Abu Dhabi, 3rd February 2023: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) hosted its annual partners forum on Thursday February 2nd, during which EAD's achievements in the field of environmental protection were highlighted. Furthermore, the fruitful cooperation with the Agency's partners was celebrated, and their role in strengthening Abu Dhabi's global position in preserving the environment was lauded. The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, alongside a number of senior officials and department heads from 65 government and private organisations.

The meeting highlighted EAD's achievements over the last year as part of the ongoing pursuit of its strategic vision to ensure a sustainable future for all. To achieve this, the Agency is constantly working to preserve biodiversity, mitigate the effects of climate change, monitor the quality of air, marine water, and soil, and preserve the sustainability and health of the land and marine environment in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

In a speech delivered during the forum, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, said: “As we reflect on the past year, we welcome the new year with renewed hopes, dreams and aspirations, and with enhanced determination to witness new achievements and successes under our wise leadership, which is our driving and inspiring force, directing our progress towards a more sustainable future.” 

“The year 2022 saw the gradual return to normal life after the exceptional circumstances imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which changed the shape, directions and priorities of the future, and inspired us with several lessons.” She added: “We learned how to ensure there is continuity of our business and tasks, as well as the importance of having comprehensive, well-thought out, and flexible plans to address any problem that may arise.”
 
“Over the past year, EAD brought about several achievements as it continued its work to protect the environment, monitor and control natural resources in the Emirate, while enhancing its knowledge and refining its expertise. The Agency also managed to develop regulations and policies, and effectively manage the environment in a manner that ensures its sustainability and health.” 

Her Excellency added that the Agency would not have achieved such progress without the continuous follow-up by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD, and the fruitful cooperation with strategic partners She reiterated that their support and participation enabled the Agency to optimally accomplish all its goals. 

In her speech, Her Excellency touched upon the most prominent projects that EAD plans to implement this year in cooperation with its partners. She noted: “Talking about the future of the environment in the UAE is closely linked to the challenges it is facing, which require us to continue playing our role and finding solutions to overcome these challenges.” She indicated that the declaration of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, of the year 2023 being the ‘Year of Sustainability' came to emphasise the importance of strengthening joint efforts to protect the environment and natural resources and achieve sustainable development.”
 
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri concluded by thanking EAD's partners for their indispensable role in protecting the environment and preserving the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She said: “We look forward to more achievements in cooperation with our partners this year,” and reiterated their significant role in “ensuring the sustainability and growth of the environment and resources envisioned by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, so that our people, families and children can enjoy it. This is in line with the aspirations and ambitions of our wise leadership towards sustainable development”.