Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), has launched a public consultation project focused on air quality and noise to ensure that the voices of the community in Abu Dhabi are heard and represented. The agency is actively seeking input from the public regarding proposed policies, regulations, and strategies before their formal adoption, aiming to reflect community needs and interests in policymaking.
According to Emirates News Agency, this initiative aims to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing ambient and indoor air quality, noise, and odour, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Abu Dhabi’s residents and citizens. The public consultation survey seeks feedback from residents on air quality and noise levels, covering both outdoor and indoor environments, as well as odours and noise pollution. It aims to assess public awareness and personal experiences, while also gathering suggestions for improvement.
The consult
ation will be conducted through a public poll, accessible via Abu Dhabi-related social media platforms, allowing broad participation in the decision-making process. Additionally, a series of local community sessions will offer a more interactive platform for engagement, fostering open dialogue and addressing community concerns.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, emphasized the importance of community consultation, noting that air quality significantly impacts health and wellbeing. The agency monitors over 20 air quality and noise stations across the emirate, collecting millions of data points annually for informed planning. She highlighted the partnership with ADPHC as crucial for balancing economic and social development with environmental protection.
Dr. Ahmed AlKhazraji, Acting Director-General of ADPHC, expressed the center’s commitment to working with EAD to improve air quality and reduce noise, creating a healthier environment. He noted the significant impact of air quality on hea
lth, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions, and underscored the initiative’s role in enhancing community awareness and strategic focus.
The gathered data will be analyzed by EAD’s Policy Public Consultation team to quantify public opinion and identify common concerns or areas for improvement. The analysis will include thematic and sentiment assessments to refine communication strategies and inform policy development. The survey results will guide the creation of solutions related to air quality and noise, with findings shared with government stakeholders to promote emirate-wide collaboration.