United Arab Emirates General Environmental Policy 2021

1. Mitigating the repercussions of climate change in support of the country's economic development priorities: Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world. Human activities related to energy production, industry, transportation, agriculture, waste generation and unsustainable consumption patterns have caused an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide, which have led to 1 a rise in the global average temperature by one degree Celsius, compared to pre-industrial rates. It is expected that a further increase in these emissions in the coming decades will lead to even higher global average temperatures, that will drive glacial melt and rising sea levels, resulting in more intense and frequent extreme weather events. Policy statement The UAE is committed to strengthening its leading role in the efforts to mitigate the repercussions of climate change at the regional and international levels, by managing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience and adaptation capabilities and taking advantage of opportunities that contribute to building a diverse and sustainable green economy. Main directions • Managing the greenhouse gas emissions in the country and supporting projects that contribute to reducing these emissions, in a way that ensures contribution to the efforts aimed at maintaining the average increase in global temperature as determined by international agreements to avoid the repercussions of climate change. • Developing programs and plans to build resilience, and enhance the flexibility and capacity of ecosystems, economic sectors and society to adapt to the effects of climate change. • Strengthening the UAE's position within the global competitiveness indicators, supporting the efforts for sustainable development and a green economy, and taking advantage of opportunities to support plans for economic diversification of the country. Targets and indicators • To increase the clean energy contribution in the UAE energy mix to 50% by 2050. • To reduce energy consumption at the individual and institutional levels by 40% by 2050. • To ensure the readiness and flexibility of priority sectors to adapt to the effects of climate change by 2030. Programs and initiatives • National Framework for Climate Change and Health • Adaptation plans in the health, environment, infrastructure and energy sectors • Climate risk assessment and adaptation planning projects • The UAE Green Development Strategy and the National Green Agenda 2015-2030 2 • Clean and renewable energy projects • Blue carbon projects • The peaceful nuclear energy project • The National Climate Change Adaptation Program: Energy, Infrastructure, Health, Environment and Insurance • Developing a national database on climate change • A draft federal law to mitigate the repercussions of climate change • The National Climate Change Plan 2050 • The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 • The Abu Dhabi Climate Initiative (a global initiative) • Studying the economic impacts of climate change, preparing specialized studies on adaptation and developing modeling systems to simulate the impact of carbon emissions on the surrounding environment and rising sea level using satellites

2. Preserving natural environment The preservation of natural resources and their sustainable use have formed a pivotal part of the UAE culture, reflecting the close connection with nature and natural resources to support harmonious and friendly living with nature, and the country's commitment to preserving biological diversity. The UAE is characterized by its diverse deserts, mountainous and marine environments, as well as the rapid pace of development and high population density in the country, especially along the coast, where urban areas and residential communities cover the greater part of the coast and neighboring lands, and are intermixed with industrial and agricultural lands, including cultivated forests. During the past decades, the UAE has taken many actions and measures to preserve nature. Nevertheless, the terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the country still face many natural and human pressures and threats. These include: economic and urban development and the consequent change in land use, increasing consumption of water resources, overgrazing, overexploitation of living marine resources, pollution from land and marine sources, invasive alien species and climate change. The marine and coastal environment in the UAE has received special attention, as it is one of the most important pillars of the comprehensive and sustainable development process. The country's policy in preserving and sustaining the marine and coastal environment and its living wealth is based on a wide and integrated system of legislation and laws that keep pace with the associated environmental challenges, and adopt a continuous 3 assessment approach of trends in the marine environment. Such continuous assessment approach includes monitoring and observation programs, a package of measures and procedures related to reducing pollution effects and rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems, in addition to regional and international coordination and cooperation. Policy statement The United Arab Emirates is keen on ensuring the sustainability of biological diversity and the various services provided by ecosystems, to preserve the pivotal role of this diversity in economic development and the well- being of society, chart future directions aimed at protecting endangered species, protect natural habitats from the impacts of urban development and achieving sustainable exploitation of biodiversity resources. The UAE is committed to preserving the marine and coastal environment, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystem services and adopting a governance approach in managing marine and coastal natural resources to achieve sustainable development that takes into account the deep functional correlation of marine and coastal ecosystems on the one hand, and the requirements of economic and social development on the other hand. The country also seeks to protect and develop its living aquatic wealth, and to achieve a regional and international leadership in these areas. Main directions • Reducing loss of native species • Preserving the natural systems and the services they provide • Protecting natural habitats and sustaining their resources • Governance in managing the marine and coastal environment • Monitoring and controlling the marine and coastal environment • Protecting, developing and regulating the exploitation of living aquatic resources Targets and indicators • By 2030, to preserve 22% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 20% of important coastal and marine areas for biodiversity, through a representative network of ecosystems at the protected areas with effective management • By 2030, to rehabilitate and restore at least 80% of degraded land, as needed • By 2050, to improve the status of at least 50% of threatened species • By 2030, to eliminate the incentives with negative impacts on biodiversity 4 • By 2030, to raise the management effectiveness of protected areas by no less than 60% for all declared reserves in the country • By 2030, to reduce the illegal trade in wildlife by 90% • To raise the percentage of the Sea Water Quality Index to 86.5% by 2030 • To increase the percentage of sustainable exploitation of fish stock to 70% by 2030 Programs and initiatives • Declaring biodiversity rich areas in the country as natural reserves and ensuring their effective management • Evaluating and promoting the effective management of natural reserves • Project to identify the important biodiversity areas • The National Red List of Threatened Species project • The UAE Smart Map for Natural Capital project • The Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) Identification Project • Important Sea Turtles Areas Identification Project • Important Marine Mammals Areas Identification Project • Updating the map of important birds’ areas • Project to identify the invasive alien species in the UAE • The initiative to limit the spread of invasive alien species • Programs for the reproduction and restoration of wild animal species • The initiative to reduce overgrazing, overfishing/overhunting and any unsustainable exploitation of natural resources • The initiative to reduce illegal trade in wildlife • Preparing specialized socio-economic studies in the field of biodiversity, such as studying ornithology and other organisms, and the extent of the impact of pollution and waste on biodiversity. • The national framework for sustainable governance of the marine and coastal environment • The national plan to combat marine pollutants • The national fisheries framework • The regulatory framework for studies of the marine environment • Coastal habitat rehabilitation programs • Monitoring and controlling the quality of sea water 5 • Sea weed conservation plan. • The National Blue Carbon Project. • Leading plans and programs to raise the efficiency of aquaculture production. • Studying the social and economic impact on the surrounding environment by preparing specialized studies on marine and coastal environments and on the extent of marine pollution's impact on it, in addition to applying a number of simulation systems for the marine and coastal environments.

3. Improving air quality: Air quality is a priority issue for the United Arab Emirates due to its health, economic and environmental implications, as air is one of the vital human basic needs, and its quality is directly and indirectly reflected on human health, the environment and the economic situation in general. That is why the UAE pays special attention to the issue of air quality, and that is evident in the UAE Vision 2021 and in the Vision's National Agenda, which aims to raise air quality levels to 90% by 2021. Policy statement The UAE is committed to ensuring the right of generations to have clean air, and seeks to improve air quality levels to protect society from the health effects resulting from its low levels in a way that enhances the welfare and prosperity of society, and ensures a better environment. The country also seeks to improve the levels of indoor air quality as it affects the health of individuals, as they spend most of their time in closed spaces due to the nature of the country's climate. In addition, the UAE seeks to monitor and improve the levels of ambient noise and odors, to keep pace with the continuous expansion of the urban areas, the increase of the population density in the residential areas and the surrounding infrastructure and human activities. Main directions • Improving ambient air quality • Improving indoor air quality • Reducing ambient noise • Reducing ambient odors Targets and indicators • To increase the clean energy contribution in the UAE energy mix to 50% by 2050 6 • To raise the percentage of air quality to 90% by 2021, as per the guidelines of the World Health Organization • To improve the percentage of air quality to reach 100% according to the national standards by 2040 (for the four main pollutants: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground ozone) • To reach 35µg/m3 (WHO Interim Target-1) as average annual concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM) of less than 2.5 microns in diameter by 2030 • To raise the percentage of compliance with standards for PM of less than 2.5 microns in diameter according to national limits from 80% in 2021 to 90% by 2040 Programs and initiatives • National study for the inventory of air pollutant emissions • Preparing a national air quality strategy • Adopting smart applications to control ambient air quality and reduce ambient odors • Evaluating the current network of ambient air quality monitoring stations in terms of the efficiency of its coverage of all human communities • Issuing guiding regulations for standards and requirements for indoor air quality management • Strengthening the legislative and regulatory frameworks and tightening their enforcement efforts to control air pollution, ambient noise and odors • Developing and applying sustainability requirements in the industrial sector • Improving energy efficiency and increasing the contribution of clean energy to the total energy produced • Developing improvement plans and initiatives to reduce emissions in the transport sector • Promoting the use of sustainable means of transportation • Supporting and adopting environmental studies in the areas of monitoring and controlling air pollution, ambient noise and odors

4. Strengthening and ensuring the safety of food products and diversifying their sources Food product safety is a major pillar in the diversity and food security system. In light of the UAE's reliance on imported food and food products to meet the bulk of its population needs, the existence of flexible and effective legislative and regulatory systems for food safety based on reliable scientific foundations is of utmost importance. 7 The UAE has a regulatory and legislative framework for food safety comparable to the ones enforced in developed countries, which reflects the prominent position of the country as a global center for trade in foodstuffs and products, and the confidence of the consumers and countries that are linked to the UAE food trade system. Policy statement The United Arab Emirates is keen to continue its efforts to achieve the highest levels of food safety throughout all stages of the food chain to maintain its pioneering role and its prestigious position as a major global center for food trade. The UAE is strengthening the legislative system and control procedures on local and imported foods based on the latest technologies and regulations, and in line with the highest international standards related to the integrity of ecosystems; especially the safety of soil, water and air. The country is keen to ensure food safety, from the sources of primary crops and animal products to the consumer. The UAE is also keen to be prepared and ready to respond to food incidents and to clearly define responsibilities in emergency situations, in order to ensure the continuous diversification of food products' sources and the trade of products suitable for human consumption at sales outlets in the country, in line with existing legislation. Main directions • Strengthening the country's position as a leading and international center for food trade • Developing the legislative and supervisory system for imported and local food • Diversification of food products' sources to meet the needs and requirements of the local consumers • Providing healthy and safe food for consumers • Promoting community awareness on food safety Targets and indicators • To reach a rate of 100% on the food safety index at the national level by 2024 • To tighten the controls over residues in food products of animal origin by 2026 • To develop "Zad", the electronic system for accreditation and registration of food and the national food platform, for all procedures to register, examine, approve, import, export and re-export food products by 100% by 2026, and in line with global developments related to food safety • To standardize the control and regulatory procedures for food safety at the national level by 100% by the 2023 8 • To implement 100% food safety and self-monitoring systems in food establishments by 2026 • To develop preparedness systems for crises and emergencies in food safety by 100% by 2025 Programs and initiatives • A plan for the residues in camel milk and its products for the national food establishments that export to the European Union countries • A plan for the residues in farmed fish for the national facilities that export to the European Union and other world countries • The National Rapid Alert System for Food • The National Food Accreditation and Registration System • Biosecurity early warning system • Dealing with electronic health certificates • Raising the ratio of food safety • The National Food Safety Policy • Tightening control over residues in food products of animal origin • The national system for the control and inspection of food and its products • The national system for the management of tracking, withdrawal and retrieval of food and monitoring of its safety • The National System for the Management of Food Crises and Incidents • Approving slaughterhouses outside the UAE to export meat and meat products to the country • Organizing agreements and protocols with countries around the world to export their food products to the country • Cooperating with international and regional organizations regarding developments and measures necessary for food safety • Controlling at the sources by coordinating with the concerned authorities in the exporting countries to agree on export requirements, forms of health certificates and statements that reflect the procedures applied to these consignments before exporting them to the UAE to ensure that they are free from any diseases or pathogens • Raising awareness of the community, consumers and owners and workers of establishments about food safety and good health practices 9 • Preparing research and studies in the field of robotics and modern technology with the aim of enhancing food safety, and in line with the country’s directions in the field of food diversity

5. Sustaining local agricultural production and conserving its resources Agricultural development, particularly sustainable one, is a priority because of its important role in achieving food diversity and security. Food diversity and food security have become a strategic goal for most countries, especially those with limited natural resources, such as water, or which suffer from the brunt of challenges resulting from climate change. The United Arab Emirates recognizes the importance of agriculture and sustainable development, the importance of improving product quality and economic value, and ensuring adaptation to the repercussions of climate change and biodiversity. Therefore, work is underway to develop important policies and legislation at the national level, and adopt programs that support productivity and ensure compliance with health, safety, welfare and security standards, and that enhance the contribution of this sector to the UAE economy. Policy statement The UAE is keen to build an agricultural sector that is more capable of contributing to food diversity and the national economy, by developing appropriate policies and legislation, and by adopting sustainable and climate- smart agricultural patterns that focus on the optimal use of the agricultural land, the quality of the local product, and enhancing its competitiveness, while preserving natural and water resources and biodiversity and promoting the optimal use of resources. The UAE also seeks to conduct scientific studies and research, utilize artificial intelligence technologies and modern practices by adopting modern irrigation patterns and farming systems, such as organic agriculture and hydroponics, and by promoting the cultivation of crops that are resistant to salinity and drought. This will ensure raising the efficiency of irrigation, reducing the percentage of irrigation losses, preserving the soil from pesticide residues, reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers and ensuring the optimum use of the agricultural land. Main directions • Sustainable agricultural production • Safeguarding plant production Targets and indicators 10 • To increase the productivity per unit area and cubic meter of irrigation water by 2026 • To reach 100% in food safety in line with the issued legislation (pesticide residues) by 2030 • To implement 60% of urban agriculture by 2050 Programs and initiatives • Developing policies and strategies that contribute to achieving food security and diversity in line with environmental sustainability • Legislation of closed production systems in line with environmental sustainability • Sustainable agricultural patterns such as organic farming / hydroponics / vertical farming and community farming • Developing mechanisms and plans that contribute to entrepreneurship in agribusiness • Developing plans, programs and projects necessary to implement policies and strategies after their approval • Preparing legislation and organized initiatives to enhance cooperation between the public sector and the private sector, and encourage investment in the agricultural sector • Laying down plans of action and implementation for international agreements in order to achieve the UAE’s obligations and maximize the benefit from the implementation • Developing green production systems standards in line with the country’s conditions and water scarcity, and to achieve environmental sustainability • Promoting agribusiness entrepreneurship • Developing the National Agricultural Platform to include up-to-date maps and data on water levels and salinity in agricultural areas • Developing an effective incentive mechanism to encourage the rationalization of groundwater use in the agricultural sector • Developing studies and research to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector so as to contribute to increasing agricultural production, reducing water consumption, and producing soil conditioners (artificial microbial communities) and organic fertilizers through the use of artificial intelligence technologies.

6. The sustainability of local animal production and the optimum utilization of local natural resources 11 Livestock in the United Arab Emirates is an important resource, and the breeding and reproduction of live animal species, such as camels, cattle, horses and falcons, is a cultural heritage that has an impact on shaping the country's environmental map. There is always an increasing interest in the issue of organizing and caring for livestock and the development of a comprehensive perspective that achieves sustainability for these species. Some aspects of this interest are manifested in dealing with the risks of transboundary transmission and spread of epidemic and infectious animal diseases, which represent about (58%) of human pathogens and (73%) of emerging common diseases. There is also the growing interest in animal welfare issues and their positive effects on animal productivity and product quality. Policy statement The United Arab Emirates is seeking to make a huge increase in the contribution of the livestock sector to the national food production and food security. This is being done by optimizing the use of local natural resources to meet the needs of animal breeding, protecting and reproducing wild species, and ensuring that these animals receive good care to contribute to the mitigation of the repercussions of climate change and reducing the environmental footprint of livestock supply chains. The UAE also seeks to set standards for the quality, safety and diversity of local production to preserve the ecosystems and contribute to achieving environmental sustainability. Main directions: • Enhancing the productivity of the livestock sector • The integrated livestock management • Quality, safety and diversity of local production while ensuring the sustainable use of resources • Enhancing biosecurity ratios Targets and indicators • The UAE as a global center for camel breeding and reproduction research by 2040 • To declare the UAE free of priority animal diseases by 2030 • To achieve 100% self-sufficiency in targeted animal products by 2040 Programs and initiatives • Developing, updating and enforcing legislation related to livestock, including the regulation for imports and exports of live animals and their products, prevention and control of animal diseases, animal welfare and veterinary pharmaceuticals and grazing 12 • Developing and implementing an integrated management strategy for the protection and development of livestock, to include:

1. Setting programs and initiatives aimed at preserving and developing livestock, and organizing the process of their commercial utilization.

2. Developing programs and initiatives that aim to induce a transformation from the traditional breeding style to the commercial approach that enhances its contribution to narrowing the food gap and to the national economy.

3. Developing and updating programs, initiatives and mechanisms aimed at preventing and monitoring animal diseases and epidemics, including: The National Animal Health Plan, The National Plan To Combat Animal Diseases and The National Plan For Microbial Resistance To Antibiotics.

4. Developing mechanisms for implementing legislation, inspection and monitoring standards, and applying good practices in animal holdings and facilities.

5. Improving standards and work mechanisms at border crossings in line with best practices and international standards.

6. Establishing mechanisms and initiatives to diversify import sources by opening safe sources according to the standards of international organizations.

7. Developing mechanisms and setting programs and initiatives related to medicinal and non- medicinal veterinary pharmaceuticals.

8. Strengthening coordination and communication mechanisms and tools with internal and external partners and dealers.

9. Developing services and procedures related to livestock and making use of artificial intelligence in this regard. • Establishing a veterinary research program that ensures:

1. The implementation of applied research in cooperation with local, regional and international research agencies

2. Supporting veterinary education programs for UAE nationals

7. Integrated waste management Waste is generated steadily and continuously on a daily basis. The per capita production of municipal solid waste in the UAE reached 585 kilograms in 2019, a large proportion of which is currently being disposed of by backfilling in landfills. With the risks and damage involved in this unsustainable practice, there has been a more 13 pressing need to manage this large amount of waste in a sustainable manner based on the principles of integrated waste management, and to develop partnership and initiatives between the public and private sectors and community members. In this regard, the competent authorities in the UAE are working to address the pressures and challenges related to waste management through a variety of initiatives, measures and procedures aimed mainly at reducing the intensity of waste generation from its sources and increasing the rate of treatment. These include: strengthening legislative, institutional and regulatory frameworks, developing waste collection, sorting and transporting operations. Also, developing and establishing facilities for treatment and disposal of waste according to the latest international standards, strengthening the waste recycling industry and transforming it from a burden into a valuable resource and an important economic tributary. In addition to ensuring the continuity of waste management operations in peaceful situations and during crises, emergencies and disasters. Policy statement In light of the continuous population and economic growth and changing patterns of production and consumption, the United Arab Emirates is committed to applying an integrated waste management approach, focusing on issues of reducing waste generation rates from its sources, and reducing the economic, health and environmental risks and impacts resulting from unsustainable treatment and disposal, as well as becoming a pioneer in the field of circular economy by transforming waste-related challenges into development opportunities, and from an environmental burden into important economic resources. To achieve this, the UAE is working on launching and implementing a national strategy for integrated waste management. In line with the sustainable development goals and the objectives of the national agenda for the UAE Vision 2021, based on the latest green systems and technologies and best global practices, promoting partnership initiatives between the public and private sectors, and raising awareness and involvement of community members. Main directions • Raising awareness on the importance of minimizing waste from its sources • Developing and implementing projects to increase the percentage of waste treatment and recycling, including converting it into energy. • Promoting partnership initiatives between the public and private sectors • Attracting more investments in the waste management sector in the country 14 • Developing an integrated system to ensure business continuity in the waste sector Targets and indicators • To treating 75% of municipal solid waste by 2025 and 85% by 2035 • To reduce the intensity of municipal solid waste generation to 1.4 (kg/person/day) by 2025, and to 1.2 (kg/person/day) by 2035 Programs and initiatives • Issuing legislation related to waste management • Increasing community members’ awareness on using environment friendly materials, with the aim to encourage green industries and minimize waste • Developing a national waste database • Reducing waste generation through educational and awareness campaigns • Integrated waste management projects at the national level • Developing mechanisms for sorting, collecting and disposing of waste, reducing its generation, and transforming waste from an environmental burden into a main resource in the economic cycle. • Applying the principle of extended product liability (electronic waste, battery waste, packaging waste) • Standardizing and regulating hazardous waste management • Identifying and rehabilitating unsanitary landfills • Establishing central stations for treating some types of waste across the UAE • Adopting smart technologies in waste management • Establishing an electronic platform for waste exchange • Sorting waste from the source and unifying the colors of the containers • Issuing legislation requiring importers to return non-conforming shipments to the country of origin • Developing a unified national system for waste tariffs and fees • Establishing a national system for tracking waste transport vehicles • Preparing a unified waste classification system • Regulating the circulation of single-use materials (such as plastic products, paper bags). 15 • Establishing a regulatory and operational framework to attract and encourage investment in the recycling industry. • Issuing / updating the decisions, instructions and requirements for waste management in cases of epidemics, crises and disasters • Conducting private research to promote waste recycling and the optimal use of recycled products to enhance the concept of the circular economy and its applications

8. Promoting environmentally sound management of chemicals Globalization, openness, economic growth and technological advancement have contributed to the increase in the numbers and quantities of chemicals in international trade, thus increasing the health and environmental risks and concerns associated with improper and unsafe handling of them throughout their life cycle. The implementation of the sound management of chemicals in the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the main priority issues at the national level. Policy statement The United Arab Emirates seeks to reach leadership at the global level by applying the principles of sound management of chemicals and reducing their negative impacts on the environment and human health. The country is strengthening the legislative and regulatory frameworks that ensure the safe use of chemicals throughout their life cycle, raising awareness of the risks associated with the improper and unsafe use of them, in addition to adopting and implementing a set of world-class policies, measures and practices aimed at reducing dependence on hazardous chemicals and creating a new market for green industries. The UAE is also working on developing infrastructure, smart systems and building capabilities to enhance the efficiency of handling chemicals in the country throughout their life cycle. Main directions • Raising awareness levels to reduce the negative effects of unsafe and improper use of chemicals • Preparing and updating the legislation on the sound management of chemicals in accordance with the directions and international agreements in this context • Promoting investment in green industries • Applying the proper management of chemicals throughout their life cycle • Monitoring the circulation of chemicals • Supporting scientific research and studies related to chemicals and their alternatives 16 Targets and indicators • To halt the use of ozone-depleting substances (HFCs) by 2028 • To gradually reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances (HFCs) by 10% by 2032 • To increase reliance on environmentally safe refrigerants to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances (HFCs) by 100% by 2040 • To increase reliance on environmentally safe refrigerants to reduce the use of greenhouse gases (HFCs) by 90% by 2050 • To establish regulatory frameworks, limit and manage the use of chemicals in the country to rely on green industries by 2040 • To reach zero accidents due to improper and unsafe use of chemicals by 2025 Programs and initiatives • Reducing the negative effects of improper and unsafe use of chemicals • Promoting investment in green industries • Applying the proper management of chemicals throughout their life cycle • Monitoring the circulation of chemicals • Preventing chemical-related accidents • Creating environmentally safe alternatives to chemicals • Building capacities and qualifying employees and dealers for integrated and sustainable chemicals management • Establishing a national information center for integrated chemicals management • Developing studies in the production processes of biological treatments for environmental pollutants in the industrial sector, in addition to conducting research on green solvents and developing alternative materials for ozone-depleting substances. 17 © UAE MOCCAE 2020 For further information or feedback: Ministry of Climate Change & Environment PO Box 1509, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Email: info@moccae.gov.ae 18