Abu Dhabi, 25 January 2025: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has been honored with the prestigious Gold Award in the Best Waste Diversion/Reduction Initiative (Government Sector) category at the 6th edition of the Middle East Waste & Recycling (MEWAR) Awards that was held on 22 November 2024. The award acknowledged EAD’s significant positive impact through appropriate waste diversion/reduction initiatives and projects that were implemented during the last years in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, this recognition underscores EAD's exceptional commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to waste management, positioning the emirate as a regional leader in environmental responsibility.

The MEWAR Awards, a benchmark in the Middle East's sustainability landscape, celebrate outstanding achievements and best practices in waste management, recycling, and resource recovery. The 6th edition brought together leaders and innovators to recognize transformative efforts across public and private sectors in 17 different categories related to environmental challenges and subjects.

EAD's award-winning initiative exemplifies the agency's dedication to achieving net zero waste by 2041, an ambitious goal set forth by the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Strategy. This comprehensive strategy encompasses pioneering projects and initiatives targeting multiple sectors to reduce waste generation, improve recycling rates, and foster a circular economy. The recognition highlights EAD's leadership in aligning with global sustainability standards and federal and local targets as well as promoting environmental stewardship.

H.E. Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD, commented: "It is such an honour to be recognised for our efforts in waste management by such a prestigious magazine and its team of waste management experts. This achievement reflects the forward-thinking vision of Abu Dhabi's leadership, whose unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the emirate's sustainability journey. By following their directions, EAD has successfully implemented robust policies and strategic initiatives that address waste management challenges while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. This recognition motivates us to continue innovating and driving sustainable solutions that support Abu Dhabi's vision for a cleaner future."

Eng. Salem Mubarak Al Breiki, Division Director of Waste Management at EAD, who represented the agency at the awards ceremony, added: "This award is a testament to Abu Dhabi's unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation in waste management. Through strategic initiatives and cutting-edge projects, EAD is aiming to create a transformative model at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi that not only minimizes waste but also ensures a more sustainable future for our communities. We are proud to lead this effort and to be recognized on such a prestigious platform."

In its efforts to enhance the waste management in the emirate, EAD is actively reviewed the regulatory instruments to support a more robust and future-ready waste management framework. These regulatory updates are designed to address emerging challenges and promote the circular economy through effective legislation. EAD has been at the forefront of this initiative, developing and enacting key regulations such as the Integrated Waste Management Regulation and Waste Classification System, which are playing a crucial role in improving waste management practices across the emirate.

The award’s judging panel also considered EAD's innovative strategy and long-term sustainability vision, which is bolstered by its remarkable milestones that encompasses infrastructure development, including the establishment of new waste treatment facilities, the development of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and waste-to-energy projects, and the goal of closing all landfills by 2026 and establishment of sanitary landfills instead. Deep analysis and benchmarking guide the success of these initiatives, supported by strong public-private partnerships, ensuring the impact and scalability of the Agency's efforts.

A waste segregation scheme for high-rise buildings piloted by EAD has provided valuable insights and opportunities for future expansion. In addition, the Agency has developed an implementation plan for six incentive programs to further drive circular economy principles reward reducing the waste generation and increasing recycling and treatment.

This award symbolizes EAD's enduring commitment to sustainability and paves the way for its continued leadership in environmental innovation, ensuring a cleaner, greener Abu Dhabi for generations to come.


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