The Silent Return of a Banned Material

Asbestos was officially banned in the United Arab Emirates in 2006, yet alarming reports continue to surface of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) appearing in new buildings and industrial supplies across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider region. According to The National and Khaleej Times, Asbestos has been identified in gasket materials and insulation products still being sold in local markets and online platforms supplying from China and India, raising concerns about loopholes in supply chains and enforcement.

The re-emergence of ACMs poses a significant public health risk. Once installed, these materials can deteriorate, release fibres, and lead to fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, Asbestosis, and Asbestos-related lung cancer.

Why Are ACMs Still Being Imported?

Several factors contribute to the persistence of asbestos in the Middle East despite clear bans:

International trade loopholes – Some overseas suppliers, particularly in countries where Asbestos use remains legal, market products as “heat-resistant” or “chrysotile-based” without disclosing asbestos content.
Low-cost alternatives – Asbestos materials are cheaper than many safe substitutes, making them attractive to price-sensitive contractors.
Weak documentation – Imported goods are sometimes mislabelled or lack required Asbestos-free certification.
Awareness gaps – Many contractors and buyers may not know that certain gaskets, brake linings, and insulation products can still contain Asbestos.

This underscores the importance of vigilant customs checks, supplier audits, and independent product testing.

Health Risks of Continued Use

Asbestos exposure remains one of the world’s leading causes of occupational cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 200,000 people die each year from Asbestos-related diseases. Even “controlled use” of chrysotile asbestos, still promoted by some exporting countries, has been discredited by international bodies such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Key risks in the UAE and GCC context include:

Oil & gas facilities – Gaskets and insulation in high-heat systems may contain Asbestos.
Industrial plants – Imported machinery or spare parts may carry Asbestos seals or boards.
Residential/commercial construction – Asbestos cement panels and insulation have been discovered in new buildings despite the ban.

What the Law Says

UAE Federal Law (2006) banned Asbestos use in construction materials, with Dubai Municipality and Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) partially responsible for enforcement.
Regional concerns – Not all Middle Eastern countries have equally stringent bans or enforcement, allowing cross-border risks.
International obligations – Under the Rotterdam Convention, Asbestos is a listed hazardous substance requiring informed consent for import/export.

However, enforcement is only effective if accompanied by robust monitoring, inspections, and penalties for non-compliance.

Preventing ACMs from Entering the Market

To stop asbestos products slipping into the UAE and regional supply chains, the following steps are essential:

1. Mandatory Asbestos-Free Certification

All imported building products, spare parts, and insulations should be supported by Asbestos-free certificates issued by accredited laboratories.

2. Customs & Market Surveillance

Border checks and random sampling of suspect materials must be routine, with penalties for non-compliance.

3. Awareness & Training

Contractors, procurement teams, and facility managers must be trained to recognise suspect products (e.g., gaskets, thermal insulation) and request proper documentation.

4. Independent Testing

Third-party Asbestos consultancy firms can provide laboratory analysis and Asbestos-free verification prior to product use in sensitive projects such as oil & gas facilities, healthcare, and residential towers.

5. Regional Cooperation

Because supply chains cross GCC and wider Middle East borders, coordinated regional policies and joint inspections are critical to ensure ACMs are not reintroduced through weaker markets.

The Role of Professional Asbestos Consultancy

With over a decade of experience across the Middle East, Anthesis Consulting Middle East supports clients by:

Conducting Asbestos product testing and certification.
Advising procurement teams on supplier due diligence.
Developing Asbestos management plans for projects across oil & gas, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.
Supporting regulators and developers with compliance audits and training.

Conclusion

Asbestos has no place in modern construction or industry. Yet, loopholes in global trade mean that Asbestos-containing materials continue to slip into the UAE and Middle East, threatening lives and undermining public health. Strict certification, testing, and awareness are the only way to prevent a resurgence of this banned material.

If you have any Asbestos-related concerns or require asbestos-free certification for products or projects, 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