A Guide To Environmental Regulation In Dubai And The Wider

As the UAE matures beyond 'emerging market' status, preservation of the natural environment is becoming an increasing priority for almost every governmental and quasi-governmental authority. As such, it is vitally important that investors, developers and prospective purchasers, of real estate assets in the region, are aware of the relevant environmental regulations and take steps to ensure compliance with those regulations. In this update we explore how such regulations apply in the Emirate of Dubai and the wider UAE.

The law

Federal Law No 24 of 1999, for the Protection and Development of the Environment, provides the legislative framework for environmental regulation within the UAE. The key principles behind the law can be summarised as follows;

to protect and conserve the quality and natural balance of the environment; to control all forms of pollution and avoid harmful immediate or long term adverse effect resulting from economic, agricultural, industrial, development programs aiming at improving standards of living; to develop natural resources and conserve biological diversity; to protect society and the health of human beings from activities and acts that impose harm to the environment; to protect the UAE environment from the harmful effect of activities undertaken outside the state; and to comply with international and regional conventions ratified or signed by the UAE in respect of the protection of the environment. There is a series of other legislative provisions which cover specific areas of environmental concern, for example, exploitation, conservation and development of aquatic resources, use of radioactive substances, and regulation and control of the trade of rare animals and plants. Each Emirate and various free zones within individual Emirates have an additional set of local orders on various environmental issues specific to that Emirate or free zone.

Regulators in the Emirate of Dubai

The Environment Department of the Dubai Municipality is the relevant government authority which regulates and enforces the environmental regulations applicable in Dubai. The activities of businesses carrying out projects involving industrial uses, telecommunications, roads construction, well drilling and drainage services are closely monitored and regulated by the Environment Department so as to ensure their compliance with the regulations.

Various free zones within Dubai have their own regulatory arms which deal with environmental issues...