Hamdan bin Zayed chairs board meeting of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), commended the agency’s achievements in 2024 and reviewed its strategic projects and initiatives for 2025. These initiatives aim to enhance public health and improve the quality of life in Abu Dhabi while aligning with the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has designated 2025 as the Year of Community.

During a Board of Directors meeting of EAD, which he chaired, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the EAD Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy is designed to support Abu Dhabi’s broader strategic vision by aligning with key priorities. Its core objectives include addressing climate change risks, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources, and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global center for environmental data and expertise. These initiatives are vital for strengthening Abu Dhabi’s resilience and promoting its leadership in global environmental efforts.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the agency’s critical role in fostering a culture of sustainability among young people to ensure the long-term protection of biodiversity, improvement of air and water quality, responsible management of natural resources, and heightened environmental awareness. These efforts further cement EAD’s reputation as the Middle East’s leading environmental regulatory authority.

The meeting, held at Al Nakheel Palace, was attended by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT); Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD; and Musabih Al Kaabi, CEO of the Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Department. Also in attendance were Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD.

EAD presented several key environmental initiatives, including mangrove planting, coral reef restoration, and the deployment of nanobubble technology units to enhance seawater quality and bolster marine pollution response efforts. Additionally, the agency outlined the establishment of an odour monitoring network aimed at detecting and mitigating sources of air pollution. These initiatives highlight the importance of balancing Abu Dhabi’s development with environmental conservation to maintain a thriving natural ecosystem.

The agency also showcased its community-driven environmental awareness programmes, including the *Connect with Nature* initiative, which has engaged 2.5 million young participants. Another highlight was the *Sustainable Schools Initiative*, an internationally recognized programme that has involved more than 560 schools in Abu Dhabi since its inception. These initiatives reinforce EAD’s leadership in driving sustainable change and empowering future generations to become environmental stewards.