing a new benchmark in the OOH media industry. Headquartered in the UAE and structured for global scale, MMG unites the region's most impactful OOH networks under one future-focused entity. #MMGGlobal #MultiplyMediaGroup #ExponentialPotential — Multiply Media Group (@_MMGGlobal) June 5, 2025 The launch of MMG follows a recent strategic agreement between Multiply Group's media vertical and Al Arabia, Arabian Contracting Services Company (Al Arabia) to create a joint venture to invest in the global out-of-home advertising sector. Multiply Group, also announced a recent Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Media Company (SMC) – with these two strategic moves underscoring the global expansion potential of Multiply's portfolio brands. Multiply Group's other media holdings include Yieldmo, a contextual mobile ads platform, and Firefly, North America's leading digital Taxi-Top company. The group completed the acquisition of Viola Communications, a marketing and communications firm, in 2021.
