As UAE cities see surging demolition, dust clouds provoke public fear. Learn why asbestos may be present and why controlled removal is essential.
Demolition Dust in Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Asbestos Hazards and the Need for Safe Protocols
Recent months have seen a surge in demolition activity across the UAE—particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—driven by ambitious residential and commercial redevelopment. While urban transformation drives progress, rising dust plumes have alarmed many residents, raising pressing concerns about potential asbestos exposure.
Public Fears Highlight Asbestos Dangers
A 2013 The National investigation captured this anxiety well in Al Satwa. Families living mere meters from demolition sites reported washing their cars multiple times a day due to dust deposits, grimly noting: “If we can see it on the cars that means we are breathing it.”
The reporter uncovered demolition waste with visibly mixed asbestos cement debris. Despite the known risks, no site barriers, dust suppression, or warning protocols were in place—and even workers were operating heavy machinery without masks.
Why Asbestos Lies Hidden in Older Structures
Although asbestos was banned in the UAE in 2006 (excluding some exemptions), many older structures—especially in central urban districts—still contain asbestos cement roofing, partition walls, panels, insulations, gaskets and even asbestos containing fire doors. Left unidentified and unmanaged, demolition of these materials can release microscopic fibers capable of causing serious health issues, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Controlled Demolition: Key to Public Health Protection
Uncontrolled demolition—such as using excavators without proper planning—is a common issue in the region and significantly raises asbestos exposure risk.
A structured, safety-first approach includes:
Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Survey by a certified Asbestos Supervising Consultant (ASC) to identify and assess all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Safe Asbestos Removal, carried out by a licensed contractor under the ASC's oversight, using dust suppression, controlled access, and personal protective equipment.
Air Monitoring & Independent Validation to ensure fiber levels remain within safe limits during and after abatement.
Secure Disposal of asbestos waste in licensed facilities—avoiding use of general waste sites, which may reintroduce asbestos hazards later.
Impacts of Neglecting Asbestos Protocols
Failure to implement proper asbestos management can lead to severe:
Public Health Risks, particularly for children and residents living near demolition sites.
Regulatory and Legal Repercussions, as municipalities increasingly hold developers accountable.
Reputational Damage, eroding trust among stakeholders, communities, and investors.
Anthesis Middle East: Safeguarding Communities Amid Demolition
With over 10 years of regional experience and a combined 45 years in asbestos consultancy, our services ensure safe, compliant project execution across sectors—from residential to commercial, oil and gas to power and water, educational to healthcare and many more.
We provide:
Thorough asbestos surveys prior to demolition
Expert management plans customized to local regulations (Dubai Municipality, ADPHC, federal guidelines)
Licensed removal oversight and air monitoring to safeguard workers and public
Secure waste handling and disposal via accredited facilities
Concerned about demolition or asbestos-related risks in your project or neighborhood? Contact Anthesis for expert assistance—from surveys to safe removal and management compliance.
Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)
Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com