Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with its strategic partners, announced that 95 percent of the first phase plan of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 was successfully completed by the end of 2024. This achievement marks significant progress in the emirate’s environmental sustainability agenda, with the goal of positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in environmental and climate action by 2071.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Government of Abu Dhabi has reached 359 milestones and positive outcomes under the plan, with 63 initiatives surpassing their targeted goals. These accomplishments were facilitated by the active involvement of several key government entities, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and Abu Dhabi Maritime. The government’s international collaborations span more than 24 countries to help fulfill the plan’s objectives.
Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, commented on this achievement, highlighting the collaborative efforts among leading government entities that prioritize sustainability, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision. She emphasized the collective action and positive spirit driving the achievement of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 goals.
The first pathway, ‘a vibrant emirate, thriving in nature,’ achieved an 88 percent completion rate, marked by several key accomplishments. These include the implementation of a comprehensive aquaculture development plan, the launch of the UAE’s first hydrogeological map for groundwater resource assessment, the development of a sustainable agricultural development plan, and the creation of an integrated air quality modeling framework. Additional milestones include the launch of Abu Dhabi’s Guide for the Safe Use of Bicycles and E-scooters, updates to infrastructure guidelines for micro-mobility, and the development of a research agenda for indoor air quality in priority sectors.
The second pathway, ‘green force resilient to climate change’, exceeded its set targets with a completion rate of 102 percent. This pathway involved numerous projects and initiatives, including the development of the 2025-2050 Environmental Climate Adaptation Plan with 41 entities, the establishment of smart agriculture standards for sustainable food security, and the formulation of an energy sector policy framework extending to 2035. It also included the implementation of hydrogen and electric bus charging infrastructure and the launch of electric bus operations, a project that won a global innovation award in sustainability. Other achievements include the development of a Marine Sector Sustainability Action Plan and the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030.
Under the third pathway, ‘enablers for future environmental leadership,’ participating entities achieved a 97 percent completion rate. Highlights include the launch of the Emirate’s ‘Dark Sky’ general policy to reduce nighttime light pollution and a community engagement initiative for co-designing solutions for air and noise quality. In the area of environmental education and awareness, Abu Dhabi hosted the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) and launched the seventh edition of the Sustainable Schools Initiative. Additionally, a Marine Sustainability Research Centre was established, and ‘Sukun’ – the world’s largest 3D-printed water taxi – was launched. An intelligent soil quality monitoring system was also developed, integrating AI, remote sensing, and spectroscopy for pollutant detection.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with its strategic partners, continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s leadership role in environmental and climate action.
