Introduction: Two Decades of Progress and Perspective
In the second half of 2006, the United Arab Emirates took a decisive step to protect public health by introducing what is widely regarded as the country’s asbestos ban. Through Cabinet Resolution No. 39 of 2006, the import, manufacture, and use of asbestos boards were prohibited, marking a clear shift away from a material long known for its severe health risks.
Now, nearly 20 years on, the UAE has made substantial progress in asbestos management. Awareness has improved, regulation has matured in certain Emirates, and thousands of tonnes of asbestos have been safely removed from buildings and infrastructure. At the same time, experience has shown that gaps in legislation, enforcement, and consistency have created ongoing challenges.
This anniversary presents an opportunity—not to criticise—but to reflect honestly on what has gone well, what has not, and how asbestos risks can be better managed in the decades ahead.
What the UAE Asbestos Ban Achieved
There is no question that the 2006 ban fundamentally changed the trajectory of asbestos use in the UAE.
Key achievements include:
A clear policy direction away from asbestos use in construction and manufacturing
Improved awareness among government entities, consultants, and major developers
Development of specialist capability, including asbestos surveying, removal, air monitoring, and waste disposal
Significant quantities of asbestos safely removed from schools, hospitals, power stations, and industrial facilities
Compared to many countries in the wider Middle East, the UAE has demonstrated leadership—particularly in high-profile sectors such as education, healthcare, aviation, and energy.
Where the Challenges Emerged
Ambiguity in the Original Legislation
While Cabinet Resolution 39 of 2006 is commonly referred to as an asbestos ban, its wording has proven problematic over time. The resolution explicitly refers to “asbestos boards”, rather than prohibiting all six forms of asbestos and the full range of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
This technical distinction created grey areas that were later exploited or misunderstood—sometimes deliberately, sometimes through lack of awareness.
Continued Use of Asbestos Cement Pipes
One of the most significant consequences of this ambiguity was the continued production and installation of asbestos cement (AC) pipes for water supply, sewerage, and stormwater drainage well after 2006.
AC pipes remained in use for several years and were only gradually phased out in favour of safer alternatives such as:
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) / Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE)
The closure of the asbestos cement pipe factory in Dubai in the early 2010s finally marked the end of AC pipe production. However, the legacy remains: thousands of kilometres of asbestos cement pipework are still buried beneath UAE cities.
Asbestos in “New” Buildings
Despite the ban, asbestos has periodically been identified in buildings constructed after 2006—an issue reported by local media and encountered by consultants during surveys.
These cases typically arise due to:
Imported products containing asbestos
Poor supply-chain oversight
Inadequate material verification
Limited awareness at contractor or subcontractor level
While such cases are the exception rather than the norm, they highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance, not complacency.
Unsafe Demolition and Non-Compliance
Another challenge over the past two decades has been unsafe demolition practices, where buildings have been partially or fully demolished without prior asbestos identification or removal.
In these cases, asbestos-containing materials can be broken up mechanically, releasing fibres into the air and exposing:
Construction and demolition workers
Adjacent site operatives
Nearby residents and members of the public
The vast majority of projects now follow correct procedures—but even isolated incidents undermine public confidence and pose serious health risks.
Regulation: A Tale of Two Systems
Abu Dhabi’s Structured Framework
The most comprehensive asbestos regulatory framework in the UAE currently exists in Abu Dhabi, under the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health system administered by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
Under this framework:
Non-domestic buildings must be surveyed for asbestos
Identified ACMs must be risk-assessed
An Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) must be implemented
Removal must be undertaken by licensed contractors
Works are supervised by competent Asbestos Supervising Consultants (ASCs)
This approach aligns closely with international best practice and has significantly reduced unmanaged asbestos risk across the Emirate.
The Case for Federal Alignment
Elsewhere in the UAE, asbestos management requirements are less consistent. While guidance exists, enforcement and expectations vary by Emirate.
A key opportunity for improvement would be the adoption of a federal asbestos management framework, drawing on the Abu Dhabi model and applying it nationally. This would:
Provide clarity for asset owners and developers
Reduce uneven risk management across Emirates
Improve worker protection and public health outcomes
Support consistent enforcement and compliance
Looking Forward: Making the Next 20 Years Safer
The UAE’s asbestos story is not one of failure—it is one of progress with lessons learned. Looking ahead, the following actions would further strengthen asbestos risk management nationwide:
Mandatory asbestos surveys for all non-domestic buildings
Clear prohibition of all asbestos types and products, not just boards
Stronger controls on imported materials
Improved oversight during demolition and refurbishment
Expanded asbestos awareness training for high-risk sectors
Continued investment in licensed removal and disposal infrastructure
As the UAE continues large-scale redevelopment, infrastructure upgrades, and demolition of ageing buildings, these measures become increasingly important.
Conclusion: Progress, Perspective, and Responsibility
Twenty years after the UAE asbestos ban, there is much to acknowledge. Awareness is higher, systems are stronger, and asbestos is now widely recognised as a hazard that must be actively managed—not ignored.
At the same time, asbestos remains present in the built environment, and its risks do not disappear with legislation alone. Effective management depends on clear rules, consistent enforcement, competent professionals, and informed decision-making.
By building on what has worked and addressing what has not, the UAE is well placed to ensure that the next 20 years deliver even better protection for workers, communities, and future generations.
If you have any Asbestos-related concerns contact Anthesis Consulting Middle East today.
Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)
Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com