20 Years On: Reflecting on the UAE Asbestos Ban and the Road Ahead

February 11, 2026 Simon Pickup

Asbestos has now been a prohibited substance in the Emirates for 20 years

Nearly 20 years after the UAE introduced its asbestos ban under Cabinet Resolution 39 of 2006, the country has made significant progress in managing asbestos risks across its built environment. Awareness has increased, thousands of tonnes of asbestos have been safely removed, and regulatory frameworks—particularly in Abu Dhabi—have strengthened oversight and compliance. However, legacy asbestos materials remain in infrastructure, and inconsistencies in regulation between Emirates highlight opportunities for further improvement. As the UAE continues its rapid redevelopment and infrastructure modernisation, now is the ideal moment to reflect on lessons learned and strengthen asbestos management for the decades ahead.

Asbestos Risks in Industrial Areas: What UAE Dutyholders Need to Know

January 22, 2026 Simon Pickup

Asbestos identified in industrial warehouses, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Industrial areas across the UAE and wider GCC play a vital role in supporting economic growth, but they also present some of the highest asbestos risks in the built environment. Historically used for its fire resistance and durability, asbestos remains hidden within many industrial buildings, plant, and equipment—particularly in older areas such as Al Quoz and Mussafah. Without proper identification and management, disturbed asbestos can pose serious health risks to workers and surrounding communities. This article explores where asbestos is commonly found in industrial facilities, why surveys are essential, and how dutyholders can safely manage or remove asbestos in line with best practice.

Preventing Asbestos Imports: Protecting the UAE and Middle East

August 25, 2025 Simon Pickup

Despite a federal ban in 2006, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as gaskets and chrysotile insulations are still slipping into the UAE and wider Middle East through poorly regulated imports and online platforms, posing serious health and legal risks. Reports from The National and Khaleej Times confirm asbestos has even been found in new buildings, highlighting gaps in enforcement. With asbestos exposure linked to fatal diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer, strict asbestos-free certification, robust customs checks, and professional testing are vital to ensure ACMs are not reintroduced into the region’s construction and industrial supply chains.

Demolition Dust in UAE: Asbestos Risks Demand Expert Management

August 11, 2025 Simon Pickup

Demolition of a tower in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2025

Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, rapid demolition is transforming city skylines—but the dust clouds drifting over nearby streets may hide more than just sand. Many older buildings contain asbestos, a hazardous material that, when disturbed, can release microscopic fibers linked to serious illnesses. Without proper surveys, removal protocols, and air monitoring, demolition risks exposing workers and the public alike.

The Silent Threat in the Stands: Asbestos in Sports Stadiums - Why Awareness and Action Are Critical

January 3, 2025 Simon Pickup

Major sports event are becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East

Over the past decade, the Middle East has emerged as a hub for international sporting events, fueled by significant investments in state-of-the-art sports facilities and supporting infrastructure. However, this surge in development has brought to light a critical health hazard—Asbestos. Widely used in older sports stadiums for its heat resistance and fireproofing properties, Asbestos poses severe risks when its materials are damaged during refurbishment or demolition. Exposure can lead to life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis, emphasizing the need for comprehensive Asbestos surveys, proper management plans, and professional abatement processes to ensure the safety of workers, athletes, and fans.

Beneath the Surface: Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Asbestos in UAE Infrastructure Upgrade

December 6, 2024 Simon Pickup

An unearthed and badly damaged Asbestos Cement (AC) pipe adjacent to a main highway in Dubai, UAE.

As the UAE embarks on ambitious infrastructure upgrades, a hidden challenge lies beneath the surface—Asbestos cement pipework still buried across the nation. Once widely used for water supply, sewerage, and stormwater drainage, these aging pipes pose significant health and environmental risks when disturbed. Construction workers and even the public face potential exposure to Asbestos fibers during excavation and handling, leading to serious diseases like mesothelioma and Asbestosis. With the nation poised for transformative development, prioritising Asbestos management is not just a technical necessity but a vital step to ensure public safety and sustainable progress.

Asbestos in Middle Eastern Schools: Essential Safety Guidelines, Risks, and Community Action for a Safer Learning Environment

November 13, 2024 Simon Pickup

Hidden Danger - Asbestos in Schools - Photo by Elizabeth Lizzie

Asbestos has long been a hidden hazard in schools across the Middle East, with its use originally intended to enhance fire safety and insulation. However, asbestos poses serious health risks, especially to children whose developing respiratory systems are more vulnerable. Although banned in the UAE since 2006, asbestos still lingers in many older school buildings, from ceiling tiles to insulation and roofing materials. Schools, staff, and parents each play a vital role in ensuring a safe learning environment. By staying informed, asking questions, and supporting proactive asbestos management, together we can reduce the risk of asbestos exposure and prioritize the health and safety of our students, teachers, and community.

Everything You Need to Know About Asbestos-Free Certificates for Buildings and Products

November 7, 2024 Simon Pickup

Mockup image of an ‘Asbestos Free Certificate’

An Asbestos-Free Certificate is a crucial document that certifies a building, material, or product is free from asbestos, a hazardous material once common in construction and manufacturing. This certification is often required before property renovations, demolitions, and sales to ensure safe handling and compliance with health standards. It is also essential when importing or exporting items like vehicles and vessels, where asbestos content could hinder transit across borders. Obtaining the certificate involves a detailed inspection process, from hiring a certified asbestos inspector to conducting laboratory testing. With varying regulations worldwide, securing this certification ensures safe environments and smooth, compliant operations across jurisdictions.

The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos Cement Pipes in the Middle East: What You Need to Know

July 15, 2024 Simon Pickup

Asbestos cement pipes, common in older Middle Eastern infrastructure, pose significant health risks as they degrade, potentially releasing harmful fibers that can cause serious diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Factors such as extreme heat, rapid urbanization, and improper handling exacerbate this risk

UAE's Robust Fight Against Cancer: Asbestos Management Takes Center Stage

April 25, 2024 Simon Pickup

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Discover how the UAE is combating cancer with a focus on asbestos management. Learn about the nation's innovative cancer screening programs, the ongoing challenges posed by asbestos in construction, and the vital role of asbestos management consultancies. Join the UAE's effort to enhance public health and safety standards, reducing cancer risks and protecting future

Back to Basics - What is Asbestos and How is it Identified?

December 19, 2022 Simon Pickup

Asbestos in a derelict building - Photo by Alwan Ibrahim on Unsplash

A blog looking at what Asbestos is, how it is identified and what types of Asbestos surveys are best suited to identify Asbestos in your building.

Could the UAE Become the First Asbestos-Free Country in the World?

July 26, 2022 Simon Pickup

Is an Asbestos-Free UAE possible? Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash

With a strong commitment from the government could the United Arab Emirates (UAE) become the first country in the world to eradicate the deadly material and declare its territory as Asbestos free? In this blog article we explore if this is possible and how it could be achieved.

The Most Common Asbestos Materials in the Middle East

July 19, 2022 Simon Pickup

Badly damaged Asbestos cement found in a residential area of Dubai, UAE

A blog to discuss the most commonly found Asbestos materials in the UAE and the wider Middle Eastern region.

Asbestos Solutions - How is Asbestos Removed?

June 5, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos gasket removal from within an industrial facility

A blog to discuss the ways in which Asbestos that may be in your home, workplace or building would be removed. The blog discusses the techniques used to safely remove Asbestos, the procedures to be followed, the equipment required and the reasons why this should be conducted by Asbestos professionals, rather than homeowners.

Asbestos Solutions - How do I Identify Asbestos in my Building?

June 1, 2021 Simon Pickup

Braided Asbestos insulation and an Asbestos gasket to a generator exhaust.

A blog to discuss the ways in which you can identify Asbestos that may be in your home, workplace or building. The blog offers practical solutions and risk assessment tools that can be used to make a reasonable assumption as to whether there may be Asbestos in your building. Asbestos testing, Asbestos surveys and Asbestos management solutions are discussed.

Asbestos in Homes – A Property Owners Guide to Abatement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

May 3, 2021 Simon Pickup

Friable Asbestos Insulation - Abu Dhabi, UAE

A blog discussing what property owners and home owners should do if it is confirmed that there is Asbestos in their building. The blog looks at the various common types of Asbestos materials, their risk ratings, what to expect during Asbestos abatement and whether is may be more cost effective and convenient to manage the existing Asbestos rather than remove it.

Asbestos in Homes – A Property Owners Guide to Identification in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

April 30, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Roof Sheeting - Dubai, UAE

A blog discussing what property owners and home owners should do if they suspect there may be Asbestos in their building. The blog looks at the various common types of Asbestos materials, their properties and what steps should be taken to conclusively identify the presence of Asbestos in a home.

Is Asbestos Still a Problem in the GCC?

April 18, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Debris Found in the Desert of the Middle East

A blog discussing the historical use of Asbestos across the globe and locally within the GCC countries. The blog looks at whether citizens and residents should still be concerned by the potential risk posed by Asbestos in the Middle East, some of the current issues associated with this topic in the region and what can be done to reduce the hazard posed by this cancer causing material.

Asbestos in the Rocks – Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA)

March 20, 2021 Simon Pickup

Tunneling Activities - Could There be a Hidden Asbestos Risk?

A blog discussing the issue of Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), its prevalence in the Middle East and the activities that are most likely to cause Asbestos disturbance and interface with Asbestos minerals in the ground and rock faces. The article poses best practice means to identify and manage Asbestos risk during major infrastructure projects.

Could There be Asbestos in Your Home or Workplace?

March 15, 2021 Simon Pickup

Damaged Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) Ceiling Panels Found in a Residential Home

A blog discussing the different types of Asbestos found in the buildings we visit, work in or live in. The blog outlines the likely locations where Asbestos can be found, the main properties of Asbestos, and what to do if you suspect there may be Asbestos materials in your building.