New rules for green readiness in the capital

Abu Dhabi tightens environmental emergency response rules: The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD) has issued a new regulation requiring all facilities and projects in the emirate that are licensed by the EAD to strengthen their preparedness and response to potential environmental emergencies, according to an Abu Dhabi Media Office statement. The regulation targets entities whose operations could result in marine, terrestrial, or air pollution that may trigger such emergencies.

What’s required: Under the new rules, businesses must prepare and maintain EAD-approved emergency response plans, ensure qualified personnel are available on site, and implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of incidents.

EAD’s role: EAD will classify facilities based on environmental risk, develop standards for the new regulation, and review and approve the submitted response plans. It will also conduct regular drills and awareness workshops to test and improve readiness across sectors.

The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at strengthening Abu Dhabi’s environmental governance. Other recent initiatives include:

• Mandatory annual environmental reporting by licensed businesses, covering energy and water use, emissions, equipment, and incidents, starting in 1Q of each year;
• A forthcoming carbon pricing mechanism requiring large emitters to submit third-party verified emissions data beginning in 2026;
• New licensing requirements tied to updated noise and air pollution limits;
• Stricter administrative penalties for environmental violations introduced in February, following new rules for reconciliation and appeals processes.