EAD Honoured with Green World Award for Policy Success

Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency (EAD) has won the Gold Award for Environmental Policy at the 2025 Green World Awards in Auckland, New Zealand. This recognition celebrates EAD’s success in turning strong environmental policies into real-world results that benefit the environment and the community.

Climate Action and Carbon Reduction

A key part of EAD’s success is the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy (2023–2027), which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 22% by 2027. By the end of 2024, the emirate had already cut 26 million tonnes of CO₂, mostly from the energy sector. EAD also introduced the region’s first Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system aligned with the Paris Agreement to track progress transparently.

Water Security and Sustainability

EAD has improved Abu Dhabi’s water resources. Groundwater quality rose to 79% in 2023, and water extraction dropped by 3%, showing a move toward sustainable water use. These actions are helping preserve essential resources for future generations.

Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas

EAD’s efforts in biodiversity have strengthened wildlife habitats. Policies like the Grazing Law, Hunting Law, and Sustainable Aquaculture Policy have helped species recover. The Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network now includes 20 areas, covering 17% of Abu Dhabi’s land and marine territories. Visitor numbers to these reserves reached 276,258 in 2024, showing growing public interest in nature. Fish stocks have recovered to 97.4%, and marine restoration work has been recognized as a UN World Restoration Flagship.

Cleaner Seas and Marine Ecosystems

EAD’s marine regulations have reduced harmful discharges and promoted treated effluent reuse. The Microbial Water Quality Index scored 100 for the second consecutive year in 2024, ensuring safe recreational waters. The Marine Sediment Heavy Metal Index improved from 84 to 98, reflecting cleaner seabeds and healthier marine life.

Air Quality and Plastic Waste Reduction

EAD launched new Air Quality Regulations in 2024 to limit pollution from vehicles and industries. The Single-Use Plastic Policy, enforced in 2022, has cut plastic bag use by 95%, and a bottle return scheme has collected over 2,000 tonnes of plastic bottles.

Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071

EAD’s long-term plan, the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071, aims for climate resilience and green innovation over the next 50 years. This visionary program has received Intellectual Property Rights from the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Global Recognition and Leadership

EAD’s Gold Award demonstrates that science-based policies and strong governance can achieve real environmental improvements. Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach sets a global example for cities addressing climate change, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development.